Fethiye

The town, which gets its name from Telmessos, the son of the god Apollo, was captured by the Persian King, Harpagos and was annexed to the Carian Satrap. In the Sth century in the tribute-lists of the Delian Confederacy, Telmessos and the Lycians are listed separately; and in the 4th century we fmd the Lycians under their dynast Pericles fighting against the Telmessians, besieging them and reducing them to terms. The result of this may have been that Telmessos was then brought into Lycia, since the geographer who passes under the name of Scylax, writing in the same century, reckons the city as Lycian.

When Alexander arrived in the winter of 334-333 B.C., he made a peace agreement with the Telmessians, who readily joined him. Not long afterwards, however, Nearchus the Cretan, one of his trusted ‘Companions’ whom he had appointed satrap of the region, was obliged to recapture the city from a certain Antipatrides, who had gained control of it. The two men were old friends, and Nearchus asked permission to leave in the city a number of captive women singers and boys that he had with him. When this was granted, he gave the women’s musical instruments to the boys to carry, with daggers concealed in the flute-cases; when the party was inside the citadel, the prisoners’ escort took out the weapons and so seized the acropolis. This is described by the historian as a stratagem; others might call it sharp practice.

In 240 B.C., Telmessos was presented by Ptolemy ill to another Ptolemy, son of Lysimachus; and at the settlement in 189 B.C. after the battle of Magnesia; it was given by the Romans to Eumenes of Pergamum, but ‘the lands which had belonged to Ptolemy’ were allowed to remain in his hands. So far as we know, Telmessos continued in the Pergamene Kingdom until that came to an end in 133 B.C.; it would then naturally be included in the Roman province of Asia. In 88 B.C., we hear that the Rhodians received help ‘from the Telmessians and from the Lydans’, implying that the dty was not then included in Lyda. Later, certainly under the Empire and perhaps earlier, Telmessos was a normal member of the Lycian League. After the Mithridates wars, Telmessos was given to Rhodes. Like the other Lydan dties during this period. Telmessos also complained about Rhodian administration, and subsequently Rome retook Lycia back from Rhodes.

The city, which continued its existence into the Byzantine era, had lost its significance with the Arabian raids which occurred after the 7th century. In the 8th century, the city’s name was changed to Anastasiupolis in honor of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius 11; by the following century this too gave way to the name Makri, which meant ‘far city’. Later on, the city was called Megri, whereas Megri was fmally changed to today’s Fethiye in 1934, to commemorate the flfSt Turkish pilot, Fethi Bey.

C. Texier, who saw Telmessos in the 1850’s, indicated that the Apollo Temple and theater could be second devastating quake just over one hundred years later, in 1957, these ruins were completely destroyed. Today’s Fethiye is what was built up after this second temblor more than forty years ago. Today, the theater, which was found near the quay of new Fethiye, has been uncovered. This theater, which was built in the Early Roman period and was renovated in the 2nd century A.D., had the capacity to hold 5,000 people.

A medieval castle situated on the acropolis hill, where the city was first established, is surrounded by a wall. Today, one can see the bottom portion of the wall, which was erected by Rome as well as the upper part, which was constructed during the Middle Ages. Whereas, the Rhodian Knights used this castle as well as Sovalye Island, located in the harbor, to hold the city under their control.

The Tomb of Amyntas, which is the most splendid and best known of all the tombs, is located on the east face of the city’s acropolis and has become the symbol of Fethiye. Seen from the plain below, it gives a great impression of size from up close. It is of the temple-type, in the Ionic order. Four steps lead up to the porch with two columns between pilasters; halfway up the left-hand pilaster is inscribed, in letters of the 4th century B.C., the name of Amyntas, son of Hermapias. C. Texier I who saw this tomb in the 1850’s, apparently wished to document the fact that he saw it as he signed the left upper comer of the grave door.

In the cliff-face further to the left are numerous other tombs; two of these are temple-tombs similar to that of Amyntas, and little less impressive. There are also a number of Lycian-type sarcophagi within the city. One of these is situated on the street directly below these stone monuments, while the other stands besides the municipal building near the quay. The sarcophagus next to the municipal building is one of the few sarcophagi with reliefs that has managed to remain intact to the present. Both sides of the lid and of the surmounting crest carry reliefs showing rows of warriors with shields in their hands, with a man sitting in an armchair wearing long clothing on the right side. The ends of the lid are divided into four panels. This sarcophagus, which was erected around 340 B.C., used to have reliefs on the bottom part as well, which is understood from the drawings of both Sir Charles Fellows and C. Texier. In addition, there are two sarcophagi from the 4th century that are located in the Cumhuriyet District, one of which has reliefs. However, these reliefs are in poor condition. The area around Fethiye is filled with many ancient cities. For instance, to the north-west of the E~n Stream, about 45 kilometers outside Fethiye, lie the Pmara ruins in the village of Minare, which have some interesting Lycian rock tombs. Here ancient structures, such as the theater, odeion and temple are practically all intact. Again, in the ruins of Sidyma, which are found in the village of Dodurga to the south of E~en Stream, are some tomb monuments worth seeing. One should also pay a visit to the ancient city of Tlos, which can be found in the village of Yaka about 40 kilometers outside Fethiye. Tlos, which was one of the six major Lycian cities, offers a striking view with its theater, baths, agora and stadium.

Just like today, people hundreds of years ago liked this beautiful region and settled in it. There are also some ancient settlements within the Fethiye Gulf. Among them are Krya, above Bedri Rahmi Cove; Lissa and Lydai, above Manastir Cove and the ancient city of DaidaIa in Inlice, on the way to Gocek.

The fabulous coves can be explored in Fethiye, which is complimented by nature and history. There is a natural beach that stretches 4 kilometers long, as well as those of Calis and Karagozler, within the city limits. Just as one can enter the sea around here, one can also take a daily excursion boat ride to check out the Fethiye coves. This 12-isIand excursion is like a dream. In addition, Gunluk, which is 19 kilometers away, Kucuk Kargi, famous for its trees, Katranci Cove, which is 17 kilometers away from Olu Deniz and Kidrak, which is 3 kilometers away from Belcekiz, is an ideal place to relax with its refreshing sea and dense pine forest. Also, Butterfly Valley, which is situated amongst the mountains 5-6 kilometers away from Olu Deniz about 350 meters high, possesses unique beauty.

As for Olu Deniz, that is a excursion route of its own. The stone houses of nearby Kayakoy, which was a large city up to the year 1925, were emptied of its Greek inhabitants after the establishment of the Turkish Republic when they returned to their homeland. Modem accommodation facilities and a shopping center have been built in Hisaronu, which is seen on the way to Kayakoy. In addition, there are enough remains on both Gemili Island and Karacaoren Island which prove just how important they were in days of antiquity. One can visit the museum in the center of the administrative district. Those who have had enough of the heat should head 50 kilometers outside of Fethiye for world-famous Sakli Kent Canyon, an 18-kilometer long trek of spectacular natural beauty. If that’s not enough, then go on up to the Fethiye plateaus or even Yaka Park near Tlos to cool off. For sports lovers, one can parachute off Babadag Mountain overlooking alii Deniz, go scuba diving 12 months a year, or even paddle a raft or canoe down either Dalaman or Esen Streams. Fethiye is one of those rare spots where history and nature come together in a splendid way.

Olu Deniz is situated 17 kilometers from Fethiye and is famous for its splendid coves as well as its history. Once you come from Fethiye and pass through Hisaronu, which has become an entertainment and shopping center in recent years, you will encounter Olu Deniz’ myriad of blue hues with all the beauty of the splendid hotels nestled amongst the lush greenery. It is also possible to reach Olu Deniz through Kayakoy, known in ancient times as Carmylessus. Kayakoy has remained deserted since 1925, when the Greeks living here immigrated back to Greece as a result of the population exchange that took place between the two countries. Buildings such as homes and a church in Kayakoy, which was once a relatively large town, are all in dilapidated condition.

As for getting from Fethiye to Olu Deniz by sea, a course that would take you past both Sahin Burun and Dokukbasi Burnu to the Karacaoren Islands and from there, to Gemili Island. Gemili Island is an ideal location to drop anchor. This island as well as the Karacaoren Islands are full of Roman and Byzantine ruins. There are ruins of a palace with mosaics at the top of the hill on Gemili Island, whereas there is also a 500-meter long tunnel that runs from the palace to the shore. In addition, one can make out the ruins of a church and a house amongst the island flora. An earthquake struck the island in 240 A.D., knocking a portion of it into the sea. The island is also known as the Island of St Nicholas from a church with the same name which is situated on it.

Olu Deniz, which reminds one of paradise with its motionless sea surrounded byevergreen pines, is a tourism center known throughout the world. Besides the sea and the extraordinary hotels, one can also do some parachute gliding off the top of Mt Babadag, which towers above Olu Deniz at a height of 1,975 meters. Next to Olu Deniz is the wide sandy beach of Belcegiz. Three kilometers beyond Belcegiz is Kidrak Cove with its sparkling sea which is surrounded by pine forests. Stretching back from this cove about 3-4 kilometers is Butterfly Valley, which is an interesting canyon with steep cliffs up to 350 meters high. It is called Butterfly Valley because of the fact that a particular species of butterfly called ‘Jersey Tiger’ is seen here every summer from July to September. The other cities of antiquity that are near here can be visited as long as one is spending the night in Olu Deniz.

The reason this heavenly place is called Olu Deniz (“The Dead Sea”‘ is attributed to the following legend; Once upon a time, a father and his son were caught in a storm here and were in danger of sinking. The son claimed that if they approached the rocks on the shore, they could take shelter in a cove. In the meanwhile, the father asserted that their ship would be driven onto the rocks and break up and that there were no coves around here anyway. Fearful of running aground onto the rocks, the father knocked his son, who was at the helm at the time, into the sea with an oar and took over the helm himself. Just as the ship was about to smash up on the rocky point, a calm bay opened up in front of him. This is why they say the bay is called Olu Deniz. This bay, has a point at the back part of it, whereas vessels are not permitted inside the bay, which keeps water pollution to a minimum.

When you turn around Cape Kurtoglu, on your way from Marmaris, you enter into the Gulf of Fethiye which is one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world. There are 12 islands, both small and large, and many inlets each more beautiful than the other in this gulf situated between the capes of Kurtoglu and Iblis and covered with forests. The inlets and islands which are ideal shelters for yachts, can be reached by means of boats that start from Fethiye and Gocek for daily excursions. These extremely beautiful inlets will make you have a very good time here. The first island near Fethiye in the gulf is the one named Sovalye Adasi (Knight’s Island). The island succeeding it, is Kizilada (the Red Island). In the north, there are the islands of Deliktas and Tavsan. The island of Katrancik is located opposite the inlet named Kucuk Kargi Koyu and the Island of Gocek is located opposite the village Gocek. The islands called Yassica Adalari are to the south of the Island of Gocek and in the south there is the Island of Haci Halil and the small island near it, is called Seytanli Ada.

The largest islands in the gulf of Fethiye, namely the Islands of Tersane and Domuz, are near the peninsula. The inlets and islands in the west coast of the gulf of Fethiye, have been worked out almost like lacework by nature. This part of the gulf is more interesting owing to its verdure and exquisite inlets. There are many inlets surrounded by green forests on the eastern shores of the Gulf of Fethiye, similar to the ones on the opposite shores. The inlets of Katranci, Kucuk Kargi and Inlice are situated here. You can reach these inlets by land too and there are forest camps in them. Gocek, which was developed owing to the yacht harbors built during recent years in the extreme north of the gulf, is the only place of habitation in the gulf. Therefore, the inlets in the gulf are also called the inlets of Gocek.

The Inlet of Ciftlik (Farm Inlet) is the nearest one to Gocek and the Inlet of Doruklu is located adjacent to it and, when you turn around Cape Ince you reach the Inlet of Gunluklu which is adorned with liquidambar trees and has a fountain in it. Following these, At Buku, Boynuz Buku, Bedri Rahmi and Siralibuk are the inlets that come into sight in all their magnificent appearance. The inlet immediately adjacent to the cape called Martin Burnu is named Dipbay. The inlets of Large and Small Sarsala, Manastir, Camli Koy, Merdivenli Koy and the last inlet in the gulf named G6bun Koyu are all located after it. This beautiful gulf had been discovered by ancient people during the Antique Age and they had settled here before we did and enjoyed these beauties. The antique city of Lydae, above the harbor Aga Limani in the south of the Peninsula of Kapidag, is one of these. You can reach here by walking from the inlets of Aga or Manastir.

In the locality called Kizilagac, south of the Lake Kargin, there is another antique city which was named Lissa, as can be inferred by studying the epitaphs, but there isn’t anything much left of this city now. One of the ancient writers, Pliny, had written about this city where there is an acropolis with a wall made of regular stones in it and also an epitaph on the southern face of this wall. The Lycian rock tombs of the antique city of Crya above the inlet of Bedri Rahmi, formerly called Tacyaka, can be seen in the inlet. The Lycians who lived in a wide region extending from the Stream of Dalaman to Phaselis near Antalya, had carved on the rocks the models of their deceased people’s houses, as a sign of respect to them. We see these tombs in Fethiye, Tlos, Pinara, Xanthos, Sura, Kekova, Myra, Kas, Limyra and other Lycian cities. We also come across a great number of sarcophagi, called the Lycian-type sarcophagi, in these cities and other Lycian cities. Some ruined remains are also seen on the islands and in the inlets.

There are some Byzantine remains on the island of Tersane, formerly called Telandria, which are not very important. The Greek people who lived here, left the island during the exchange of populations effected after World War 1. Although the ruins seen on the island belong to a recent date, it is known that a habitation had existed at an earlier date too. The remains of quays and of submerged buildings found in the water west of the Island of Gocek, indicate that people had lived here in the past. You must be very careful when you pass between the islands called Yassica Adalar because there are the remains of ruined walls in the sea. There are the remains of a bridge in the narrowest part of the west side of the island named Seytan Ada; it used to serve as a passage to the island of Haci Halil in the past.

There are many unknown dangerous points within the Gulf of Fethiye. A new ship is stranded in the shallows here every year. One of these shallows is in the exit of Gocek on the right hand side at a distance of 100 m. from the front of the farm camp. The second dangerous point is a shallow between Boynuz Buku and Yassicalar, in the direction of 150 m towards Gocek and it cannot be seen. This point is shown by means of a sign buoy. Another dangerous point is the shallow in the northwest of the island of Haci Halil. You need to pass at a distance 100 or 200 m. from this point. Moreover, the zone amongst Yassica Adalar is also shallow and it is not possible for every type of ship to pass through here. There is rocky place at a depth of 4.5 meters under the sea near the rock named 12, which is situated two knots east of the island of Tersane. The sailships that don’t want to enter the Gulf of Fethiye after having passed around Cape Kurtoglu, can pass the night in the inlet of Kizilkuyruk. The inlet is closed to the West and Southwest winds and there is a small beach in it. Let’s pass between Domuz Adasi and the peninsula and drop anchor in one of the beautiful inlets of Fethiye. Or let’s go directly to Gocek and obtain our necessities there and then start on our dreamlike voyage in the inlets of Gocek.

The ruins of Telmessos now lie beneath the pleasant modem town of Fethiye. Fethiye is the center of tourism in Lycia. It contains many touristic facilities and is especially convenient for yacht tourism. From Fethiye one may visit the many ruins and important ancient sites in the surrounding area in comfortable, easy, one-day outings. There are many such places close to Fethiye, including Cadianda, Pinara, Tlos, Xanthos, Letoon, and Patara. Since the new town of Fethiye has grown over the ancient settlement, and no excavations have been carried out we do not know when the ancient city was first founded; however, the double “S” in the last syllable of the name suggests that it was a local name. In the 4th century B.C. Pericles of Lymra, who was trying to establish the Lycian confederation, advanced on Telmessos and included it among the settlements in the confederation. Alexander brought local rule to an end in Telmessos but the great leader had previous links with the town. The fruits and wise men of Telmessos were renowned throughout the ancient world. Philip, the father of Alexander called upon a sage from Telmessos to interpret his dream. The sage, Aristander, prophesied that Alexander would be born and he also prophesied the entire future of the prince. Alexander grew up to respect this sage and always had him by his side.

Aristander was even to accompany him during Alexander’s eastern campaign. It was thanks to the position of this sage that Telmessos surrendered to Alexander immediately. without any opposition, and no damage was done to the city. Alexander’s commander took command of the fortress of Telmessos with some cunning. Nearchos, the commander of the fleet, entered the harbor of Telmessos and asked the citizens to allow his musicians to enter the city. When the citizens agreed, the musicians entered and during the night they took over the fortress with the spears and shields they bore with them. After this cunning trick, Telmessos was left under the command of the King of Telmessos once again by Alexander, who also left his commander as the Governor-General of Lycia, thus trying to placate the king of Telmessos. After the death of Alexander, Telmessos remained in Ptolemaian hands for some time and after 189 B.C., it was joined to the Kingdom of Pergamon for a period. Upon the death of the King of Pergamon, Attalos II, Telmessos was annexed directly to Rome together with all the lands of Pergamon. After the Mithridatian wars, Telmessos was handed over to Rhodes, like all the other Lycian cities, and like them was much dissatisfied with the Rhodian rule. Finally, in the time of Sulla, it was reunited with Rome.

In the year 168 B.C., Telmessos entered the Lycian confederacy and struck a coin to commemorate the event. During the Byzantine period, the city continued to exist as an important center in the area, but after the 7th century A.D., its importance waned with the threat of Arab attacks. At one point, during the 7th century, Anastasius II gave his own name to the city, calling it Anastasiopolis, but this name was soon abandoned. For some time during the Ottoman period it was called Megri, but this name was also abandoned for the modern name of Fethiye, which it has borne since the 19th century. C.Texier, who saw the city in the 1850s, reported that the Apollo temple and the theater were then standing. Soon after his visit, the violent earthquake of 1856 destroyed these, and a second earthquake that took place a century later also destroyed Fethiye.

The town of today was completely rebuilt after 1957, and the theater lies (appropriately enough) below the present open-air cinema. The original town stood on the site of the fortress. The lower part of the walls dates from the Roman period, while the upper parts date from the medieval period. The medieval battlements were reinforced by the Knights of Rhodes, who tried to gain control of the region from here. From Knights’ Island, in the bay of Fethiye, where they built a fortress, they controlled the town of Fethiye.

Today this island is a resort, adorned with villas. On the eastern cliff of the acropolis is the tomb of Amyntas, the magnificent rock tomb which has become the symbol of Fethiye and can be seen from every point in the city.

The facade of the tomb is designed just like a temple in the Ionic order. It belongs to Amyntas who was the son of Hermapias and was made in the 4th century B.C. C.Texier, who visited this tomb in the 1850s carved his name in the upper left corner of the tomb door. Beside the Amyntas tomb is another similar tomb, one of the columns of which has broken off. Alongside this, other rock tombs can also be seen. In the town itself, there are many sarcophagi of the Lycian type. One lies almost beneath the rock tombs, on the street below, and another is situated between the municipal buildings and the wharf. They both contain Lycian inscriptions.

Fethiye which is located southeast of the Gulf of Fethiye and has realized great attainments in tourism during the recent years it is a good place of supply during the Blue Voyage. At the same time, it has acquired great fame owing to its natural and historical riches. You can enter the harbor of Fethiye easily night and day, and all the needs of the yachts can be met there. During the daytime, it is also possible to go through the Island of Fethiye and the Cape Egrikum Bumu which extends southwards on shore. The name of the coastal wireless station is Fethiye and the call sign is TAE-6 and transmission for call and listening can be made through 16 channels. The yachts are anchored in a row alongside the yacht wharf which is on the west hand side of the ships wharf. Fethiye is at a distance of 60 km to Dalaman Airport, and has become more animated after the initiation of scheduled flights to and from Dalaman. Communication to other great centers by land is also easy. Fethiye where clean water and fruits are found in abundant quantities and all kinds of needs are met, is a favorable halting place during the Blue Voyage. The yacht harbor situated west of Fethiye is in beautiful harmony with the verdure above it. Excursions are made daily to the 12 islands by means of motorboats. The holiday village of Letoonia and the holiday village of Hillside near by, have formed an entirety with the inlets of unique beauty here. The antique cities in the vicinity such as Kayakoy, Saklikent and Tlos, Pinara, Sidyma an Kadyanda in Uzumlu, are reached by way of land. In order to start towards the Dead Sea from Fethiye, you need to turn around the capes Camli Burun, Sahin Bumu, Bozburun and lblis Bumu and drop anchor in the whereabouts of the islands of Karacaoren or the Island of Ships (Gemiler Adasi).

Evidence has not been found to show us that Telrnessos (which was part of the Lycian League) dates any further back than the 4th century B.C. Some of the sarcophagi, along with the fortress of ancient Telrnessos (famous for its soothsayers) have been preserved. One of most important sarcophagi in the area belonged to Amynthas, and dates back to the 4th century B.C. This is sarcophagus which has two Ionian columns of Fethiye. There are no other remains of Telrnessos within Fethiye other than sarcophagi

Ancient Lycian cities such as Pinara, Tlos and Sidyma are all located near Fethiye. In addition, the recently discovered Sakli Kent is another site that can be checked out.