Where did Alexander the Great’s campaign begin? Granikos Battlefield found in Türkiye
The Granikos River, near the Granikos Battlefield, one of Alexander the Great's most important battles, Canakkale, Türkiye, December 18, 2024. (IHA Photo)
After two decades of research, the historic Granikos Battlefield, the site of one of Alexander the Great’s most significant battles, has been uncovered. The 2,400-year-old site, located near the Granikos River in the Biga Plain, will be developed into a tourism attraction under the “Alexander the Great Cultural Route” project.
The Granikos Battlefield will be further enhanced with surrounding area landscaping as part of the broader initiative.
Büyük İskender’in en önemli savaşlarından biri olan Granikos Savaş Alanı 20 yıllık çalışmanın ardından ortaya çıkarıldı. Tarihte çok önemli bir yere sahip olan yaklaşık 2 bin 400 yıllık Granikos Tarihi Savaş Alanı, Büyük İskender Kültür Rotası ve Granikos Tarihi Savaş Alanın çevre düzenlenmesiyle turizme kazandırılacak. Projenin bilimsel danışmanı Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi (ÇOMÜ) İnsan ve Toplum bilimleri Fakültesi Tarih Bölümü Öğretim Üyesi Prof. Dr. Reyhan Körpe, “Şimdiye kadar yaklaşık 150 yıldan bu yana aranan güzergahı, antik yerleşim alanını tespit ettik. Bu güzergahtan İskender’in Granikos Savaşı’na hangi rotadan ulaştığını bulduk. Bölgede yaptığımız araştırmalarda antik kaynakları da çok dikkatli okuyarak, yorumlayarak savaşın aşağı yukarı tam olarak nerede olduğunu, hangi köyler arasında olduğunu, ovanın tam olarak neresinde olduğunu bulduk. Burada yaptığımız sunum ile hem buradaki savaşı, savaş alanındaki tespitlerimizi ve ayrıca en önemlisi İskender’in bu savaş alanına Çanakkale’den Biga’ya doğru yaptığı seferde uğradığı güzergahları bir kültür rotası olarak tespit ettik” dedi.
Historic discovery after 150 years of search
Professor Reyhan Korpe, Scientific Advisor to the project and a faculty member of the Department of History at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU), stated, “We have located the route Alexander took to the Granikos Battle after nearly 150 years of searching. Our research, combined with a careful reading of ancient sources, has led us to pinpoint the exact location of the battle, the villages involved, and its position within the plains.”
Twenty years ago, Prof. Korpe initiated the long-awaited search for the Granikos Battlefield. Since then, surface surveys around Biga and its surroundings have been conducted, with this year’s findings revealing the battle’s exact location. The Granikos Battle, which occurred in May 334 B.C. between Alexander and the Persian Empire, was the first of three major battles between the two powers. Plans are now in place to incorporate the Granikos Battlefield into Türkiye’s tourism sector.
Uncovering path of Conqueror Alexander at Granikos Battlefield
The discovery of the battlefield was followed by crucial work identifying the routes Alexander took during his campaign from Canakkale to Biga.
“This battle is considered one of the most pivotal moments in world history,” Prof. Korpe added. “Following his victory here, Alexander went on to conquer Western Anatolia and much of Asia, extending his empire into India.”
Creating cultural route for tourists
In addition to locating the battlefield, researchers have also identified the exact path taken by Alexander as he made his way to Granikos. Prof. Korpe explained, “We mapped out the exact route Alexander traveled, beginning in Ozbek village, crossing through Umurbey, Lapseki, and ultimately descending into the Biga Plain.
The Granikos River was where the battle took place.” This path, marking an important chapter in Alexander’s conquests, is now being promoted as part of a cultural route for tourists.
Collaborative efforts to develop site
The ongoing project involves various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, local municipalities, and tourism sector representatives.
A recent meeting was held to discuss the future of the Granikos Battlefield as a cultural and historical landmark. Canakkale’s Mayor Muharrem Erkek, along with other local officials and academics, attended to ensure the integration of the site into Türkiye’s growing tourism sector.
This monumental discovery brings a significant chapter of world history to the forefront of Türkiye’s rich cultural and historical offerings.
By connecting the Granikos Battlefield to the larger “Alexander the Great Cultural Route,” it promises to become a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
