Çanakkale or Chanakkale , city (1990 pop. 53,887), capital of Çanakkale prov., NW Turkey, on the Asian shore of the Dardanelles. It is famous for its fine pottery and has an important fish-canning industry. The city has long been fortified and has a 15th-century fort. In World War I the city and fort were bombarded (1915) during the Gallipoli campaign. Near Çanakkale are the mouth of the historic Aegospotamos River and the ruins of the ancient towns of Abydos and Sestos.