History of Bodrum - Turkey
Explore Bodrum's unique history ..
With its perfect natural harbour, crystal clear waters, abundance of resources and year-round mild climate, the land occupied by present-day Bodrum has been a site for human settlement for many centuries since ancient times.
The history of Bodrum goes back to the 6th century BC. It used to be known as Halicarnassus and was one of the important cities of the Caria region.
The famous ancient historian, Herodotus, regarded as the " father of history ", was born in Halicarnassus around the 5th C BC.
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Herodotus |
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the Mausoleum |
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum, tomb of King Mausolus,
was also built in this city in 4th C BC. Today, its foundations are well-preserved. Bodrum's
other important historical attraction, St. Peter's Castle was built by the knights of St. John
in the 14th C.
Fisherman of Halicarnassus,the famous Turkish writer and ethnographer, Cevat Sakir
Kabaagacli was sent to Bodrum for a three year exile in 1927. He was deeply affected
by Bodrum. Thanks to the novels of the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, in the 1970's
Bodrum caught the attention of Turkish intellectuals and started to become a popular
place in Turkey.
Since then over a course of 30 years, Bodrum has become an internationally renowned
holiday destination.
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