The lands where Alexander the Great opened the gates to Asia are now a 'protected site': Minister Ersoy announced

The famous site of the Battle of the Granicus in Çanakkale, where Alexander the Great won his first major victory against the Persian Empire and opened the gates to his Asian campaign, has been officially registered as a 'Historical Protected Site' in line with scientific research and archaeological findings.

A historic decision has been made for the region where the Battle of the Granicus, considered one of the most important turning points in world military and cultural history, took place. The battlefield, located within the borders of the Karabiga town in the Biga district of Çanakkale, has been registered and placed under protection in light of scientific data and ancient sources.

MINISTER ERSOY: "WE HAVE PLACED THE SITE THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF WORLD HISTORY UNDER PROTECTION"

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy drew attention to the importance of the decision in a statement on his social media account. Stating that the registration of the Granicus Battlefield will make a great contribution to historical science and tourism, Ersoy used the following expressions:

"We have placed the site where the Battle of the Granicus, one of the turning points that changed the course of world history, took place under protection. The Granicus Battlefield, where Alexander the Great won his first major victory against the Persians and opened the gates to his campaign extending to Asia, has now been registered as a 'Historical Protected Site'.

This unique historical heritage, located in the Biga district of Çanakkale, has been officially placed under protection in light of archaeological findings and scientific research. I believe that this important step, which will add value to the cultural heritage of our Çanakkale, will make significant contributions to historical science, cultural tourism, and the strengthening of our cultural routes."

OFFICIALIZED BY BOARD DECISION

Archaeological data obtained as a result of meticulous surface surveys conducted in the region, such as arrowheads, spears, and remnants of military equipment, were matched with geographical information provided by ancient authors. As a result of the examinations, it was determined that the region fully meets the criteria for a historical protected site.

With the official decision taken by the Çanakkale Regional Board for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, the area with defined boundaries has been prevented from being opened to construction, paving the way for it to be passed on to future generations.

ITS IMPORTANCE IN HISTORY: WHAT IS THE BATTLE OF THE GRANICUS?

The Battle of the Granicus, which took place in 334 B.C., was the first major test that Alexander the Great, King of Macedon, faced on Anatolian soil against the Persian Empire, the global power of the era.

Alexander defeated the Persian army, which was numerically superior to his own, with strategic military genius on the banks of the Biga Stream (Granicus) of today.

This victory dealt a heavy blow to Persian sovereignty in Anatolia while removing all psychological and military obstacles to the great Eastern campaign that would earn Alexander the Great the title of world conqueror, extending as far as India.

With this registration decision, it is expected that Çanakkale will gain a new world-class historical and tourist attraction center, following Troy and Gallipoli.

News Source: 12punto