|
 Ancient
Halicarnassus - Modern Bodrum
 Built
upon the ruins of ancient Halicarnassus, Bodrum
(Turkey) is a bustling town
of contrasts. A popular embarkation point for
gulet charters setting out on their Blue Cruise, Bodrum also bustles
with the local Turkish jet set,
who love to flock down and stroll the
promenade by summer. Winter
time brings a serene peace and
quiet as local inhabitants reclaim their town for themselves again.
Despite its rapid growth, Bodrum still retains the charm which has
drawn people to her for over 2 millenium. Spectacular contrasts of
color from purple bougainvillea draped over the corner of a stark
white cube house, and the azure Blue of the Aegean constantly
emerging between a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways.
 Bodrum is the center of activity on
the oblong peninsula on the southwestern most corner of Turkey.
Many smaller villages dot the perimeter of the Bodrum peninsula,
each with its own personality. Gümüslük draws Turkish locals and
visitors to its quiet bay to offer the finest selection of fresh
seafood available. Yalikavak, on the northwestern side, offers
magnificent sunsets and small town charm with its century old
windmills along the mountaintops. The twin towns of Türkbükkü and
Gölköy are particular favorites of Turkish society crowds in the
summertime and are a must for those who enjoy people watching.
On the southern side of the Bodrum
peninsula is Bitez, a particular favorite for families on holiday,
and Ortakent with its acres of mandarin groves situated below the
16th century Ottoman Tower House. Continuing westward is Akyarlar,
the closest point to the Greek island of Kos, and on the western
most tip of the peninsula is Turgutreis, with
T-Marin, the sparkling new yacht marina.
 Bodrum's
Castle of Saint Peter
Just
as the town of Bodrum is the center of activity upon the peninsula,
the Castle of St. Peter, with its beautiful, trademark silhouette
is the focal point of Bodrum. Home to the world
reknowned Museum of
Underwater Archaeology, the Bodrum Castle is also a fine example of
a medieval stone fortress complete with cannons, dungeons and
banquet halls. The castle is also home
to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housing one of the world's
largest and most extensive collection of excavated shipwrecks and
their cargo.
The
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
 Can
you name Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Two of the seven are
located in Turkey: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum. While little remains of the
original Mausoleum, archaeologists have excavated the site of where
it stood and a small museum commemorates the grandeur of the
building as it once stood. However, the Mauseoleum of Halicarnassus
lives on as the Bodrum Castle, since the Knights of St. John used
the crumbled remains of the Mausoleum to build the castle with. Upon
close inspection as you stroll through the Castle's gardens, you can
often see the unique green blocks from the Mauseolum embedded in the
Castle's walls.
|
