Bigalı Village

Bigalı Village is a historically and culturally significant village under the district of Eceabat in Çanakkale. Located on the southern slopes of Taşlı Tepe, the village is notable for its proximity to the Çanakkale Strait. During the Ottoman period, the village was known as Boğalı and Çamyayla. It occupied a strategic position during the Balkan Wars and the Battle of Çanakkale, and local residents actively participated in these conflicts. The village preserves its cultural heritage through its historical structures, the house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed, and its museum.

History

The history of Bigalı Village dates back at least 350 years. During the Ottoman period, it was known as Boğalı and Çamyayla. The smaller settlement of Boğalı gradually disappeared, leaving only its cemetery. The foundation of the village was influenced by the Süleyman Paşa Vakfı, and in 1982, by order of President Kenan Evren, the village’s historical name was officially restored.

Bigalı Village (Çanakkale Battles Gelibolu Historical Area Presidency)

Contribution to the Wars

Bigalı Village occupied a strategic position during the Balkan Wars and the Battle of Çanakkale. Many members of the village community participated in these conflicts, and the region played an important historical role.

Geography

The village is approximately 7 km from the center of Eceabat district and 4.5 km from the Çanakkale Strait. It is situated on the southern slopes of Taşlı Tepe, with a small stream flowing along its western edge. To the east lie the Çanakkale Strait and the land of Yalova Village; to the west, Kocadere and Büyükanafarta; to the north, Yalova and Bahşi Villages; and to the south, the Kilye Plain.

Cultural Heritage

Bigalı is a village rich in historical and cultural significance. The Atatürk House in the village is known as the residence where Mustafa Kemal stayed in 1915 and is now open to the public as a museum. Additionally, the village contains historical structures such as a mosque, fountain, minaret, and the ruins of Bigalı Castle. Evliya Çelebi’s travel notes indicate that the village was an established settlement in earlier times.

Bigalı Village, Atatürk House (Atatürk House)

Tourism and Sports

The surroundings of Bigalı Village possess tourist value due to their natural beauty and historical structures. The Bigalı–Büyük Anafarta route, designated by the Çanakkale Cycling Platform, offers visitors a suitable opportunity to explore the region. The route features mixed terrain and moderate difficulty, spanning approximately 31 km.