Bodrum

The town we know as Bodrum today has continuously existed under various names for ever three thousand years. It has seen glory and defeat, growth and decline, greatness and obscurity.
At its peak, when it was known as Halicarnasos, the capital city of the Kingdom of Caria, it was renowned for the monumental tomb of its ruler Mausolus. Known as the Mausoleum, this magnificent structure was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and it bequeathed its name to the west as even today elaborate tombs are known as mausoleums. The site on which it stood can still be seen, but its great statuary was taken away in the last century to become the pride of the British Museum.
Queen Artemisia sent ships from here to conquer Rhodes and Heredotus, the "Father of History" was born here; as was Dionysius, the author of a 20-volume History of Rome. Indeed, the city played a significant role in the cultural, political, military and commercial lives of the region and beyond, until it was overrun by the troops of the Macedonian conqueror, Alexander the Great, Stand by the restored Myndos Gate, may be you ll hear his trumpets.
For a brief spell of a century or so the Knights of St. John made it their outpost and it is the castle that they built that all admire today. Then, as distant seats of empire took their turn to rule, Bodrum slept. It was a tiny fishing village until writer Cevat Sakir Kabaagaçli, was exiled here. Taking the pen-name of "Fisherman of Halicarnassus", he spread the word of Bodrum s pristine natural beauty throughout Turkey, and it was not long before the word reached the world, drew visitors and led to the creation of the sophisticated resort which we enjoy today.
The hearts of Bodrum beats loudest in the narrow streets clustered around the bay where shops, restaurants, bars and discos vie for attention.
It is a heartbeat that vibrates with the joy of life lived fully. Strolling along the most popular of streets, Cumhuriyet, or through the maze radiating in all directions, the visitors becomes immersed in a blend of native and cosmopolitan culture that is Bodrum today. Here small boutiques offer stylish Turkish creations alongside famous international brands, plaintive strains of Turkish music and the throbbing beat of the latest hits create an exotic cacophony of sound that is somehow complementary, hand-made sandals are crafted; harem slippers are sold side by side with baseball caps and T-shirts bearing universally recognized logos and humorous or bawdy captions.
Cafes and restaurants serve a wide variety of cosmopolitan international fare as well as tasty Turkish kebabs, Chinese, Mexican or Indian specialities and also the delights of traditional ottoman cuisine; visitors enjoy by replacing beer or wine by the deceptively light national Turkish drink RAKI.
When night descents Bodrum lights up with laser shows to the rhythms of the same hits that are current in London, Amsterdam or New York, but if you listen you can still hear strumming of the Turkish loud and the folk melodies of Anatolia. Bodrum today is truly a symphony, or better still, a living town to joy

	Contact Mastur Tourism Mr. Gürhun TAVALIOGLU Umurça Mah.Üçkuyular Cad.Atrium Otel içi 1 Nolu Bina K:2 No: 31 48400  Bodrum / MUGLA Phone: 0090-252 316 59 91 Fax: 0090-252 313 06 05 Mail: masturbdr@mastur.com.tr