|
BODRUM
An
impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of
Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue
bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas
meet. The town's charm is well-known, attracting a
diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its
long palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd
the marina. Not far from town, you can swim in
absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Underwater
divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous
reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters
offer up multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes,
octopi and an immense variety of other aquatic life.
The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to
ancient times, and today, craftsmen still build the
traditional yachts: the tirhandil with a pointed bow
and stern, and the gulette with a broad beam and
rounded stern. The latter, especially, are used on
excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual
October Cup Race. The yearly throng of visitors has
encouraged small entrepreneurs to make shopping in
Bodrum a delight. Leather goods of all kinds, natural
sponges and the local blue glass beads are among the
bargains to be found in the friendly little shops
along the narrow, white-walled streets. Charming
boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and
embroidery as well as original fashions in soft cotton.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish
art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian
atmosphere and many small galleries. This community
has encouraged an informal day-time life style and a
night-time of excitement. The evenings in Bodrum are
for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants,
dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties.
Afterwards night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb
discos keep you going until dawn. Bodrum, known in
ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of
Heredotus and the site of King Mausolus' Tomb (4th
century B.C. ), one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. In the harbor, the Bodrum Castle, or
the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of
15th century Crusader architecture, and has been
converted into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology,
with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The
stunning panoramic view from Goktepe, nearby, is much
photographed by visitors to the Museums' second-century
theater. The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits
holidaymakers interested in a subdued and relaxing
atmosphere. Enchanting villages, with guest-houses and
small hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. On the
southern coast, Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Aktur,
Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar have
fine, sandy beaches (Bitez, Ortakent and Aktur are
blue-flag beaches). Campers and windsurfers enjoy
Gumbet, and at Bitez colorful sailboards weave
skillfully among the masts of yachts in the bay. On
shore you can enjoy quiet walks through the orange and
tangerine groves bordering the beach. Ortakent has one
of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the area
and offers an ideal place for relaxing in solitude.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the Bodrum
peninsula, Karaincir, is ideal for lively active days
by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings with local
villagers. Finally, Akyarlar enjoys a well-deserved
reputation for the fine, powdery sand of its beach.
|
Turgutreis
Gumusluk
Yalikavak |
AROUND BODRUM
Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak, all with excellent
beaches, lie on the western side of the peninsula and
are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Gumusluk Beach is a blue-flag beach. In Turgutreis,
the birthplace of a great Turkish admiral of the same
name, you will find a monument honoring him. In the
ancient port of Myndos (Gumusluk) you can easily make
many friends with the hospitable and outgoing local
population. In Yalikavak, white-washed houses with
cascading bougainvillaea line narrow streets. Small
cafes and the occasional windmill create a picturesque
setting. See the north coast of the peninsula - Torba,
Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan - by road or, even
better, hire a boat and crew to explore the quiet
coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little
windmills which still provide the energy to grind
grain crown hills covered with olive trees. Torba, a
modem village. with holiday villas and a nice marina
is located 8 km north of Bodrum. Golkoy and Turkbuku
are small and simple fishing villages with a handful
of taverns overlooking a lovely bay. After a boat trip
to Karaada, half an hour from Bodrum, you can bathe in
the grotto where the warm mineral waters flowing out
of the rocks are believed to beautify the complexion.
The translucent and deep waters of the Gulf of G6kova,
on the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula vary
from the darkest blue to the palest turquoise, and the
coastline is thickly wooded with every hue of green.
In the evening, the sea reflects the mountains
silhouetted against the setting sun, and at night it
shimmers with phosphorescence. You can take a yacht
tour or hire a boat from Bodrum for a two-, three-, or
seven-day tour of the gulf. The Gulf of Gulluk, and
harbor of the same name, lie north of the Bodrum
peninsula on the Aegean. The mythological Dolphin Boy
is said to have been born a little farther to the
north at Kiyikislacik (lassos). South of GuIluk,
Varvil, ancient Bargilya, sits at the end of a deep
narrow inlet surrounded by olive covered hillsides.
Inland from Gulluk is Milas, ancient Mylasa, known for
its beautiful carpets - a century old tradition which
continues today The weavers rarely mind a visitor
watching them at work. Plenty of old Turkish houses
with carved timbers and latticed windows provide
examples of the local architectural style. Gumuskesen,
a monumental tomb, thought to be a small copy of the
famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum, stands in the west of
the city. The ancients built Labranda, a sanctuary
dedicated to Zeus, high in the mountains. Today
tourists have rediscovered this mountain retreat and
escape to its exhilarating air and breathtaking
scenery.
|
|
