Selimiye and its near villages are located in Bozburun Peninsula, a rich area with its nature and history. The peninsula is in Hisarönü Gulf, one of the few bays with the best preserved sea and coasts of Mediterranean. Thus, Selimiye area has untouched bays in its coasts and various historical artifacts and roads over its hills. Because of its distance from the large cities and its location in the south-westernmost corner of Turkey, it hosts areas where natural living conditions prevail.
Because of all these features of the region, we offer or recommend various activity options to our guests who are interested.
Daily Boat Tours: Every day from 10 am to 5 pm, Selimiye Tour Boats offer 3 route options to their attenders. During the tour, one will find the opportunity to swim in the clean waters of 6-7 different bays of Hisarönü Gulf, as well as to discover the exceptional beauties of islands and bays that cannot be reached via land. Boat capacities are between 10 and 25 people. The price per person (including meal and tea service) ranges between 40 TL to 50 TL depending on the season. During the peak season (July-September), guests are recommended to make reservations one day in advance. Swan Lake offers this service to its guests.
Exclusive Boat Tour: Swan Lake offers its guests the opprtunity for an exclusive boat tour via its agreement with Özbarış 4 Boat, provided that our guests make a reservation in advance. The tour, which is limited to a minimum 2 and maximum 6 people, can be arranged according to the guests’ requests. The price for the daily boat tour, which includes lunch and five o‘clock tea, varies between 600 TL and 1200 TL depending on the season and number of guests. All information and visuals about the boat are available at www.ozbaris4.com.
Trekking, Carian Trail and Bozburun Peninsula Tracks: Carian Trail, which includes the cities of Aydın and Muğla, is the longest distance (820 km) trekking route in Turkey. The route is named after the Carian Civilization, which was located in this region during the first era. It passes through numerous villages with unique architectural textures, untouched bays, hills full of olive and almond trees, and various large and small antique cities, some of which can only be reached by walking. Carian trail takes individuals to a journey from past to today, full of cultural, historical, and natural beauties, following the trails of the Carian civilizations, from the blues of the bays to the greens of the hills, from touristic towns on the coasts to mountain villages, from pathways to stone-paved pack trails, from Mediterranean to Aegean. (Source: kariayolu.com) For the trekkers who seek discovery, this secluded and hard-to-reach peninsula is ideal. In areas where no roads are present, old roads and pathways were cleared so that every viewpoint that sees the Symi and Rhodes islands can be reached. The following tracks of Carian Trail are present in Bozburun Peninsula and in the shore of Marmaris, which is close to Selimiye:
It is not mandatory to complete any one of these tracks at once. After the detailed information, maps, and GPS coordinates are provided via www.kariayolu.com, we drop our guests to and pick them from the requested locations at their desired time. Therefore, our guests can hike in any distance they want, without the need to return using the same route. We also provide the daily materials that can be needed during the trekking.
Horse Safari: Horse Safari is another interesting and fun activity that is available in the near region. Yağna Horse Safari, which is located on the Marmaris road and can be reached in about 25 minutes by car from Swan Lake, organizes 1.5-hour enjoyable horse safaris in the woods and the river. Horse Safari, which has a price range of 30-40 TL per person, is an exciting option for the nature and sports lovers.
Tours of Near Villages and Historical Ruins: Detailed information about Selimiye and other villages nearby, and the antique artifacts in these villages are provided below. Information on transportation and the map of Swan Lake can be obtained from the hotel.
SELİMİYE
Once you leave behind the “sea of greens” in Turgut, you arrive at crystal blue beauty of Selimiye and get surprised in admiration. All of a sudden, the mountains lose intense forest texture and turn to characteristic Aegean-Mediterranean maquis. They are accompanied with almond and olive trees. Then Selimiye welcomes you with its picturesque view of houses dispersed from piedmonts towards the shore.
Selimiye people live more on the sea due to steep lands and lack of water, compared to other villages in the region. Locals mostly maintain the Turcoman Yorouk culture, but there are Turks of Crete origins as well.
Almond trees that surround the village wrap themselves up in all white flowers in early February, as if it snowed. Thanks to high oxygen content in the air, many locals exceed 100 years of age.
There are ruins of 3 castles in the vicinity of Selimiye. One is on the highest hill, other on Sarıkaya hill and the third takes place on Kızılköy Neighbourhood.100 metres off the shore, there is a watch-bastion to guide the boats; besides, the lighthouse, monastery and theatre are other ruins worth seeing. The ruins excavated from the submerged wrecks are exhibited at Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
As it was close to Hydas, founded in 600s BC, which takes place in modern-day Turgut, the village was called Hidas, before getting the name of Losta in Byzantine era. In 1391, it became an Ottoman land. Upon the foundation of Republic, transportation became easier and the village moved to the settlement it is today.
Kameriye (Camellia) Island is the first stop of daily boat trips from Selimiye. There is a monastery, easy to climb from the shore. Mosaics of black, white and gray sea stones adorn its yard.
Dişlice Island is in the tour programme of boat trips from Selimiye, as from Orhaniye. The island has the look of a monumental volcanic rock. The rocks are so wavy that it is called “island of lovers” since there is a quiet corner for lovers who seek a place to get together. Its side in face of Bencik Cove comprises tiny beaches.
HİSARÖNÜ
Hisarönü is the rich village in terms of history. During Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras, common belief was that the clean sea and all green nature healed many diseases.
On the plain called Pazarlık on Mount Eren, there are ruins of Kastabos city, which was a cult centre in ancient period. The existing remnants in Kastabos belong to HemitheaTemple. The temple served as a healthcare sanctuary where patients, especially childless women, were healed in their dreams. Hisarönü is considered as continuation of ancient city of Bybassos. This is why you can come across not only at higher sites, but also around the beach which was once used as a harbour.
The history of village dates back to 7th century BC.Kingdom of Pergamum,Roman Empire, Byzantines and Menteşe Beylik seized the site, before Ottomans came to rule in 1451. During Siege of Rhodes in 1522, Suleiman the Magnificent came to Marmaris; and after the conquest of Rhodes, some of soldiers settled in Marmaris, and some in Hisarönü. The village was called Erine before Turkish Republic, and later took its current name.
TURGUT
Turgut is among best known villages of the region for its history and natural beauty. Thanks to its rich cultural and natural assets, Turgut is included in a natural protected area. The surroundings are covered by local characteristic Turkish pines. The gardens are full of olive, orange, mandarin, lemon, almond, fig, walnut, mulberry, pomegranate, avocado, banana and eucalyptus trees. Turgut valley was once a sea, before being filled with alluviums. Today, you may see seashells coming out of wells three kilometres from the coast. The beach and cove, 2 kilometres away from village centre, hosts ruins of a Byzantine church and three-room Turkish bath.
Turgut Fall, pours down from 6-7 metres, and is surrounded by pines and fragrant sweet gum trees, which relieve and relax your body even in the hottest days of summer. The surrounding is breeding ground of jersey tigers.
Ancient city of Hydas/Hygassos was a settlement founded on the mountains descending right onto the sea, on the southeast of village. It is one of 18 castle habitations on Bozburun Peninsula and the half of these settlements are yet to be added to literature. The city is surrounded with cyclopean rampart walls; it once had an acropolis and a harbour. The habitation was used beginning from Late Bronze Age until Late Antiquity. On the way from Turgut to waterfall, you will see an interesting pyramidal mausoleum on piedmonts on the right. The low entrance of building is now collapsed. According to its epitaph from 4th or 3rd century BC, it belongs to a warrior called Diagoras. The village was called Ella in Roman and Byzantine periods. After the foundation of Turkish Republic, it became Turgut.
Turgut Castle is located near the village, on a hill of around 300 metres high. You can drive about 300 metres near the castle on an earth road. The remaining section, however, is very steep and you have to walk. The walls of castle, probably of ancient city of Bybassos, are partially degraded. You meet the exciting scenery of Orhaniye and Hisarönü coves on the fortress.
BAYIR
Bayır is mountain village founded in the midst of high hills. The village is located on the slopes of “Impassable mountains where any kind of wild animals live,” as Turkish traveller Evliya Çelebi says. Monumental Plane Tree is the landmark of Bayır. There is no exact information about its age, but estimations vary from 1500 to 2300 years. The visitors stop off in order to take a rest beneath this tree, have a cup of ayran or tea made of local herbs and eat pancakes. Many kinds of honey, carob molasses, roasted peanuts and almonds, and wood engraving articles are sold in shops and on benchs at the village square.
As the physician of Akha armies that besieged Troy got married and settled here; the village went into history under name of Syrna. It has reached today under rule of Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, respectively.
The villagers remain as mountain peasants, and they principally live on apiculture, as well as cultivation of laurel, thyme, and sage. Apart from the monumental plane tree at village square, locals indicate there are three others, cypress, Syrian juniper, and bay tree, which are also very old, but whose age aren’t registered. Besides, the ancient cistern on the way to Söğüt keeps providing water to peasants.
Syrna, is on Yoncaağız Hill, on 2 km northeast of village. The word is of Luwian or Carian origin, and means “Holy/Beautiful Spring”. You can reach at Syrna after half an hour’s walk via ancient stone road. Among the ruins, there are ramparts, tombs and remnants of buildings. Experts consider that certain historical stones at Bayır Graveyard were taken from the ruins of Syrna.
In Hellenistic era, Syrna was famous for its temple of Asclepius, the god of medicine. Recent excavations unearthed snake-entwined stone, the symbol of Asclepius, near the mosque in village square. The exact place of AsclepiusTempleis unknown; nevertheless, the mosque is considered to have been founded on its ruins. Apart from the “stone with snake” at the entrance of the mosque, there is no evidence for such assertion.
Locals talk about an interesting cave called Çengirek Cave between Bayır and Söğüt. The official records comprise no cave in this site known as Armelya. The walls of the cave bear writings; but their period is unknown. Besides, there are ruins at the entrance, probably belonging to an altar.
The detour to Çiftlik Cove takes place about 1 km after the beginning of asphalt road from Bayır to Söğüt. On the way to coveits possible to see Çiftlik Cove on one side and Gulf of Hisarönü on the other. Everywhere is covered with pinewood. Once you are down in the bay, a spotless, idyllic sea welcomes you. Çiftlik Cove has such clean water that you can count one by one the stones lying on sea bottom even if the depth exceeds10 metres. There is a food and beach service at the cove.
You can also go to Gebekse Cove, next to Çiftlik, on a boat, in order to dive or swim. At the end of the bay, there are ruins which are considered to belong to a church. The cove with a tiny strand and arbour-like restaurant offers thousands of colours to divers under the sea.
ORHANİYE
Orhaniye is one of the most important tourism centres on the coast of Hisarönü Gulf. The yachts visiting the Gulf usually spend the night in Orhaniye.
The most important touristic value of village is Kızkumu, interesting with its myth and geographical structure. This unusual natural beauty seems as a submersed pathway consisting of tile red, coarse grained sands and tiny pebbles. 600 metres long of this sand platform, formed in centuries by winds and waves.
Known as Bybassos in 3rd century BC, the village was later called Kırvasil. Bybassos Castle was used by Knights of Rhodes and by pirates as shelter. Under Ottoman rule, the habitants of Symi Island were exempted from tax, and they bought lands from the region as a rentable investment.
According to Kızkumu Myth once upon a time, the daughter of local sovereign fell in love with a fisherman. They had secret rendezvous. As the fisherman came from the sea, the girl waited him on the strand, and showed her place with a light. Until dawn, they made love.
In the course of time, the sovereign heard about this secret love, and told a man to follow his daughter. One night, he orders his solders to seize up the girl and send signals to the fisherman from the strand instead of her. As soon as he sees the light, the young fisherman rows towards a squad of soldiers. The girl gets rid of the soldiers and begins to run in order to save her lover; but it is impossible to reach at the other side of village. She throws herself in the sea. At that very moment, a miracle happens! Wherever the girl sets her foot, it turns to a path, while the chasing soldiers are sunk in waters once they step on it. The girl runs to the boat. Nevertheless, an archer aims at and shoots the fisherman. The arrow hits the girl hugging her lover. The pathway turns red once the girl’s blood mixes with the sea. Fisherman takes the girl and fades away. Since then, nobody has seen or heard about them…
Bybassos ruins: Just off Kızkumu, in the midst of Orhaniye cove, there is an island hosting ruins of a castle. The castle is believed to belong to ancient city of Bybassos that has other remnants around. Locals of Bybassos have supplied water for the castle by means of aqueducts and water pipes from the waterfall in Turgut village. It is believed that current Orhaniye was founded on piedmont of the hill where ancient city of Bybassos takes place. Rampart ruins are in a dispersed area within the forest.
Along with Osmaniye and Hisarönü, most honeydew honey is produced in Orhaniye. At the end of September, a “honey feast” is arranged in the village.
Traditional dish of Orhaniye is “alahoş”, for which the fish is half-roasted. Besides, peasants produce thyme juice and apple seed oil in order to use against diseases.
OSMANİYE
Osmaniye is a mountain village at an altitude of 550 metres, mainly living on apiculture and honey. 95% of peasants work in beekeeping. The most important product of Osmaniye, which spreads on a vast area in dispersed manner, is the world-famous honeydew honey you may find on wayside passing through the village.
Osmaniye has gradually identified with honeydew honey; recently, a Honey House has been established. It comprises a museum on history of honey and apiculture, as well as section where you may buy honey and honey products.
Apart from apiculture, organic products such as sage, thyme, laurel leaf, carob and olive provide income. Along the road through village, there are several tiny restaurants. They are often visited by guests who seek a natural village breakfast. It is possible to find in every season pancake stuffed with various mountain herbs and ayran. In spring, you come across various flower species during your walk around the village.They comprise endemic species as well. Peony, which you may see on Palamut Hill, is most abundant in Osmaniye all around Marmaris.The village doesn’t have a well-known history; nevertheless, it is considered that Turks lived in Osmaniye during Seljuk era and even before Islam. There are also Yorouk tribes who settled in the village afterwards. In 1298, when Yorouks from Anamur and Alanya revolted against government, the latter wanted to gather them and exile to Cyprus. During their voyage, Yorouks took command of the ship, and settled in and around Marmaris. After a long while, the government forgave them on the condition that they don’t leave their habitation. These Yorouk tribes are still known as Yorouks of Alanya.
The former name of village was Alakese. Before War of Independence, when Turks and Greeks lived together, Turks rebelled in order to exile Greeks. Thereupon, the Greeks called Turks as “Ottomans” and “Osmaniyeli”, and the village took its present.
Kumlubük Cove brings Osmaniye together with the sea. You can arrive at the cove by land through Turunç district. Apart from beautiful strand and beach, it is famous for fish restaurants. Its coast and hills bear ideal tracks for trekking and eco-tours. The cave on southeast is surprising. It is considered to have hosted one of the first ever settlements in the region, about 5,000 years ago. The cave comprises roadways, stalactites and stalagmites. Since it is discovered rather recently, a scientific research is yet to be made.
Amos takes on the slopes between Turunç and Kumlubük. You may reach after 1 hour walk from Turunç and 30-minute walk from Kumlubük. Thanks to its position, it was an important city during ancient times. Today, however, there are very little remnants. Theatre, temple and certain pedestals are among the ruins. It is unknown when it was exactly founded. One of three theatres on Bozburun peninsula, which was known as Rhodian Karşıyaka in Antiquity, is in Amos. The city possesses findings that hint worshipping rituals for Apollo and Dionysus. The main gate of city is very well-kept. Besides, necropolis is worth seeing.
SÖĞÜT
Söğüt is one of the most special villages around Marmaris thanks to its history, culture, local foods and sea. “Saranda”, the former name of the village, is a legacy of Greeks who lived around in the past.
Today, the main source of income has become tourism; whereas agriculture and navigation was once more prominent. Thanks to its nearness to Greek islands, Söğüt was used as a commerce port. Throughout history, the village paid special attention to education, and the teachers, doctors and lawyers of the region are mostly from Söğüt. Most locals are Turkmens, whereas the rest are of Balkan origin.
On southwest of village, there are ruins of Thysannos settlement on the hill behind the school. It is not possible to see too much since no excavation has taken place. There are wall remnants and basement traces among ancient ruins.
Cumhuriyet (former Saranda) Neighbourhood is 3 km from village centre. It is considered as the gate of Söğüt to sea. You come across an impressive sight descending down the piedmonts. Even though the surroundings and opposite islands lack green and are mainly gray lands, they are in harmony with the deep blue waters of Aegean Sea. The great island off the shore is the Greek Symi Island.. The single storey stone houses, crystalline sea, fish restaurants and fresh village air make Söğüt one of the most intersting village.
Apart from touristic activities, almond and carob provide support for local economy. Especially thanks to increasing importance of carob in sanitary terms, a new minor sector is formed in the village. Carob molasses, produced in Söğüt.
The history of Söğüt dates back to 4th century BC via Bozukkale (Loryma) settlement nearby. The site was in face of Rhodes, the most important habitation of the day; and was called “Peraia of Rhodes”. It was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, respectively. It is one of most connected of villages in the region because of presence of many Greeks, and relations with neighbouring islands. Between 1912 and 1940, when Rhodes was seized by Italians, it reached at its peak in terms of agricultural production, and sold fruits & vegetables to Aegean islands. Following World War II, the commerce with Greek islands concentrated on sponge fishing. Especially broad bean cultivation came to forefront. As broad beans lost their importance due to greenhouses, as of 1990s, tourism shone out.
TAŞLICA
Taşlıca is a vital point of regional tourism with its historical ruins and coves; nevertheless, it is the least developed in economic terms. This is why the village is less influenced by social and cultural changes due to tourism.
Taşlıca is 5 km away from Söğüt. The first kilometer after Söğüt has an impressive view. Saranda coast, coves, cape and islands form a wonderful scene.
Goat milk, goat cheese, garlic and chickpea are popular crops of village. Almond, fig and olive are also delicious. Especially, the figs which are immersed into boiling juice of special local herbs are a joy to eat. Apiculture is also a common activity; and thyme honey is particularly famous. Milk production is based on goats. Goat cheese, made of goat milk, is the best known food of Taşlıca. The yeast of cheese is the natural yeast from the bowels of animal, which gives the cheese its unique taste.
The youngsters of village are famous for cookery. These young men cook at marriage and mawlid ceremonies. Every dish has its own master. The food culture is very high in Taşlıca. Notable hotels and restaurants in Marmaris employ cooks from the village. Many surrounding ancient settlements date back to Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. When Ottomans conquered the region, Turkmen tribes came to settle in Taşlıca, as well as in other villages. According to some sources, in the wake of Battle of Ankara in 1402, a group of Mongolians moved in the village.
The village bears many historical ruins. It seems that ancient ruins will bloom from earth once you excavate these silent and deserted lands. The most notable ones are Phoenix, Serçe Harbour, Kırkkuyular, Loryma and Lake Kıran.
Phoenix: Ruins of Phoenix, a significant city of Caria civilisation, is 4 km away from Taşlıca, on and around hill Asar. First of all, you see the tombs before the ancient pathway between village and ancient city. Towards halfway, you arrive at agora in a cavity, a well-kept building climbing on the hill and then necropolis, the main graveyard of the city. At the summit, the view is more striking than the ruins. There is the sea on one side, Taşlıca on another, deserted houses on their last leg in Sindilli, where former habitants of Taşlıca lived, and Aziziye Neighbourhood on southwest, around 6 km ahead near Serçe Harbour. The name Phoenix has transformed into Fenix, Fenike and Fineket in the course of time. Even though the village is officially called Taşlıca, it is known as “Fineket” by locals.
Serçe Harbour: The earth road detouring to right at the entrance of Taşlıca reaches at Serçe Harbour at the end of 8 kilometres. The harbour is an anchoring side for Blue Voyage yachts; it has a crystalline sea bed, and is sheltering even under roughest weather conditions. The port has a stone-carved glorious gate. An underwater survey has revealed a wreck and glassware within, dating back to 11th century. The wreck and glassware are exhibited at Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It is estimated that ancient city of Kasara was also founded at the harbour; nevertheless, there is no archaeological excavation yet.
Kırkkuyular: On the 1st kilometre of Taşlıca-Serçe road, you will see Kırkkuyular and just ahead, stone houses of Sindilli village. Kırkkuyular (literally, “forty wells”) are named after 40 cisterns built by former villagers. The water problem still exists in the region; and these wells are used even today in order to provide water for stockbreeding, agriculture and houses. Kırkkuyular and Sindilli are common stops of village and trekking tours. Village women, who draw water from wells of about15 metres, constitute wonderful shots for photographer tourists.
Loryma (Bozukkale): If you want to reach at Bozukkale port and nearby ancient ruins by land, you have walk through Taşlıca. If you choose to go by sea, you will have a half an hour trip on tiny boats from Serçe Harbour. Bozukkale is a natural sheltering harbour for blue voyage yachts. Throughout history, this well-kept position brought Loryma strategic importance. In 1412 BC, Athenian Fleet moored here; whereas in 395 BC, the same fleet gathered here before Battle of Cnidus. Today, restaurants along the cove serve the yachts. Ruins of Loryma, founded in 7th century BC, are spread over a vast area including the bay. The city was totally deserted in the wake of Arab conquest in 7th century. The most significant outstanding building is the well-kept harbour castle with a length of 120 metres and 10 metres wide.
BOZBURUN
Bozburun Town is in Bozburun Peninsula that brings the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea together that is, at a place where the road comes to an end and in the beauties of history and nature waiting to be discovered is quite a holiday paradise. There is a wide bay and connected to the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea by a passage called ‘Ada Boğazı’. This sea town that is very famous among ‘blue voyage’ boats with its lacy coves and islands bears the footsteps of the civilization survived for hundreds, thousands years on the territory around the town. All kinds of objects including amphoras brought to surface by divers from submerged areas in its blue turquoise waters prove that it was a commercial harbor in the past.
Bozburun dwellers made a living from fishing and sponge fishing until 1970s have mastered in boat building and built a reputation both in Turkey and abroad with the building of traditional boats called ‘gulet’.
Bozburun having a small sheltered strategic harbour is the haunt and meeting place of all boats cruising or setting out on a blue voyage. This holiday town adorned with orange, lemon, almond and olive trees among the green mountains of the peninsula.
It may be thought that the name of Bozburun (Gray cape) town that is on a cape surrounded by gray mountains originate from its nature. However studies indicates that a group of ‘Boz Obası’ Turkmens fleeing from Middle Anatolia due to Mongolian invasion in 14 and 15th century settled there and this settlement started to be called as “Bozburun”.
The region within Tavas-Afrodiyas in the north, Aydın and Büyük Menderes line in the west expect for Fethiye and Kınık in the east is known as Caria. As the Carians lived in Aegean Islands as a part of Minoan civilization whose centre was Crete in 4th century BC, they left Minoan civilization in 3400 BC and came to Anatolia and settled in Muğla. The name Caria comes from Car, the king of Carians at that period. After the region was invaded by the Dorians and Ionians in 1000 BC and Carian dominance collapsed.
Knidosians lived on the peninsula in the northeast of Datça (today’s Burgaz region) in the Hellenistic period moved the city to Knidos known as ‘Deve Boynu’ today due to the reason that it was far for the control of the Mediterranean-Aegean maritime trade and was not sufficient in terms of security. When Praxiteles, the famous sculptor of that period, sculpted the “Aphrodite of Knidos”, the region earned more reputation and again Knidosian architect Sostratos went to Egypt and built the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Faros) that is among the seven wonders of the world. Again another Knidosian astronomer Eudoxos stated that ‘all planets in the spaces orbits around the same center’ in the observatory that he established there and caused innovations in the ancient age. The city captured by Alexander the Great in this period was under the dominance of Roman Empire in 120 BC ad under the dominance of Byzantine Empiein 395 BC: Muğla City and Datça Peninsula was under the dominance of the Seljuks in 12th century, of the Menteşe Beylik in 13th century, of the Ottoman Empire in 14th century and of the Republic of Turkey in the 20th century.
The oldest known name of Bozburun that has existed since ancient ages as a settlement is ‘Tinos’ or ‘Tymnos’. Bozburun recognized with the name “Bosprina” as the prominent settlement and harbour of Drahya in the recent past. After the conquest of Anatolia, Turkmen immigrants maintained their lives firstly in Marmaris via Taurus Mountins and then in Drahya with other ethnic groups living in the region. After population exchange conducted after the Treaty of Lausanne, Turkmens became the only ruler of the town. Bozbuun has existed as a town the Republican period and the municipality of the town was put into service in June, 1992.
The city is in the inner end of Gulf of Bozburun and there is a wide strand formed by the alluviums carried by a stream. Remains of castle and graves can easily be encountered around the city that is also called as “Poseidonion”. ‘Leleg’-type walls of ramparts on the slope of the hill facing the sea that is called as “Castle” by the local community and rectangular planned bastions were built with cyclopean style (without mortar, plaster, stone on stone architecture) in a really magnificient and durable way and they have survived until today.
There are 10 historical cities in Bozburun Peninsula. ‘Bybassos’ that is 20 km far from Marmaris-Datça Highway has a castle assumed to belong middle ages. Rampart remains belonging to 2000 BC can be seen in ‘Hygassos’ between Orhaniye and Turgut villages.
‘Kastabos’ is a holy city established on the plains of Eren Mountain. It means ‘Temple plain’ in Carian language. There is a health cult belonging to ‘Hemithea’ called goddess on the top of the mountain and a big marble platform. It is not open to visitors since archaeological excavations has not been conducted yet. This place was a temple belonging to goddess ‘Hemithea’ curing illnesses and was a holy place to visit.
‘Tymnos’ was one of the district centres of Rhodes Administration within south-western Anatolian territory. Although it is estimated to be 3-4 km southeast of Bozburun, historians have not come to an agreement about the exact location of the city.
‘Syrna’ is a small city established on the place where Bayır Village is present today. The settlement earned reputation with Asclepius (god of health) temple in that place during Hellenistic period. Although no remains can survive until today, some parts of city ramparts and basic remains of some structures can be seen. The stone in front of the mosque in Bakır Village square is among the most durable parts remaining from the temple.
‘Thysanos’ is located in Söğüt Village and its vicinity. Although present remains are limited to a few walls, it has been estimated that there are more remains underground.
‘Phonix’ ancient city at Asar Hill in the southwest of Taşlıca village has the most significant city remains of Marmaris peninsula. Remains are located at Asar Hill in the southwest of Taşlıca Village and its environs. There well-preserved city structure, ‘necropolis’ remains and civil structures. According to historical records, Alexander the Great have his navy billeted at ‘Phonix’ harbour during his campaign to East.
‘Amos’ that is within the borders of Turunç municipality on Bozburun Peninsula is a significant ancient city with regards to both its historical and natural beauties. It is accepted as one of the settlements (deme) of ancient Caria Civilization and the Rhodian Union (Rodean Demea). The city has rampart remains throughout the hill and its one of the most important structures is the amphitheatre with the capacity of two thousand people. Ancient city established on a hill having the status of an acropolis was inhabited from Hellenistic to Byzantine Period. We can presume that from the remains in the city centre. Theatre of the city and Temple of Apollo next to it, pedestals around them and footsteps on them, cistern and other structures are significant structures proving that there were settlements there before. Amos suffered great damage as a result of the unconscious excavations and depredation of Mediterranean pirates and historical artefact smugglers arriving the city from the sea since there was no highway there in the past and it couldn’t be watched and protected well.
At the southern end of Bozburun Peninsula, the name of ‘Kasara’ right on the shore of Serçe Harbour means “Big Beautiful Village”. The city became a city centre like Amos under Rhodes State in the Hellenistic Period. Remains belonging to Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods may be encountered in the ruins.
SWAN LAKE BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Selimiye Village / Marmaris
48700 - MUĞLA
Phone: +90 (252) 446 42 55