Bodrum / Halicarnassus

The Theatre of Halicarnassus

It is the most important tourism centers of Turkey. It is the starting place of famous “Blue Curises”, aiming to see unique natural beauties and historical richness, containing southern-west coasts of Aegean Region, lacy and wavy bays, coves and waterside thickets. Marina, constructed in the recent years and Milas-Bodrum Airport increase the importance of Bodrum in terms of tourism much more. Name of Bodrum is originated from word of St. Petrus. Bodrum is the changing version of word of St. Petrus in the course of time. Name of the city is Halicarnassus in Archaic Age. Famous historian Herodot is from Halicarnassus. Mausoleum of Mausolus, which is constructed in the girst age and one of seven wonders of the world, is located here. Relief and architectural pieces of this monument are used in the construction of St. Petrus Castle (Bodrum Castle), constructed in 1402 by Knights of Rhodes. Bodrum Castle undergoes a greap repair in Republic period and serves as Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum in these days. Works, unearthed from underwater excavations, are exhibited in this museum. Mausoleum of Mausolus: Mausoleum of Mausolus, which is one of seven architectural wonder of the ancient age, is constructed by the order of his wife. Artemisia, for Mausolus in B.C. 350. Mausoleum is the opus of famous architect Pytheous. Mausoleum is located on the pyramid roof with 24 stairs, raising on 36 columns line,located on a high base and a cart with four horses having sculptures of Mausolus and Artemisia inside. Reliefs, decorating Mausoleum, are made by Scopas, Leochares, Bryaxis and Timotheos, who are famous sculptors of that period. English ambassador Lord Stratford has marble reliefs of monument, used in the construction of Bodrum Castle, disassembled from their places with the consent of Ottoman sultan, Sultan Abdülmecit (1839-1861) and carried to london in 1846; architectural pieces and sculptures and reliefs, which are unearthed as a result of excavations, made on the mausoleum by Newton in 1857, are carried to London by English people again with the consent of Sultan Abdülmecit and exhibited in worldwide famous British Museum. A theatre structure of Roman period is located along the main road, passing from top section of Bodrum county. Antique theatre undergoes repair substantially. Bodrum Castle: After Bodrum is captured by Knights of Rhodes in 1402, a castle is constructed on a rock area in the form of peninsuşa,located between two ports, by Knigh of Rhodes between 1415-1503 by the order of Pope dated 1409. Castle, having a square plan, is in the sizes of 180m X 185m. The highest tower of the castle is French Tower. Other towers are Italian Tower, German Tower, Serpent Tower and English Tower. Sections of castle, remaing out of eastern wall, are supported with the double main wall. After seven gate is passed, it is arrived to the citadel. There are embllems, containing cross, dragon and lion figures on the gates. Architectural pieces, sculptures and reliefs of Mausoleum of Mausolus, which is one of seven architectural wonder of the ancient age, are used in the construction of the castle. Castle is conquered by Ottomans in 1522 and used as jailhouse at the end of 19th Century. Works, located in the collections of Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum, are exhibited in the locations, named as Turkish hamam,Amphora exhibition, Eastern Roman Ship, Glass Hall, Glass Shipwrek, Coin and Jewelry Hall, Carious Princess Hall, English Tower, Torture and Massacre Chambers and German Tower. Furthermore, many works are exhibited in the other outdoor locations of the castle.

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