Sights of Bodrum. Legacy of Halicarnassus

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The unique combination of wonderful nature, festive atmosphere and bohemian lifestyle of the capital of Turkey's Azure Coast has long made Bodrum a favorite holiday destination for many tourists. Here, a calm and active pastime during the day smoothly merges into a stormy whirlpool of nightlife. And the next day gives new impressions and knowledge about interesting and memorable places, which is greatly facilitated by the sights of Bodrum, which provide a unique opportunity to travel through its different eras.

Cradle of civilizations

Turkey is one of the popular tourist destinations. Magnificent landscapes here harmoniously combine with impressive ruins of ancient civilizations and modern tourist infrastructure. It is hard to imagine how many monuments of history and architecture, legends and their heroes the world owes the territory of this amazing country. Almost each of its cities keeps a rich history spanning more than one century.

Traces of a glorious past in Turkish lands, presented in the form of temples and statues pardoned by time, are now open to tourists andpilgrims. The sights of Bodrum have also become a heritage of world culture. Turkey is called the cradle of many civilizations for a reason. Once upon a time, many ancient settlements flourished on its territory, among which Hierapolis, Troy, Perga, Miletus, Ephesus, Halicarnassus stand out. The ruins of ancient monuments of the latter today can be seen by visiting Bodrum.

Halicarnassus

Until 1402, Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus, located in the territory of Caria. In the VI century BC. e., after the conquests of Asia Minor by the Persians, the city becomes the capital of the governor of the king of Persia. The entry of Halicarnassus into the empire led him to economic prosperity. It was one of the most magnificent cities on the coast of Asia Minor. Halicarnassus was known for its outlandish parks and gardens, beautiful temples and palaces, but the tomb of King Mausolus brought real glory to the city. It began to be erected during the life of the Carian ruler, but the construction was so grandiose that its construction was completed only by the wife of Mausolus Artemisia III.

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Mausoleum - one of the seven wonders of the world. Its construction was carried out by the Greek architects Satyr of Paros and Pytheas, who became famous for the construction of the Temple of Aphrodite in Ephesus, which is also included in the famous list of world cultural attractions.

The interior decoration of the tomb is frescoes depicting great battles, and colossal statues were real masterpieces of art. Some of them can still be seen today as exhibits of the Istanbuland the British Museums.

The temple itself, not damaged by a strong earthquake, could not survive the conquest of the crusaders. It was dismantled for the construction of St. Peter's Castle. Now only the ruins of the once grandiose mausoleum have been preserved. During city tours, history lovers will definitely see them, as well as other sights of Bodrum: the amphitheater, Myndos Gate, windmills and other monuments.

Amphitheater

The classical antique theater, towering over Bodrum on a hillside, was built during the reign of Mausolus. The amphitheater with a stage platform in the center and seats for the choir accommodated 13,000 spectators. In 1973, after the completion of archaeological excavations, it was opened to tourists.

Myndos Gate

The Myndos Gate is another legacy of ancient Halicarnassus. The ancient sights of Bodrum have been preserved in the form of picturesque ruins, but they are of genuine interest to travelers interested in history.

The gate was the main entrance to the city and was built to increase its protection in 364 BC. e. The design was turned towards Myndos, after which they decided to name them. Today, only their ruins and one of the three defensive towers can be seen.

Medieval Bodrum

During the conquest of Anatolia by Alexander the Great, Halicarnassus fell under the onslaught of a long siege and was burned and destroyed. After the death of the emperor, the city passed into the power of Rhodes and Pergamon. However, the former prosperitycould not reach.

In 1402, the Order of the Knights Hospitaller, who fortified on the island of Rhodes, founded a reliable fortress here to resist the militant Seljuk Turks. The construction of the castle was led by the architect Heinrich Schlegeholt, and by 1437 the walls of the fortress towered menacingly above the sea, telling about the power of the Order.

At the time of the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, the fortress served as a prison, currently the Museum of Underwater Archeology operates here. Its exhibits are unique and of great interest. This is a life-size model of the Uluburun (Phoenician) ship, the seal of Queen Nefertiti and many other outlandish items that were found during diving in shipwrecks.

Saint Peter's Castle is considered a symbol of the city. It is interesting that it was this fortress that gave the modern name to the city. Bodrum in Turkish means "cellar", topographers traced the connection of this name with the word Petronium, meaning "Petra's castle". So the fortress should definitely be given special attention when considering the main attractions of Bodrum. The photo of the architectural complex, well preserved to our time, demonstrates the beauty of medieval architecture. The castle impresses with its power and grandeur even today.

On the hill between the bays of Gumbet and Bodrum are well-preserved windmills. Most of them belong to the 18th century, but they were actively used almost until the end of the 20th century as flour mills.fixtures.

These sights of Bodrum are quite popular among tourists, as they allow not only to see the ancient buildings, but also to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Bardakci bay, Gumbet and the castle from a high hill.

Windmills are open for visits at any time of the day.

Modern face of Halicarnassus

Today Bodrum is one of the most famous resorts in Turkey. Tourists are attracted by scenic landscapes, secluded lagoons, entertainment and attractions.

A kind of natural wonder is Bodrum Bay, which is also called a paradise for diving enthusiasts. When diving, they have a unique opportunity to explore coral reefs and their amazing inhabitants, caves and shipwrecks.

Bodrum is considered the center of sailing in Turkey. Here you can rent a yacht and go on a small cruise, organize exciting fishing, exciting diving. Such legendary cities as Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale natural site are located near the port of Bodrum. Sightseeing, excursions to ancient cities and walks along the coast reveal the incredible world of a glorious and majestic era.