Arıburnu Cliffs are located on the peninsula, within the boundaries of Eceabat district, northwest of Çanakkale. This area, extending towards the western shores of the peninsula, is situated near. Steep slopes and sharp ridges with varying heights dominate the region's topography. These cliffs, largely composed of sandstone and clay layers, are highly susceptible to natural erosion processes.
Promotional Video (Source: Youtube-Çanakkale Historical Area Directorate)
Arıburnu's Importance Gained Through War
During the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I in 1915, the Arıburnu region gained significant military importance, particularly with the Anzac landing on April 25, 1915. The Anzac troops, landing near the north of Kabatepe, attempted to advance inland through these cliffs. However, the steep terrain made their advance difficult, causing them to face both physical challenges and resistance from Turkish troops.
The Origin of the “Sphinx” Name
During the war, the Arıburnu Cliffs were named “Sphinx” by the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in the area. This name originated from the training the Anzac soldiers received before the war. During their time in Egypt, they encountered the sphinx statues in front of the pyramids, which carry mythological meaning. The soldiers likened the prominent, rocky cliffs on the Gallipoli Peninsula to these statues. The silhouette of these steep, towering slopes resembled the face of the sphinx, strengthening the resemblance. Therefore, the area became known as "Sphinx."
Ari Burnu Cliffs (Source: Youtube-Çanakkale Historical Area Directorate)
Natural Erosion and Geological Degradation
The Arıburnu Cliffs are formed from easily erodible materials. Their composition of sandstone and clay makes the area vulnerable to both wind erosion and rainfall. Over the years, heavy rains, strong winds, and sea effects have caused significant erosion and collapse in the cliffs. Earthquakes in various years have also accelerated this natural degradation. The earthquake in 2014, in particular, caused significant collapses on some slopes, and the "sphinx"-like appearances have begun to deteriorate over time.
Historical Remains and the Need for Preservation
The region is notable not only for its natural features but also for the historical remains from the war period. On the upper parts of the Arıburnu Cliffs, there are remnants of tunnel systems, trench lines, and trenches constructed during the war. These structures have been damaged over time by natural events, with collapses occurring in some areas. It is stated that various conservation projects should be implemented to protect the cultural and historical value of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Ari Burnu Cliffs (Source: Youtube-Çanakkale Historical Area Directorate)
Meaning and Symbolic Value
As a silent witness to the war, the Arıburnu Cliffs have stood for over a century. Although it is beginning to lose its former appearance due to natural factors, the region's war-filled past and geographical silhouette make it both symbolically and historically significant. For Anzac soldiers, it evokes both the struggle and perhaps their first encounter with a cultural element: the "sphinx" figure. For the Turkish side, it is a geographical monument where resistance and sacrifice took place.
