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Bodrum is a town on the southern Aegean coast of Turkey, popular with tourists from all over the world.
Bodrum is the site of the ancient city ofBodrum is a town on the southern Aegean coast of Turkey, popular with tourists from all over the world.
Bodrum is the site of the ancient city ofAccording to Herodotus, born B.C. 484 in Halikarnassus (ancient name for Bodrum), the city was founded by the Dorians. Megarans enlarged the city B.C. 650 and changed its name to Halikarnassus, and then Persians started to rule the city from B.C. 386
Halikarnassus had its glorious days when it was the capital of the Karia B.C. 353. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum, was built there by Artemisia for the memory of King Mausolos.
After the Roman and Byzantium rule for ages, Ottomans conquered the city in 1522, during the time of Suleyman, The Magnificent. The city was named "Bodrum" after the Turkish Republic was declared.
Known as one of the Seven Wonders of The Ancient World, The Mauseloum was built by Artemisia, the sister and the wife of King Mausolos, B.C. 355.
This work of art stood on a 21 stepped pyramid which was 46 meters high and carried a horse car symbolizing victory on it, had 36 marble columns in Ionian style.
The mauseloum was destroyed in an earthquake, and the ruins were used in the building of the Halikarnassus Castle. Many statues and reliefs from the mauseloum were carried to The British Museum by archeologist C. Newton, in 1856 and now lies there for public viewing.
During winters and springs, November through April, the weather in Bodrum is very good with a few heavy shower periods, usually taking place in November, and then sometime after the new year and the last one in March/April. February is especially pleasant with not too cold nights and the almond blossoming and the abundance of wild ruccola all over the place.
Summers, arriving after April, is as hot as it can get (expect temperatures higher than 40 C) and sunny with no rain.
The best way to get around is by dolmuş, (a shared taxi following a fixed route) one of the cheapest ways of transport in Turkey. Additionally, there is a bus service that runs in Bodrum.
During the peak season, the beach that stretches between the castle and Halikarnas is very good for swimming; The water is roped off to prevent boats coming in, and the beach and water are cleaned daily by the restaurants and by the city authorities. Sunbeds and beanbags on the beach are free of charge, although the restaurants that own them will bring you menus or offer you drinks every half hour. Another option is to go to the nearby beaches of Gumbet or Bitez: Grab a Taxi or go to the bus station and hop on a Dolmus. These beaches are much more suited for sunbathing and have actual sand (Bodrum's beach is mostly pebbles, whereas the water at Gumbet & Bitez is very shallow), sunbeds are free of charge, and loud music is also there to entertain you. There are several pools with bars that do not charge an entrance fee even if you are not ordering anything. A variety of water sports is offered.
You can also hire a private boat for your trip around the bay. Make sure all passengers have and wear lifejackets and that there are an emergency oar and kit on board. Taking a mobile phone in a plastic bag is advisable. Try snorkeling (go for good quality glass based goggles and kit available in most shops).
The home of the doner kebap offers more tasty treats, try local delicatessens for flavorsome vegetable, pulses and meat dishes.
Always haggle for a better (if not half price) deal and go for clothing. Some great quality designer labeled outfits, shoes, and trousers (fake or not) are definitely worth the lira being asked.
Bodrum has a large stray dog population, and large dogs can often be seen roaming the streets or lying alongside a busy sidewalk. For the most part, they are harmless. However, on occasion, they do harass innocent bystanders, so it is advised to use caution when approaching them and instruct children to keep their distance.
It has been reported several times that some beach clubs issue ridiculously overpriced bills. Make sure to check the menu before you decide to order.
LOCAL TIME
9:58 am
January 17, 2021
Europe/Istanbul
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We visited Bodrum several times, many years ago. And we saw many places in the city. If it wasn’t so hot (about 104 F/40 C), we would probably have gone on the one-day boat trips, using one of the hundreds of little ships moored in the port of Bodrum... Since we have already seen... |