Bodrum (Halicarnassos)

Bodrum, the native land of the famous historian Heredot, is an important tourism center in our country, which attracts attention for its natural beauties as well as its history. We know that the native people, namely the Lelegs and the Carians had lived on the hills in the Peninsula of Bodrum. In the year 1000 B.C., those who came here during the Doric migrations, settled in the area where the fortress stands today and mixed with the native people. So, the city of Halicarnassos was founded. The city, which was captured by the Lydians in the first half of the 6th century B.C., and by the Persians in the year 546 B.C., was joined with the Satrapy of Saird later. In the year 377 B.C. Mausolos got hold of Western Anatolia, had many cities constructed in the region of Caria, and had the capital of Caria moved from Milas to Halicarnassos. With the aim of enlarging the city, Mausolos had six of the nine Leleg cities moved to this region, and had the city surrounded with walls and had many palaces, theaters and temples built in the city.

The most important one of these, is the monumental tomb constructed for Mausolos and his wife Artemisia II. The construction had started in the year 355 B.C. and became one of the seven wonders of the world at its completion in 340 B.C. According to the information supplied by the historian Pinius, the tomb consisted of four parts; there were a high base at the lowest level, a gallery of 36 columns upon it, and a roof of 24 steps upon which the statues of Mausolos and his wife were placed. The architect of the monumental tomb was Pytheos, and the relief engravings were made by sculptors such as Skopas, Leochares, Bryaxis and Timothes. The stones of the tomb which was ruined by an earthquake in the 14th century, were later used by the Knights of Rhodes in the construction of the fortress that exists today. The tendrils found in the tomb and the statues at the top are kept at the British Museum.

When Artemisia II died in the year 351 B.C., she was succeeded by Idrius who was in turn succeeded by Ada, who was dethroned by her brother Pixodaros. Meanwhile, Alexander the Great entered Anatolia and made Ada ascend the throne. The Queen’s tomb, discovered in recent years, is displayed at the museum today. The city which was captured by Lysimachos following the death of Alexander the Great, was later subjected to Rhodes and Pergamon, and still, later Rome got hold of Anatolia totally.

Owing to the fact that Bodrum was founded upon the ancient city of Halicarnassos, not much is left to our day from the ancient city. The theater, the stoa of Mars and Apollon situated within the gardens in the city, the theater on the hill belonging to the Hellenistic period have been restored today. Former sources of information state that, the temple of Mars and the stoa of Apollon were under the road in front of the theater, and the temples of Hermes and Aphrodite were in the place of the public square existing today. The fortress is the city symbol. The Knights of Rhodes had it constructed in the year 1402, and it was reinforced with the Italian, English, German and French towers. It was taken by the Turks in 1523, and it is used as an underwater museum today. The underwater and Princess Ada are the sections that attract the greatest attention here. There are not many Turkish works in Bodrum. The famous crafts called the Crafts of Bodrum today, were constructed here during the Ottoman period.

Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum, home of the famous Greek historian Herodotus, is these days better known as a popular holiday resort. Enchanting villages of white-painted houses trimmed with purple bougainvillea together with miles of sandy beaches and ideal locations for water sports.

On the southern coast of the peninsula lie the golden sandy beaches at Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar, while on the western side are Gumusluk, Yalikavak and Turgut Reis.

For those who want seclusion, the northern coast boasts Turkbuku, Golkoy, and Gundogan – all small simple fishing villages, ideal for those who want a subdued and relaxing atmosphere.

While the nights in Bodrum town itself are noisy, crowded, and vital, these smaller villages offer cozy taverns and restaurants over-looking quiet bays and can all be reached easily by car or even by boat.

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One of the best aspects of holidaying in Bodrum is the fact that you can escape the crowds and noise by visiting one of the many villages in the vicinity. These villages offer sun, sea and peace; each one is unique in itself...

Situated 18km from Bodrum, Yalikavak is famous for its beaches, strong fresh sea breezes and as a result is popular with wind-surfers. Also, it has one of the finest views of the Peninsula from the windmills. Look south in the morning into the dazzling sunshine and a super panorama presents itself... look north and west in the evening for an unforgettable sunset.

Yalikavak's history goes hand in hand with that of Bodrum. Today, most of the archaeological remains are either underground or underwater. It is thought that on top of one of the hills, now covered with olive trees, once stood an ancient city. However, all that remains today are a few tombstones and the black city walls which stretch down into the valley. There is a Carian cave tombe wall worth seeing close to this ancient city. The size of a small room, it has been carved directly into the rock and fronted with cut stones. It once contained a funerary urn in the shape of a ship's prow which is now on display in the Bodrum Museum.

Located along the main road are a number of antique cisterns which have seen use by the numerous civilizations that have inhabited the area. Many are still used today.

Contemporary Yalikavak is just as precious as in its hey days. It offers the same beauty but has the added features of many fine restaurants and bars which are placed perfectly by the water.

Yalikavak is so popular that Istanbul's most famous Jet-setters often frequent this bay. While there, they gather at the popular Samdan and Melek Boz's Motel and Restaurant.

Two other popular venues are Cavusoglu Cardak Restaurant and Cavusun Yeri for home cooking, meat and fish grills for dinner.

Golkoy is an inland village by the sea 18km north of Bodrum. It is the only heavily forested area in the region. The village is divided into upper and lower Golkoy. In more ancient times it seems that the upper part, with fewer mosquitoes and consequently less malaria, was where the richer inhabitants used with those less well off living in lower Golkoy. The area was once occupied almost exclusively by Greeks and today it is still possible to see the remains of a number of Orthodox churches.

Until as recently as 50 years ago, Golkoy didn't even have a road and the locals made a living out of fishing and sponge-diving. Since 1970, tourism has flourished and now a great mix of people live in the area, but it's still possible to come across people who remember the old days. If you're after fun and relaxation, your dreams will come true in Golkoy as it's the perfect place to spend your summer holidays.

If you haven't a place to stay, Sultan Motel, Karianda, Antique and Turkuaz which Turkish actors frequently haunt, come highly recommended. If, however, you just want to take advantage of their restaurants, bars, and public access to the sea, you're more than welcome to do so. If you want to dance the right away, try Pioneer disco and bar which is open until the early hours of the morning.

Facing the sea with its back to the mountains, Turkbuku is surrounded by ancient sites. There are remains on top of Andizli Hill, and at nearby Degirmendigi there are caves and tombstones.

Until comparatively recently, the local population made their living from farming and fishing. Since the rise of tourism however, Turkbuku has become home to a very intellectual group of people; journalists, authors and artists who have built desirable homes to get away from the cities. However, the character of the village on the sea remains. Jetties are purpose-built to support fishing feasts for gourmets, and at night the sea appears to be lit by bobbing lanterns and flickering candles. This amazing view can especially be seen from Orfoz, Nereus, Eda, Portossimo, Giritli, Mey, and Shipahoy bars. From all these venues, you can eat, sunbathe and swim at the same time. However, if you want to just eat and watch the world go by, visit Tirbuson which is famous for its amazing desserts.

In 1994, in response to environmental concerns, the local inhabitants formed an association called the "Turkbuku Village Environmental Protection, Culture and Tourism Society". This very active group have just conducted a film festival and secured the installation of a village sewer system.

Turgut Reis is probably the most unaesthetically pleasing village in the Bodrum peninsula, but still, it is the hub of activity boasting its own market on Saturdays, a Tourism Bureau, and it is a departure point for many buses travelling through Anatolia. Daily boat trips can be taken from Turgut Reis - some go south to Karaincir and Akyarlar while others head to Gumusluk and Yalikavak.

If you like walking, this part of the peninsula is interesting and offers some challenges for active people through a volcanic landscape which is always dramatic, whether covered in flowers after the rain, or barren and looming in the shimmery heat of high summer.

Now for Turgut Reis' geographical nature and history: Turgut Reis has an area of 6833 hectares and a coastline of 38150m. The area was formed as a result of earthquakes with the resulting valleys channeling the little rainfall away from the arid hilltops.

Offshore from Turgut Reis lie 14 small islands. These are used both by the local fishermen who stop off there, and by local farmers as extra pasture land for their animals.

Legend has it that the Goddess Hera, who lived high on a plateau, was so in awe of the view, that in her excitement she sprinkled a handful of seeds into the sea. These seeds grew into the islets we see today.

The first people to settle in the area of Turgut Reis were the Lelegians who built the settlement of Myndos at what is now Gumusluk. The area was named Turgut Reis after the famous Ottoman admiral who was born here in the early 16th century. Turgut Reis rose from humble origins to command the Ottoman navy, conquering Corsica and returning to Istanbul with a reputed 150,000 prisoners. He was killed in 1595 during an abortive attempt to take Malta. There is a statue of him near Erentepe.

The village of Gumusluk which is protected against modern developments due to its proximity to Myndos, takes its name from the nearby mountain. The village has many attractions and is visited by locals and tourists alike.

The local Rabbit Island can be reached by a short walk through the sea while its protected aspect makes Gumusluk a favorite place for mooring boats. And legend has it that the local wine, when mixed with sea water can cure any ailment. And while we're at Gumusluk, it would be unfair not to mention the Mangal Restaurant where the most delicious meat dishes are on offer. Also. Ali Riza and Yakamoz Restaurants have the best seafood in town.