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Bodrum
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An
impressive medieval castle built by the knights of Rhodes
guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay,in which the
Agean and the Mediterranean Seas meet.The town's charm is
well-known,attracting a diverse population vacationers who
stroll along its long palm-linet 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.
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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 styie and a nighttime 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.
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Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the
birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolus's 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 cenfury 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.
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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.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. |
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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. 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 modern 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 hanctful 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.
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