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The site where Alexander the Great won his first major victory against the Persian Empire in 334 BC, known as the Battle of Granicus, is now a protected historic site in Türkiye.
The Canakkale Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board made this decision after reviewing archaeological surveys, scientific data, and ancient sources.
The site is in Karabiga township, Biga district, in northwestern Türkiye. Historians and archaeologists consider it one of the world’s most important military and cultural heritage sites.
The Battle of Granicus in 334 B.C. was the first battle in Alexander the Great’s campaign to conquer the Persian Empire. Alexander led Macedonian and Greek troops across the Granicus River and defeated a Persian army with both cavalry and Greek mercenaries.
This victory gave him control over much of western Anatolia and set the stage for his later advances as far as present-day India.
Ancient sources such as Arrian and Diodorus Siculus say the battle took place along the Granicus River, now called the Biga Cayi. As a result, most scholars agree that the Biga district is the correct location. The official designation comes after research found archaeological and scientific evidence that matches these historical accounts.
Now that the site is protected, Türkiye’s cultural authorities plan to include the Granicus site in the country’s cultural tourism network.
They aim to make it more visible on cultural routes and to build visitor facilities, including landscaping and new infrastructure in the area.
The Granicus site is now one of many ancient battlefields and landmarks in Türkiye that have recently gained formal protection. This is part of the country’s effort to grow heritage tourism and strengthen its cultural economy.
The Biga district is easy to reach for travelers going between Istanbul and the Aegean coast. If the site is developed and promoted, it could attract more tourists as part of regional cultural tours.
The Granicus site adds another ancient highlight to an area already known for its rich history, close to the Dardanelles and the ancient Troad region.
Canakkale province, which includes the ancient city of Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields, has always attracted people interested in military history. Adding the Granicus site gives travelers another reason to explore the ancient world in the Aegean and Marmara regions.
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