4/3/2007 - Bodrum

Bodrum

Homer describes Bodrum as "The land of eternal blue" and the words of another resident of Bodrum, Cevat Şakir, who said "The heavenly bliss of life in Bodrum is better than any eternal bliss that may await us" were not without foundation in reality. Throughout history of Bodrum, known as Halicarnassos in ancient times, has always been fought over and people have been unwilling to share its beauty with others.

Built on a peninsula formed by the meeting of the eastern and western harbors, Bodrum, with its narrow streets winding down to the sea, is famous for its castle, its world-renowned yachts, its shipyards and the dazzling white houses and tombs lining the shores of its two harbors.

Bodrum, has the all facilities to meet the expectations of tourists from all income levels, ranging from the rich yacht owners to the penny counting tourists who just want a reasonable room to make his vacation last all summer.

History

Bodrum has been the cradle of several civilizations. Down through the ages it has suffered from the countless invasions of those coming from the Aegean islands and has been important to all those powers wishing to dominate the Aegean.Halicarnassos(Bodrum) was an important city in the Caria civilization which was located between its much more powerful neighbors Lykia and Ionia. The region boasts such a greats as the historian Heredotus, history's first woman admiral Artemisia I, and the just-as-skilled Artemisia II as well as artists like Leachares and Shepas.

Bodrum experienced the dominance of various civilizations throughout the history such as Persians,Mecedonians,Roman Empire and Byzantines. Byzantines lost their power in Anatolian region after they were defeated by the Seljuk Ruler Alpaslan at Malazgirt in 1071. Rhodian knights had constructed the present Bodrum castle and established theirrule over the region. Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent on his military expedition to Rhodes conquered Bodrum together with Rhodes and added them to the territory of Ottoman Empire.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry while winters are mild and rainy.

How to Get

By Road

The transport service is available to Bodrum from all over the Turkey through the buses.Bus terminal is located in the city center.

Bus Station Tel:(+90-252) 316 26 37

By the Sea

There are regular ferryboat services to the Greek islands of Cos and Rhodes. There are also connections to Knidos, Didim and Dalyan. The ferryboats and sea-buses all leave from the main harbor.

Bodrum Ferryboat Agency:(+90-252) 316 0882

Bodrum Express (Sea Bus):(+90-252) 316 10 87

By Air

The Bodrum-Milas Airport is 30 km. away from the city center. Transportation is provided by Turkish Airlines, taxis and minibuses.

Airport Tel: (+90-252) 523 01 01

Don't Leave Without

Seeing the Underwater Museum and Bodrum Castle,

Going to the Tuesday Bazaar,

Joining one of the daily tours,

Stopping by Bodrum Bars,

Dining on the excellent fish restaurants in Gümüşlük,

Eating Bodrum style 'waterpastry',

Eating the spicy 'Ot kavurması' and stuffed pumpkin flowers,

Purchasing the Bodrum beads and batik cloth

Contact Infrmation and Links

Bodrum:

www.bodrum-bodrum.com

Head Official's Office: (+90-252) 316 10 01

Municipality: (+90-252) 316 10 09

Provincial Directorate of Information: (+90-252) 316 10 91

Police: (+90-252) 316 80 80

Hospital: (+90-252) 313 14 20