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Ariel view of the sea during the daytime. Photo by Kaan Kosemen-

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Bodrum

Bodrum, built around twin bays on Turkey’s southwest coast, has made a name for itself with an enticing mix of nightlife, beaches, and history. By day, explore the 15th-century St Peter’s Castle, which houses a shipwreck museum, or head to Bardakci Cove.

Hit the beach bars at night for DJ beats and stylish summer parties. Here’s our list of the best sights and must-see attractions in Bodrum. The historic name for the modern Turkish city of Bodrum, which is situated on the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova, was ‘Halicarnassus of Caria.’

It was once famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century and overlooking the harbour and marina, is one of its main attractions.

Bodrum is the crown jewel of Turkey’s Mula Province. The following are some facts about the city that you should be aware of.

1. Cevat akir Kabaaaçl, Bodrum’s most iconic local hero

Bodrum flourished in antiquity, but it is best known today thanks to a hometown hero and popular writer, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, also known as the fisherman of Halicarnassus.

He was born in Crete in 1886 and became a writer, but his works offended political figures, who convicted him to three years exile in Bodrum. (There could be harsher punitive measures.) He fell in love with the city, and it became his literary source of inspiration.

He returned to Bodrum at the end of his exile. What had been a miserable experience in his life turned out to be a blessing in disguise and the catalyst for his development.

His infectious energy and love spread all across Turkey and Europe, as he invited creative friends to join him. He and his friend Azra Erhat are known for creating the “Blue Cruise,” a term referring to Turkish Riviera sailing routes, after taking several overnight trips to assess the coastline.

Cevat is responsible for Bodrum’s solid track record as a centre of excellence in the global sailing world these days. His bust stands outside the archaeology museum’s entrance, and annual commemorations honour his remembrance.

Visit Zeki Muren’s house to keep pursuing the trail of wealthy and famous individuals. The insight into Turkish celebrities and their lifestyles, as an iconic artist and musician of Turkey, represent a distinct aspect to this misinterpreted nation.

2. Bodrum Castle was previously used as a military base, mosque and prison

An old castle in the middle of a deserted area. Photo by Gökhan Kara-

By far the most famous historic site in the area, Bodrum Castle, has served many functions over the years. Its adaptable and durable architecture has stood the test of time, demonstrating that when a group of knights builds a castle, they do so in style.

Originally built by the Knights of Saint John to defend against invading Seljuk Turks, Suleiman the Magnificent (Ottoman sultan) conquered the area and used it to invade nearby Rhodes by the 16th century.

Suliman decided to add a minaret and converted it into a mosque after the successful invasion, but it also accommodated inmates in 1895.

3. What happened to the mosque in the Bodrum Castle?

The mosque minaret was knocked off by a French battleship in 1915, and by 1921, it had been neglected, disapproved, and of no use to anyone, until 1962, when the Museum of Underwater Archaeology opened for business to tourists. Even though it is temporarily closed for renovations, the exhibits include the Uluburun ship, the oldest shipwreck ever discovered.

4. The historic tomb in Bodrum

Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus in prehistoric days and was part of the Caria Kingdom. King Mausolus, the leader, was an accomplished person, and under his reign, Halicarnassus grew to embrace adjacent areas.

They ruled for 24 years together with his queen Artemisia, who was also his sister, but when he died, she was deeply saddened and traumatised.

To honour his memory, she constructed a magnificent tomb that became the envy of all rulers. For its remarkable appearance, it gave birth to a new architectural style that would go international, namely the mausoleum.

5. Honourable legacy as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

Artemisia only hired the best architects and sculptors to work day and night. Their work was rewarded when it was named one of the seven wonders of the ancient world for its distinctive look and exceptional elegance.

After standing tall and proud for several centuries, a series of 13th-century earthquakes led to the start of its demise.

When the crusaders successfully invaded the peninsula, there was little left. They didn’t care about the Grand Mausoleum as it served no purpose for them.

Alternatively, they used the collapsing remains to construct the neighbouring castle, which can still be viewed presently. Construction works disclosed the foundations, but the building is no longer what it once was.

6. Discover the Old Town of Bodrum

People walking around next to the demolished historic site. Photo by Gökhan Kara-

The narrow streets that surround the beach, bazaar, and marina area are the most interesting part of Bodrum.

The corridors here are surrounded with bougainvillea-draped and vine-clad whitewashed cottages that give Bodrum its distinct Aegean atmosphere and charisma and set it apart from other coastal top attractions with a much more contemporary look, such as Fethiye.

For photographers, the most fascinating thing of Bodrum to photograph is its rambling, winding paths, where you can still get a sense of the fishing village it once was.

The best way to enjoy is to essentially walk up the narrow streets that lead off the waterfront and wander aimlessly. The more central paths are peppered with cafés and restaurants that serve as excellent quick stops while meandering.

7. Take in the ideal magnificent views from the Historic Windmills Site in Bodrum

The little remains of Bodrum’s windmills atop the hill that separates Bodrum Bay and Gümbet Bay.

The windmills themselves aren’t worth seeing, but the scenic beauty of the bays of Bodrum and Gümbet are, and it’s a popular destination to watch the sun set.

Whereas many visitors arrive by car, the hilltop is a two-kilometer walk up a medium slope from the Bodrum marina. However, do not attempt to walk it during the midday heat.

The best time to walk up here is early in the morning, when the fresh air makes it a pleasant activity instead of a chore.

8. Go to the Bodrum theatre

The historic theatre in Bodrum is small by Roman standards, but it has been well restored, and the views from the upper tiers out towards Bodrum Bay are spectacular.

It could have held 13,000 spectators in its heyday during the 4th century.

If you visit during the summer, the theatre hosts a variety of events and concerts. Check to see if there’s anything going on while you’re in town, as seeing a performance within the theatre is the best way to imagine how it would have been used during Halicarnassus’ grand era.

Panoramic photos of central Bodrum can be obtained right across the street from the theatre.

9. Myndos Gate in Bodrum

This gate is the main still-standing chunk of King Mausolus’ once sturdy fortress walls, which initially looped around the old city for seven kilometers, and is one for supreme history fiends on a hunt for the remnants of Halicarnassus.

This small set of ruins, which includes a scattering of tomb and stele slabs and the sparse remnants of a 4th-century moat surrounding the gate fragments, is dissatisfying unless you are – especially interested in ancient history.

The site, however, is easily combined with a stroll from the marina, up to the mausoleum and the theatre, and then back to this site.

10. The Mediterranean climate and wildlife

Grey concrete building near green trees during daytime. Photo by JR Harris-

The Maquis shrubland biome, which is commonly of the Mediterranean climate, is pretty standard in Bodrum, particularly near the coast. 61.3 percent of the district is covered by forests.

The region’s dominant trees are conifers such as pines, larches, stone pines, cedars, and junipers. Forested areas are highly susceptible to wildfires, and wildfires have occurred frequently in the district’s history.

Human activity is thought to be responsible for 95 percent of forest fires in Turkey, and there are worries that forests are being intentionally set ablaze to expand the city. The ruling AKP has been chastised in the media for issuing building permits for new hotels on burned and deforested land.

Wild boars and foxes are common in the area, as are pygmy cormorants, Dalmatian pelicans, and lesser kestrels. The Mediterranean monk seal, which is nearly extinct and globally guarded, also lives in the area.