Turkey Transforms Gallipoli WWI Wrecks into Protected Diving Destination with South Korean Support

A diver explores a coral-covered World War I minesweeper near Canakkale, in northwestern Turkey. The Deep Heritage project aims to protect 17 wartime wrecks while preserving marine habitats and strengthening the region’s appeal as a diving destination. (Photo by Maxime Cheminade, courtesy of the Directorate of Gallipoli Historic Site)

Turkey is moving to establish the Gallipoli peninsula as a premier underwater heritage destination through the Deep Heritage project, a conservation initiative backed by South Korea that seeks to preserve 17 vessels sunk during the World War I campaign. The effort combines archaeological protection with marine ecology, aiming to safeguard both the historic wrecks and the coral ecosystems that have colonized them over the past century.

The Gallipoli campaign of 1915–1916 left a scattering of Allied and Ottoman warships across the Dardanelles Strait and the Sea of Marmara. Many of these wrecks have become thriving artificial reefs, drawing recreational divers to the region. However, unregulated diving, looting, and environmental pressures have threatened both the structural integrity of the ships and the marine life they now support.

The Deep Heritage project addresses these risks through a framework of site monitoring, controlled access, and scientific documentation. By formalizing protection for the 17 identified wrecks — including battleships, minesweepers, and troop transports — the initiative seeks to balance tourism development with long-term preservation. South Korean expertise in underwater cultural heritage management and marine conservation informs the project’s methodology, reflecting a growing trend of international cooperation in maritime archaeology.

Officials from the Directorate of Gallipoli Historic Site say the program will also boost sustainable tourism in Canakkale province, where diving operators have long advocated for clearer regulations and site protection. The wrecks, resting at depths accessible to both recreational and technical divers, represent one of the world’s most concentrated collections of World War I naval heritage.

“These sites are not just shipwrecks; they are war graves, ecological habitats, and historical archives rolled into one,” said a project coordinator. “Protecting them requires a holistic approach that respects their multiple values.”

The initiative launches as Turkey expands its network of underwater parks and archaeological sites, positioning the country as a leader in maritime heritage tourism. If successful, the Gallipoli model could be replicated at other contested maritime landscapes worldwide.

By Sinan Tavsan

September 27, 2026

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