The Bodrum Peninsula

Located in the western part of Turkey, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, the Bodrum Peninsula is one of the most unique corners of the world — a true crossroads of civilizations.

Throughout history, Bodrum has been home to countless cultures that shaped Anatolia: the Dorians, Carians, Leleges, Megarians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans all left their mark here.

Archaeological findings show that the region’s history dates back more than 5,000 years. The area was once known as Halikarnassos, a vibrant ancient city founded by the Dorians and later expanded by the Carians and Megarians. It became the capital of the Caria Satrapy under Persian rule and reached its golden age during the reign of King Mausolos in the 4th century BC. The world-famous Mausoleum of Halicarnassus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — was built in his honor.

In later centuries, Bodrum witnessed the passage of many powers: Alexander the Great’s siege, Roman and Byzantine rule, and the era of the Knights of St. John, who built the castle that still dominates the harbor today. The Ottomans took control in 1523, marking a long period of peace and maritime prosperity.

Bodrum’s shipyards produced grand wooden vessels, and its sailors became renowned across the Aegean. The region’s proud maritime tradition still lives on today through the art of handmade wooden boatbuilding and the famous “gulets” that sail its turquoise waters.

With the establishment of the Turkish Republic, Bodrum was a quiet fishing and sponge-diving town of about 5,000 people. From the 1960s onward, its unmatched beauty began attracting artists, travelers, and dreamers from around the world.

Today, Bodrum is a vibrant meeting point of history, culture, and natural beauty — a place where ancient heritage and modern life come together in perfect harmony.