FOLLOWİNG THE BODRUM TRAİL OF LEGENDARY TRAVEL VİDEO
Today, the district is renowned as an important tourism center, a status influenced by Bodrum’s unique characteristics. Bodrum is not only known in Turkey but also globally as a significant tourist destination. In terms of population, it has surpassed Muğla city center and Fethiye to become the largest district in the province.
ETYMOLOGY
In ancient times, Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus. In Turkish, it was pronounced as Halikarnas. With the construction of the Castle of St. Peter, the city was dedicated to St. Peter and named Petrium. Over time, this name evolved into Petrum, then Potrum, and finally Bodrum.
HISTORY
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built in the city of Halicarnassus. Over time, the mausoleum was destroyed by earthquakes and invasions, and its marble stones were used in the construction of Bodrum Castle. The castle was built by Christian Knights in the 15th century and took 100 years to complete. The Pope distributed indulgences to those working on the castle’s construction to ensure its completion. Bodrum was the last Christian territory to be captured on Anatolian soil. Although the city was besieged during the reign of Mehmed II, it was only captured during Suleiman the Magnificent’s Rhodes campaign. Today, Bodrum Castle serves as the world’s second-largest underwater archaeology museum. It is the best-preserved castle in the Eastern Mediterranean. The city of Bodrum also hosts numerous cultural events.
CULTURE
Since 2003, the International Bodrum Ballet Festival has been held annually during the summer months. This festival is Turkey’s first and only ballet festival. Additionally, the International Bodrum Biennial has been held since 2014. Since 2010, the city has also hosted the Bodrum Baroque Music Festival.
LOCATION
Bodrum is located in the western corner of Muğla province. Most of the district’s land lies within a peninsula of the same name, surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the north, west, and south. Except for Milas to the east, it has no administrative boundaries.
CLIMATE
Bodrum’s climate is a blend of Aegean and Mediterranean characteristics, with a microclimate typical of a peninsula. Humidity is almost nonexistent during the summer months, while it remains quite low in winter. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. Since 1970, snowfall was recorded only in February 2004, with an average snow depth of 5 cm.