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History of Marmaris
It is not known when Marmaris was founded, but Physkos as Marmaris was previously known, was part of the Carian Empire in the 6th century B.C. when overrun by the Lydians.
Another invasion by the Lydians in 334 B.C. led to the partition of the Roman Empire of Alexander the Great. According to the historian Herodotus, the Carians settled in what is now the province of Mugla after coming from Crete. They also took over the town of Physkos with its large natural harbour, and used it as a military base for their campaigns against the Phoenicians in Rhodes and other Aegean islands. The Carian civilization entered a dark period after 300 B.C., coming under the rule of the Egyptians, Asstrians, Ionians and Dorians successively. The Dorians turned the Carian province into 9 colony cities, also including Halicarnassos and Knidos, which became an active trading centre for Anatolia and led to an increase in handicrafts and maritime trade.
In 138 B.C. Attalos the 3rd, King of Bergama, whose predecessors had ruled Caria for 90 years, ceded Physkos to Rome and the city was ruled from Rhodes by Roman generals. The city became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1425, and the castle was built in 1521 AD for use in a planned assault on Rhodes. The Ottoman Sultan at the time, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman, changed the name of the town to Mimaras, which then became Marmaris according to the historian Evlija Celebi. A local rumour has it that the reason for the change of name Mimaras was that Suleyman, on returning from his expedition to Rhodes, disliked the castle and exclaimed "mimar as!", which means "hang the architect!" Unfortunately there is no evidence to support this amusing story.
Situated within 3-4 hours drive from Marmaris are three sites of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World:
The Artemisium at Epheses: There is only one column standing that has been re-erected. The British Museum and The Ephesus museum in Vienna have far more on display than we can show in Turkey.
The Mausoleum at Halicamessus: Built for King Mausoleus of Caria who reigned from 377-353 BC by his wife and sister Artemisia. No ruins are to be seen today.
The Colossus of Rhodes: Mythology tells us that this massive wonder was sold as scrap metal in the 8th century.
At that time there Iived a wise, holy woman named 'Sariana' (Blonde Mother). The Sultan asked her opinion on the result of the forthcoming battle and she wisely foretold that he would win. The Sultan did win and the Crusaders were sent off to
Malta. The tomb of Sariana may be visited, set beside the mosque on the hill behind Marmaris. Even today Iocal women pray here and ask for guidance.
An Insight to Marmaris
Marmaris is situated on the Agean coast at the very centre of the most scenically beautiful area of southern Turkey. The town lying at the head ofa sparkling fiord is surrounded by pine covered hills with a magnificent backdrop of dramatic mountains. The lush greenery of this area is thanks to a bountiful supply of fresh water from underground springs and streams. This idyllic venue affords the visitor a wide choice of holiday activities.
Dalaman airport is just over an hour away from Marmaris by road. There are frequent flights from Europe and the UK. In addition there are scheduled flights to Istanbul and on to Ankara, connecting with international services world-wide. It is also possible to travel by coach to and from all major cities in Turkey direct to Marmaris.
There are regular ferry boat services to Marmaris from Rhodes just 28 miles away.
From a small fishing village in the early seventies Marmaris has grown to be a major tourist resort and has been planned with care. Marmaris has retained its charm and comprises many villages within its environs. Hotel development has been confined
along the shores of the bay and thankfully , high-rise constructions are not permitted. The majority of the peninsular shoreline is also now under conservation to retain the beauty of the coastline.
Old City and Shopping
Old Marmaris is clustered around an 11 th century Ottoman castle and many of the original houses have been sympathetically restored. In this area you will find smart boutiques and attractive restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets.
Climb the castle hill to explore the shady whitewashed streets and watch artists working in their studios. Have a drink at any one of the many secluded bars near the summit and enjoy the view across the fiord.
To the east of the old castle is the superb new Marmaris Marina with berths for over 600 yachts and a virtual sailing village. Within the Marina are restaurants, bars, a swimming pool and quality boutiques.
Enter one of the maze of covered lanes to the fascinatirig and colourful shopping bazaar and bargain with the friendly traders for leather, hand made carpets, gold and silver jewellery , herbs and spices, clothes, onyx vases, chess-men, meersham pipes and much, much more. Regardless of whether you buy anything, you will be entertained and may be offered tea in a ceramic shop or with the grocer.
Getting about in and around Marmaris
There is never a shortage of transport and the fun thing is that you have a variety of different modes of travel to choose from: there are regular "little buses" known as "Dolmus" with connecting services to all suburbs and villages within the province, enabling you to hop on and off , to and from anywhere. In Marmaris itself there is an amusing open "cek cek" which is pulled along the main seafront road by tractor. Taxis are to be found almost everywhere in town. In the evening you can take a relaxed, romantic "trot" around. Marmaris in an open horse and carriage. Should you wish to explore independently, up-to-date vehicles can be rented from one of the many car hire firms in town.
There is a very efficient network of modem air-conditioned coaches operating to and from Marmaris connecting with all towns and major cities in Turkey.
Activities
Jeep Sararis:
One and two day safaris by self drive jeep, travelling off-road into the mountains behind Marmaris and beyond, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way .A convoy of five or six jeeps accompanied by the lead vehicle, with a mechanic and guide aboard to show you the route, will wind their way through Iiquidamber woods, over streams and dusty roads, travelling about 70 miles each day. Swim in natural waterfalls, visit sulphur springs, Iunch in remote villages and meet the country people, then relax on a solitary beach. The two day safari features an ovemight stay in village houses.
Water Sports:
Should you wish to take advantage of the vast choice of water sports available along the coast there are many outlets affording you the opportunity to: Scuba dive, go parasailing, water ski, windsurf, snorkel or enjoy a ride on the banana boat.
Boat Trips:
Many varied inexpensive daily boat trips depart from the main harbour front to nearby secluded bays. Follow the dramatic coastline past phosphorous caves, and swim from the boat in deep clear waters. A BBQ or a stop for lunch along the way completes an idyllic trip. You can also sail a littie further to Dalyan and visit Kaunos, winding through the reeded 'African Queen' territory ofthe delta. Wallow in a mud bath and sunbathe on the famous sandy "turtle beach".
Ferry Boats to Rhodes:
A selection of marine companies offer regular ferry boat services from Marmaris to Rhodes and back throughout the year. Only one and a half hour's boat ride away makes this a feasible and enjoyable day trip to Greece
Hoist the Mainsail - Marmaris International Race Week:
During early November each year Marmaris hosts the "Race Week" which is organised by the Marmaris International Yacht Club. Yachtsmen from all over the world test their skills and enjoy Marmaris hospitality for a week of hard sailing and fun.
Turkish Gulet Cruising and Yatch Charter
There is no better way to explore the coast and islands than by yacht or traditional Turkish Gulet. Bowling along before the boisterous Meltemi breeze with a cloud of white sails above. This is the holiday life! A four day cruise from Marmaris by Gulet will take you to the Fethiye Bay Islands. Life on board is relaxed, sailing along at a leisurely pace. A typical day may start with a pre-breakfast swim. Up anchor and cruise on to another bay for more swimming, snorkelling or windsurfing, followed by lunch and then on to a village for an ovemight stay. Dinner on board is prepared and cooked for you by your crew and may include local dishes, fresh fish pulled from the sea, delicious salads and herbs picked freshly from the hills. Altematively you could dine on mezes and grills at simple restaurants ashore.
Places of Interest to Visit
Içmeler
This picturesque resort lies 10 kilometres from Marmaris at the westem end of the bay and is well known for its famous springs whose waters have proved to be beneficial to the digestive system. The noted beach stretches along the length of the bay and is bordered by a variety of restaurants, bars and hotels strung along the promenade. Icmeler offers a wide selection of top quality hotels, family hotels, pensions and apart motels to suit everyone's standards and preferences, whilst the older residential area nestless under the hills at the rear of town.
Turunç
This picturesque village surrounded by high mountains with its sandy beaches lies just outside Marmaris Bay .There are pensions and hotels of all categories with small open restaurants on the seafront. A regular boat "taxi" service runs to and from Marmaris, or take the scenic mountain road
Kumlubük
6 kilometres from Turunc lies Kumlubük on a beautiful wide sweep of beach. En-route the road passes the ruins of Amos, high above a sea so clear that fish at a depth of 5 metres can still be seen. The resort, which is best reached by boat has open restaurants and modern touristic facilities.
Çiftlik
Accessible by road from Içmeler , this village is famous for its clean, sandy beach and little restaurants. The road is safe but presently of jeep safari style, so you may prefer to enjoy the 2 hour sail from Marmaris, returning to your hotel on the same boat in the evening.
Gulf of Hisaronu
Take the Datça, road from Marmaris, climb through rugged scenery and then leave the highway for a narrow mountain road to the Gulf. An area favoured with sweet scented pines and carpets of wild flowers. See hundreds of blue painted bee hives, with their busy inhabitants making honey for which this area is famous. Swim from any one of the many secluded beaches. The road leads you down to the village of Orhaniye in a tranquil setting at the very head of the Gulf. Across the bay from Orhaniye is a tiny island capped by an ancient fortress. Lunch at a restaurant where the visiting yachts are moored. In the aftemoon follow the dirt road to Bozburun, a village renowned for the construction of "gulets", the traditional wide beamed, wooden boats to be seen all along the coast. Here there are some charming restaurants and specialist boutiques.
Gulf of Gokova
The enormous sweep of Gökova Bay on the road to Marmaris is a patchwork of endless plains and citrus plantations stretching out to meet the sea. Impressive pine forested mountains create a dramatic backdrop to this conservation area where you will often see small green terrapins and speckled brown trout swimming in the clear streams.
Akkaya
Akyaka is a village on the shores of Gökova Bay. Thirty minutes drive from Marmaris, its fish restaurants on the river have been a stopping place for Turkish travellers for many years. The surrounding mountains and countryside have been declared a conservation area, and the plains between the two rivers are a class 'A' sanctuary. The reed beds are home to many rare birds, otter colonies and many other species of wildlife. Local building codes ensure that all new constructions are designed on the same lines as the houses of 200 years ago. Angled rooms and the use of local pine make this architecture most interesting. The ruins of the city of Idyma's necropolis are 3km inland and 5km along the bay is the tiny beach of Çinar.
Cleopatra's Island
"Sedir Adasi", more commonly known as Cleopay Island, is a half-hour drive to the north of Marmaris followed by a fifteen minute boat trip. The major island of the Cedrea Islands in the Gokova Bay. The ruins of the small city of Cedrea are located on the eastern half of the island and it is worth a stroll from the beach to admire the lovely Iittle Roman theatre.
The locals of the nearby villages have an interesting story as part of their folklore dating back for generations. They believe that Anthony had this special pure white sand shipped from Red Sea some 2,000 years ago for Cleopatra to enjoy. Some may laugh at this charming story, making fun of the villager's beliefs, yet several years ago geologists studied the sand and found it to be fossilized plankton. Each grain is a perfect sphere and the closest place it is to be found is in North Africa.
Datça
Datça, 79 km from Marmaris is a pleasant sleepy little town, which was in ancient times the capital of the area. After leaving Marmaris town the road climbs steeply through dramatic mountain scenery and the aromas of thyme, rosemary and sage. Travel along the very top of the Datça peninsular flanked by turquoise coves on both sides, a slice of green creating a natural division where the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet. Maybe walk along Datça beach to the Sultan's pool, here legend has it that the fresh spa water bubbling up from beneath made their wives even more beautiful. Well it's worth a try!
Knidos
Continue along the Datça peninsular to ancient Knidos, one of the six cit ies of the Dorian Confederacy .The solitary ruins of Knidos are scattered on the hillside overlooking the ancient harbour .Much of this large site has still to be excavated but the skeleton of the city can easily be seen. In its time famous for its statue of Aphrodite created by the Greek sculptor Praxteles. In the 4th century BC this was one of the first statues of a naked woman and as such attracted many early tourists.
During the same period, Eudoxos, one of the founding fathers of Greek geometry, lived in Knidos and set up an observatory to study the stars.
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