Why in News?

With forest fires ravaging north-western Turkey, the Strait has been temporarily closed to maritime traffic. 

Location:  

• Separates the Gallipoli Peninsula in Europe from the Asian mainland  
• Connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, facilitating passage to the Black Sea via the Bosporus Strait.  

Historical Significance:  

• A site of Persian invasion (480 BCE) and the Gallipoli Campaign (WW-I).