Official Language:
Turkish
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Currency:
Turkish Lira
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Population:
Approximately 35,000 people call Bodrum home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Bodrum Turkey:Summer season, when most visitors come to Bodrum is between April and the end of October. June, July and August the hottest months. May and September are cooler and quieter yet April and October still offer 8 to 9 hours of sunshine a day, with the opportunity for walking and exploring under very pleasant temperatures. Winters are rainy, summers are hot, dry but the breeze called Meltem from the sea cools the air. The hottest months are July and August. Average temperature
75°F-86°F/24°C-30°C.
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Bodrum is situated on a peninsula facing the island of Kos,. This is the hometown of Heredutus, known to some as the "Father of History" but to others as the "Father of Lies" mainly because of his fanciful travel accounts. The Bodrum peninsula offers a smooth and relaxing atmosphere. The secluded bays open their charming villages to visitors. The beaches are beautiful and offer azure waters. Enjoy the beautiful Bardakci Bay, Gumbet Bay, and Bitez Bay, as well as many others. The area are home to holiday villages, resorts, clubs and bars. The bays are picturesque bays and postcard perfect. Gumbet and Bitez are excellent places for those looking to wind-surf. Ortakent and Akyarlar beach are the best choices for those looking for sandy beaches. Three villages that are close to Bodrum, along the western end of the peninsula are Gümüslük, Turgutreis, and Yalikavak. All offer clear blue seas and water sports. To the north of Bodrum at Kiyikislacik (lassos) is the birth-place of the mythological Dolphin Boy. The Gulf of Gulluk is popular with yachters.
Bodrum has become Turkey's number one seaside tourist destination. Bodrum is home to whitewashed stucco hillside homes with plenty of bougainvillea, and magnificent vistas. The city is also known for its night clubs, and lively nightlife. Club owners try to outdo the other with excesses. At night, the city becomes crowded with those passing on the narrow expanse of "Bar Street," which empties onto an open harbor of more outdoor cafes and bars. A favorite is the illuminated laser show from the famed Halikarnas Night Club.
Halicarnassos, though now known as Bodrum was home to the native people, namely the Lelegs and the Carians who had lived on the hills in the Peninsula of Bodrum. In the year 1000 B.C., those who came here along with the Doric migrations had settled in the locality where the fortress stands today. This is how Halicarnassos was founded. Mausolus was the ruler of the Caria Kingdom between 377 and 353 BC, he made Halikarnassos its capital.The city which was captured by the Lydians in the first half of the 6th century B.C., and by the Persians in the year 546 B.C., was joined with the Satrapy of Saird and later.
The name of the town, Petronium, was difficuIt for the new owners to pronounce and altered through usage to conform to Turkish phonology. Many of the records show the name as "Petrum". Piri Reis, a 15th-century Ottoman mariner and cartographer, called it "Bodurum" in his book On Seafaring, which appeared in 1521. You may here the "old-timers" in the area refer to the town as "Potrum".
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Attractions |
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Mausoleum:
Designed as a great Carian shrine and so beautiful that it became one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was 63 feet wide and it was surrounded by 36 columns. The funeral chamber itself was 8 by 9 meters and approximately 2 meters high. Some parts of the tomb are exhibited at the British Museum in London, England. King Mausolos who had just moved his kingdom's capital of Caria from Mylasa (now known as Milas) to Halicarnassus (now known as Bodrum), built himself this monumental tomb. The Mausoleum was completed around 350 BC, three years after Mausolos death. The beauty of the Mausoleum was not only in the structure itself, but in the decorations and statues that adorned the outside at different levels on the podium and the roof. For 16 centuries, the Mausoleum remained in good condition until it was destroyed by the earthquake in 1304 AD. Records show that the architect responsible for the Mausoleum was Pytheos, the designer of the Athena temple at Priene and that the reliefs which the memorial was embellished were the works of of the greatest sculptors of the time such as: Bryaxis, Leochares, Scopas, and Timotheus. Each of them were responsible for one side of the mausoleum. The Mausoleum also holds a special place in history as it was not dedicated to the gods of Ancient Greece.
The Amphi Theater:
This hillside theater dates back to the 4th century BC and was built to seat 5.000 people. It was in poor condition when discovered and now restored. The views of the town are beautiful.
Bodrum Castle:
Castle of St. Peter. This is an impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes in 15th century. It guards the entrance to Bodrum's blue bay, where the Aegean & the Mediterranean Seas meet.
Underwater Archaeology Museum:
Exhibits frequently change giving visitors something new to see. One of the world's most important museums of nautical archaeology.
Halikarnas:
This night club offers three column towers that impose above the harbor. A striking backdrop to the laser show is offered later in the evening. Old and new hits from the top of the charts are played as well as nightly live shows. An occasional appearance from famous pop singers are common. This club has a capacity of 5,500 people. The club opens at 10pm but doesn't get crowded until midnight. Enjoy special theme nights like the Foam Party! (every Fri and Sat).
Shopping:
Shopping through the narrow streets of Bodrum between the white walls is popular with visitors. There are many Turkish crafts with the most popular being carpets. Visitors will also find great buys on varied leather, copper and bronze wares, silver and gold, handicrafts and embroidery.
Full Day Blue Cruise:
Daily Blue Cruises depart every morning from the harbor. Enjoy stops at 4-5 different bays where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. A wonderful lunch is served onboard and included in your day cruise price. A great way to enjoy the blue seas of the Turkish coast.
The Antique Theatre of Bodrum:
Located above the main highway. Turkcell and Ericsson have finished an extensive restoration project, the site of the Antique Theatre. The renovation of the Antique Theatre (built during Greek and Roman times) is now complete. Situated directly on the main road from Turgutreis to the airport.
Vitruvius records that the architect responsible for the Mausoleum was Pytheos, the designer of the Athena temple at Priene and that the reliefs which the memorial was embellished were the works of of the greatest sculptors of the time such as: Bryaxis, Leochares, Scopas, and Timotheus, each was responsible for one side of the mausoleum. The Mausoleum also holds a special place in history as it was not dedicated to the gods of Ancient Greece.The last written document of a visitor is the one of Bishop Eustathius, he observes in his commentary on Homer, in the twelfth century, that it is a marvel.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Bodrum Turkey:
Bodrum Turkey Travel Information
BodrumTourism Guide
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