Bodrum

Once known as Halicarnassos, this popular Aegean port and yachting centre is built on a headland formed by the meeting of two bays. It is famous for its Crusader castle, its world-renowned gulet boats and the dazzling white houses lining its shores. It also boasts the ruins of the tomb of King Mausolus, the original Mausoleum, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Homer called Bodrum, "The land of eternal blue".  Another resident of Bodrum, Cevat Şakir, said, "The heavenly bliss of life in Bodrum is better than any eternal bliss that may await us", and these words were not without foundation in reality! Throughout history Bodrum  has always been fought over and people have been unwilling to share its beauty with others.


Bodrum has a range of amenities to meet the requirements of tourists from all income levels, from wealthy yacht owners to the tourist on a budget. The two harbours amply supply the needs of the yachting community and there is access to small beaches from the town itself, as well as many other beaches and towns on the nearby Bodrum Peninsula. Its narrow streets winding down to the sea are full of interesting shops and bars, and there is is plenty of opportunity to bargain in the open air markets.

History

Down through the ages the Persians, Macedonians, Romans and Byzantines have all ruled Bodrum. It has also suffered from countless invasions of peoples from the Aegean islands as the ancient city was important to all the powers that wished to dominate the region. Halicarnassos (Bodrum) was an important city in the Caria civilization, sandwiched between its more powerful neighbors Lycia and Ionia. The region boasts such greats as the historian Heredotus, history's first woman admiral, Artemisia I, and the equally talented Artemisia II, as well as artists like Leachares and Shepas.

Bodrum has been under the rule of several civilizations during its history. The present Bodrum castle was built by the Knights of St John (Knights Templar) who arrived from Rhodes and established their rule over the region. On his military expedition to Rhodes, Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent conquered Bodrum together with Rhodes and added them to the territory of Ottoman Empire.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry while winters are mild and rainy.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road

There are good regular coach services to Bodrum everywhere in Turkey. The Coach Terminal is in the town centre. There are regular minibuses to the surrounding towns and villages.

Coach Station Tel:(+90-252) 316 26 37

By Sea

There are regular ferry services to the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes. There are also connections to Knidos, Didim and Dalyan. Ferryboats and sea-buses all leave from the main harbour.

Bodrum Ferryboat Agency:(+90-252) 316 0882
Bodrum Express (Sea Bus): (+90-252) 316 10 87

By Air

The Bodrum-Milas Airport is 30 km. from the city centre. Turkish Airlines provide transportation into the centre for their own passengers by minibus and there are also plenty of taxis and public minibuses.

Airport Tel: (+90-252) 523 01 01

WHERE TO VISIT

MUSEUMS

Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum

This museum, housed in the old Crusader fortress, the Castle of St Peter, is the foremost of its kind in the world. Artefacts recovered from excavations which started in the 1960's are on display here. This includes the Eastern Mediterranean amphora collection as well as findings resulting from research on sunken ships in the immediate vicinity. The remains of the oldest known sunken ship in the world are also here and well worth seeing.

Bodrum Castle Tel: (+90-252) 316 10 95
Open hours to visit: 10:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00
Open days to visit: Everyday except Monday.

Mausoleum Open Air Museum

This small museum derives its name from the burial chamber of Mausolus, the King of Caria, which is located here. His wife (who was also his sister!) commissioned the most famous architects of the day to design the structure, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Unfortunately, the tomb was almost completely destroyed in the Great Anatolian earthquake.  Many of the stones from the Mausoleum were re-used in the construction of Bodrum Castle. The beautiful relief engravings on the tomb, however, were taken to the British Museum during excavations in the 19th century.

Ancient Theatre

This amphitheatre is located on the Bodrum - Turgutreis road and has an audience capacity of 13,000. The stage area has been uncovered and the seats have been restored so that concerts can be held here.

Rock Tombs

On the slope above the amphitheatre are rock tombs that belong to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Myndos Door

Located west of the city, it is one of the ancient entrances to the city of Halicarnassos. The Myndos Door consisted of two monumental towers and an inner courtyard at the gate that lead into the city.

Çıfıt Castle (Aspat)

Built on a rocky outcrop in the southwestern portion of the peninsula close to Bağla cove, artefacts from several civilizations have been found here.

Stratonikeia

Located on the Yatağan - Milas highway, the ruins in the village of Eskihisar contained a very rich collection of artefacts from the Carian, Roman and Byzantine eras.

Lagina

The temple of Hecate can be reached by following the dirt road (9 km) leading to Turgut. Excavations have shown that this city, once an important centre of the Caria Civilization, has been inhabited since the Early Bronze Age.

Cedrai Island

One of the most important sites of the region, Sedir Island can be reached by boat either from Gökova - Akyaka or Çamlıköy. The ruins which one would want to see first are the Temple of Apollo, the theatre and the ancient harbour. The famous Cleopatra beach is here as well.

Cisterns

Cisterns built by the Ottomans and known as "Gümbet" can be seen all over the peninsula. They were built by wealthy citizens who named the cisterns after themselves.

CASTLES

Bodrum Castle (Saint Peter's)

Built by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century and dedicated to St. Peter, the construction of the castle was completed in 99 years. It was built on Zephyrion island, the original site of the city of Halicarnassos. Stones and reliefs from the Mausoleum of King Mausolos were used in its construction. The 5 towers of this castle are known as the French, English, Italian, German and Snake towers. The castle covers approximately 30,000 sq. meters and also houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

MOSQUES

Mustafa Paşha Mosque

Mustafa Paşha from Kızılhisar had this mosque built in 1723 upon his arrival in Bodrum to construct a dockyard.

Tepecik Mosque

This was constructed by Hamam Ağa, the steward of Mustafa Pasha.

Adliye Mosque

This was built in 1901 from public contribution gathered by Abdulhamit II, the last  Ottoman emperor but one.

Şaldırşah Horasani Tomb, Kubbeli Tomb, Mustafa Pasha Tomb including the grave of Kaptan-ı Derya Cafer Pasha and Koyunbaba Tomb are also worth seeing.

BEACHES

Güvercinlik: A cove of unusual beauty with every conceivable tone of green and blue, it is located 25 km from Bodrum. Salih Island, located right across the water, only serves to enhance the natural appeal of this beautiful cove.

Torba: This peaceful little village just 5 km from Bodrum is a charming place where green pines and olive groves lead down to the sparkling sea. Boats go to Didim, Milet and Priene from here.

Gölköy: Located 13 km north of Bodrum, in this beautiful cove, the greens of olive, tangerine and pine trees merge with that of palms. Because it faces north, it is always lush and the water in the cove is cooler than that in other places.

Türkbükü: Situated near Gölköy, at a distance of 15 km from Bodrum, and very similar, it is a good place to go if you're looking for peace and quiet.

Gündoğan: Located 18 km from Bodrum, Gündoğan cove is almost totally unspoilt and still retains its natural beauty. Its tangerine orchards are famous in the area.

Yalıkavak: This village is 18 km from Bodrum on the northwest of the peninsula. It is famous for its windmills, fish, citrus orchards and scenery. The most celebrated sponge divers in the area come from this village.

Gümüşlük: It is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. It is still possible to see the underwater remains of the old harbour wall which connected Tavşan Island, a couple of hundred meters out in the bay, to the mainland. The sea and fish here are famous. Watching the sun set here amidst the lush green vegetation will be a life-long memory.

Kadıkalesi: Its sandy beaches and crystal clear sea are set against a background of citrus orchards. Situated 23 km from Bodrum, it gets its name from the remains of a nearby castle belonging to the Hellenistic era.

Turgutreis: Named after a famous Turkish admiral, Turgut Reis, the town is known for its tangerine orchards and its unforgettable sunsets. Situated 20 km from Bodrum, it is one of the most populous areas of the peninsula. 

Akyarlar: This cove with its wonderful beach and crystal clear waters is 13 km from Bodrum. It is one of the best places to surf.

Karaincir: Situated 16 km out of Bodrum, its 500 m. beach is one of the best in the area.

Bağla: With one of the best coves and beaches on the peninsula, it is an excellent place to camp and is 14 km from Bodrum.

Aspat: Rising out of the shores of the Aegean and often mentioned in Turkish folk music, the real name of Aspat is Aspartos. Built on a barren rock, the perimeter of Aspat Castle measures 700 paces. The remains of several civilizations dating back to Classical times can be seen here.

Ortakent: Located 14 km from Bodrum, its waters are warm and it has sandy beaches. Its citrus groves are well-known. It is one of the best places to experience village life in the Bodrum area.

Bitez: One of the most beautiful coves on the peninsula, Bitez is 10 km from Bodrum. It has sandy beaches. It is a beautiful quiet corner where blue and green reach out to touch each other in the tangerine orchards which stretch from the village to the sea.

Gümbet: About 3 km west of Bodrum, its waters are very shallow. Most people go there by boat. It is known for its beautiful beach and the sea, which is as clear as glass, as well as the fresh water spring there.

Bardakçı: Easily reached by boat, Bardakçı is well-known for its springs and crystal clear sea.

Karaada: Situated 6 km from Bodrum, it is famous for its healing mineral springs. The water rises out of a cave, the mud from which is said to be good for skin conditions.

Ada Boğazı (Aquarium): It is called Aquarium because of its crystal-clear waters. In  open water you can see the seafloor to a depth of 30 m.

TRADITIONAL BODRUM HOUSES

The traditional white houses of Bodrum usually have windowless ground floors and doors on the first floor with access by way of ladders that can be drawn up into the house. These houses, which are now protected by the government, are located mostly in the villages of Ortakent and Kocakaya above Gümüşlük. Many artists and writers have settled in Bodrum and have done a great service to the area by restoring older houses, making it an even more attractive place to visit. Newer houses are built to remain in keeping with the character of the traditional stone ones.

YACHTING

Bodrum is the yachting centre of Turkey, with industries providing for all requirements, from manufacture to maintenance. The tradition of building sailing boats continues in the İçmeler Shipyard.  As big as any modern shipyard, luxury yachts of up to 30 meters can be built here using the latest technology. The distinctive wooden gulet boats are also built here and elsewhere in the area.

The yacht marina has a capacity of 275-yachts. The marina also has 12 slips for the maintenance and repair of yachts and wintering-over.

The yacht races of the Bodrum Cup are probably the only ones in the world that allow the participation of completely inexperienced sailors; even children can take part. Held annually since 1989 during every 3rd week each October, this fun event is a chance to take part in a sailing race in Turkey's wonderful south-western waters.

THE BLUE VOYAGE

The voyage along the Mediterranean coast from Bodrum was dubbed "Mavi Yolculuk" or "Blue Voyage" by "the fisherman of Halicarnassus", Cevat Sakir (said to be an Oxford graduate), who was sent to exile in Bodrum for allegedly murdering his father. He is well-known in Turkey for writing about the people of Bodrum, their lives, folklore and philosophy and for promoting this region to the rest of Turkey. His exile was to last for 3 years, but he loved the place so much, he stayed for 25. There are now many Blue Voyage boats which take passengers on cruises to see the historic sites, islands, secluded coves and sea caverns along the Turquoise coast. The voyage takes 7-10 days and is open to anyone who wants to join one of the groups. You can also charter a private boat for your own group.

ENTERTAINMENT

On the Aegean coast, Bodrum is famous for its colourful night-life. From İskele Square to the end of the Kumbahçe District, Cumhuriyet Street is lined with bars, pubs, discos and taverns that guarantee fun and good times for people of all ages. In the mysterious darkness of the Bodrum nights, the magical shimmer that surrounds Bodrum castle adds a certain charm to the atmosphere. The heartbeat of the town's nightlife is in the bars, where all kinds of music, from jazz to traditional Turkish, can be heard.