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It is said that Bodrum (Turkish for "underground vault" or "cellar") gets its name from the vaultlike ancient ruins that abound in the area. Originally it was called Halicarnassos by its first settlers, the Dorians from the Peloponnese (1000 B.C.E.). Bodrum was the birthplace of many famous Greek intellectuals, notably Herodotus (ca. 484 - ca. 420 B.C.E.), who chronicled the struggle for control of the city's fortunes between Greece and Persia in his Histories. In 1402 the Knights of St. John came from Rhodes and built one of its most famous landmarks, the Castle of St. Peter. The peninsula was brought back into Ottoman rule in 1523 when Süleyman the Magnificent ousted the Knights of St. John from Rhodes, and consequently from Bodrum.
Bodrum is part of the present-day Turkish Riviera and is known for its historic sites, clement weather, colorful jazz bars, idyllic whitewashed houses, marina and yachting facilities, and its resident artist community. Celebrated novelist Cevatsakir Kabaağaçlu immortalized the lore and legends of the local seafarers in a collection of short stories.
The 2000 Turkish government census listed the urban population as 32,227 and 65,599 in outlying rural areas (97,826). A favorite vacation spot, the population varies greatly in the summer, with an annual number of visitors totaling 1.5 million between June and August.
You'd better
believe it. Bodrum has it all. Mind-boggling sightseeing, shopping,
nightlife and glittering beaches nearby, all crammed into a natural
setting that's so beautiful it'll make you weep.
A flurry of whitewashed houses spilling into two idyllic bays, the
town is a feast for the eyes. Dividing the two bays is the impossibly
romantic St. Peter's Castle, a 15th century edifice testifying to
Bodrum's tempestuous history as a Crusader outpost. With its spooky
dungeons, medieval exhibits and acclaimed Museum of Underwater
Archeology, it's a must on your sightseeing list. Grab your guidebook
and then follow it up with a visit to the crumbled Mausoleum of
Halikarnassus and 4th century BC Myndus Gate.
Cultural highpoints covered, dive into Bodrum's Old Town. Meander
through the labyrinth of narrow streets where innumerable jewellers',
leather, kilim and sandal shops clamour for your custom. Haggle with
gusto and you'll emerge, several hours later, laden with traditional
trinkets and mementos. And while you're here, visit Bodrum's hamam –
the authentic Turkish bath – for a truly calming experience. Ready to eat? There's a bewildering choice. Along the eastern bay,
you'll find endless waterfront bars, cafes and lokantas. Or make for
the marina, where crowds of gulets lie nose-to-nose with upmarket
shops. For a day out, choose from the array of nearby
watersports-loaded beaches including Bardaci Bay, Bagla and Turgetreis,
all a dolmus ride away. Or hire a car and throw yourself into the
surrounding countryside and hidden villages. By night, Bodrum rocks.
After dinner at a waterfront restaurant, disappear into the Old Town,
where a heaving mass of music bars and clubs, including the famous
open-air Halkarnas disco, keeps every evening lively and very, very
late.
Bodrum Castle and Museum
One of the world's finest museums of underwater archeology housed in a superb 15th century castle built by the Knights of St. John of Rhodes. The world's oldest known shipwreck exhibition is now open. This star attraction rates a 'must see' on everyone's list.
Bodrum The Mausoleum
The Mausoleum of Halikarnassus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its site is on open-air museum visited with awe for the accomplishments of the ancients. Its monumental statuary is in the British Museum but some artifacts and replicas of its friezes can be seen on the site.
Bodrum Amphitheater
Seating about 13.000 spectators the theater dates to the region of Mausolus but with modifications added by the Romans. With rock tombs above, the site provides an unequalled view of the city.
Bodrum Myndus Gate
This western city gate built by Mausolus in 364 B.C. has been recently restored. Composed of four towers it stood against Alexander the Great and his Macedonian troops. Surviving portions of the city wall are under
restoration.
Ottoman Tower
Built about 1794 to protect an Ottoman naval shipyard from pirate raids the tower has undergone recent restoration during which remains of Roman baths were found.
Bodrum Zeki Müren Museum
The last home of Turkey’s deceased favorite singer is now a museum. Worshipped much like Elvis Presley, Zeki Müren was a giant of the Turkish music scene.
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