Bodrum is located on the most South-West bank of Turkey, one hour’s sail north off the Greek island of Cos and just west of the breathtaking bay of Hisarönü. The city is a truly a sight to behold what with its beautiful traditional architecture, welcoming atmosphere, and its overall exclusive style.
Besides being a melting pot for foreign culture seekers from all over the world, Bodrum is moreover steadily becoming the holiday destination of choice for Turkish residents throughout the country. However, the abundance of vibrant nightlife and fine boutiques entwined in beautiful natural surroundings make it the ideal place for outsiders to catch a glimpse of Turkey’s rural lifestyle whilst at the same time enjoying the high class that this city provides.
The Mausoleum
Bodrum sports a number of great historical landmarks. In the ancient world it was home to one of the seven wonders of the world: the Tomb of King Mausolus ( now simply called the Mausoleum ), small remnants of which are still visible
St. Peters Castle.
This sturdy fortress is one of the world's best preserved monuments from medieval times. It stands in the center of the Bodrum bay as a solid testament to the Bodrum area as a place worth defending. It was built by the Knights of St. John, a group of European expatriates in the 14th century.
The fortress became known as the Castle of St. Peter, The Liberator, because it served as the sole place of refuge for all Christians on the west coast of Asia Minor.
The castle now serves as a museum for underwater findings from several recent shipwreck excavations. In fact, it is the most prominent nautical archaeological museum in all of Turkey.
The castle inner garden is home to a vast selection of plant life that represents nearly every plant and tree of the Mediterranean region.Marmaris
The city Marmaris is situated in an enclosed bay, close to where the Mediterranean and Aegean sea meet.
The Greek island of Rhodes lies close by and is clearly visible on sunny days from the bay’s sea side. The city has a place amongst the largest commercial resorts of Turkey. Besides its many restaurants, beach- and nightclubs, and it’s city centre with expansive bazaar, It is also home to one of the largest yacht harbours of Turkey.
Caunos and Dalyan
The ancient city of Caunos (antique name) with its well preserved amphitheatre and many elaborate Lycian rock tombs crafted into the faces of distant cliffs, is renound as one of the greatest of all archaeological sites in Turkey.
The tombs have been dated as far back as 4th Century BC, and some were even reused by the Romans during their time of reign.
Caunos is located close to the fishing village of Dalyan This charming traditional Turkish village is situated in an idyllic position within a wildlife sanctuary and backed by breathtaking mountain ranges.
From Dalyan, small boats carry visitors through the intricate shallow passages of thick reeds that fill the Dalyan River.
Knidos
The Dorian harbour city of Knidos, one of the most important historical settlements on the West Anatolian coast. The impressive settlement, the ruins of which can be marvelled at nowadays, dates back to the 4th century BC and it is said that even the apostel Paulus spent time here on his journey from Palestine to Rome.
The most impressive site of Knidos is the remains of the temple to honour Aphrodite, goddess of love. This temple was once home to one of the most beautiful statues of ancient times, the Aphrodite statue by Praxiteles. Besides remnants of this once magnificent temple, one will also take notice of the remains of what used to be the market square, a necropolis, a city wall, and no less than two theatres.
Göcek
Göcek is a moderate township located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Fethiye, at a distance of 14 miles from Dalaman International Airport, between Dalyan and Fethiye. It is an important center of tourism. The area is filled with quiet, unspoilt coves with lush green pine forests that spill down to the warm turquoise waters.
Göcek too bears traces of ancient civilizations. The partly submerged ruin of Batıkhamam, or ‘sunken hamam’ is actually referred to by the locals as Cleopatra’s Bath.Fethiye
Fethiye is situated 84 miles southeast of Marmaris, and has an outstanding and busy marina. The city is partially known for its rock tombs carved into the faces of the cliffs by the Lycians. These are similar to those found in Caunos. One of the tombs found here belongs to former Macedonian King Amnytas. Other historical sites to be found in Fethiye include the Fethiye Tower and numerous Sarcophagi, said to date back to 400 BC.
Important ancient Lycian cities surround Fethiye. To the southeast lies Xanthos, an important capital of the Lycians. Another interesting nearby settlement is that of Letoon, a cultural centre during the Lycian period with remains of temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis, and Apollo can be seen here.
Kekova
Together with Kalkan, Üçağız and Kaş, this stretch of coast lies in the region roughly between Fethiye and Antalya, and is superfluous in amazing and historic sights. Stops along this route can include the Lycian cities Limyra and Arikanda. Here you can visit the Pericles mausoleum from the 4th century BC. decorated with caryatids (columns or pillars sculpted in the form of female figures, serving as ornamental supports), a magnificent example of ancient art. Arikanda is high up on a mountain a little further inland, allowing you to overlook one of Turkeys most beautiful valleys. Sights here include a gymnasium, numerous baths, the Agora Theatre, water systems, scattered sarcophagi, and the bouleuterion stadium ( or old senate building ).
Ephesus
Located between the Turkish cities Kusadasi and Izmir lies the ancient Greek-Roman city of Ephesus, the largest and most well kept ancient cities of Turkey and possibly the world. Amongst the spectacular sights that remain are entire streets, fountains, houses, theatres, temples, and even the huge library of which the façade and walls still stand. Also, a second of the seven wonders of the ancient world once stood majestically in the midst of this city… The grand Temple of Artemis.
For everyone who is even the slightest bit intrigued by past civilizations and Roman culture, this amazing Metropolis of the ancient world and its splendours is a must see as. It is an unforgettable experience that will be firmly embedded in your memory for the rest of your life.
Hamam - The Turkish Bath and its history
One of the most pleasurable and invigorating experiences of a visit to Turkey is the Hamam, or Turkish bath. In the past the Hamam was more than a place for cleansing. It was a social meeting place for both men and women alike.
During a visit to the Hamam, the body is meticulously rubbed with hand mitts made of silk and linen to cleanse it of all the old skin, then gently massaged with natural soaps numerous times to purify it of all toxins. After this you are rinsed from head to toe then wrapped in soft downy towels and left to in comfort whilst enjoying a chilled glass of freshly pressed juice or a healthy hot cup of tea. The bath itself can be enjoyed with or without a prior stay in the usually adjacent saunas.
Nowadays besides providing visitors with an extremely relaxing steamy lounge experience, the Hamam reflects the high level of architectural -, and interior decorating skill and style possessed by the Turks. Hence, there are many Turkish baths which are considered to be architectural masterpieces.
