Turgutreis, Bodrum peninsula

Turgutreis is located 18 km. from Bodrum and at the westpoint of the Bodrum peninsula and the second largest residental area after Bodrum. This region is one of the most effective connection points of Anatolia with the remaining world, since the day it was established. The region also possesses an active past in terms of its historical background. The first habitants of the region are the folk of Lelek.

Following the Dorian and Persian invasions, it went under The Carian domination in the 3rd Century B.C.  Afterwards; the region was ruined by Alexander the Great.  Later the period under the reign of the Seljukians, Byzantium and Knights of Rhodos started. In 1523 it went under the Turkish domination after Kanuni’s victory over the Knights of Rhodos.  Invasions and changing reigns led to this cultural variation, as much as it ended up with demolition.

Today, each location of the reigon houses fountains, tombs, cisterns and churches of various historical periods. The name of the region which was "karatoprak” (Blackland), was changed into “Turgutreis”  in 1972 as it was the Birthplace of the famous Ottoman Admiral Turgut REİS. Turgutreis who was born in Karabağ which was established in the 15th century, in 1485 started his life on the sea as a sailor. Afterwards, he joined the Ottoman Navy. And in a short period of time, he obtains great successes due to his passion and fearlessness. During the victorious Preveze Sea war, he was accompanying the legendary Turkish admiral Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha. In 1548 he sunk the Spanish ships in the bays of Naples and turned the Cerbe Island into a naval base. From that moment on, the Mediterranean Sea went under the control of the Ottoman Empire. In 1552 he won a victory over Andrea Doria; in 1553 he enabled the Ottoman flag to wave over the Port and Castle of of Bastia. In 1554 he was awarded with the title of “beylerbeyi” OF Tripoli. In 1565 he gained the level of martyrdom at the age of 80, due to shrapnel hitting his head. In the town also there is a statue that built after him and given his name in Sevket Sabancı Park.

Every year on June 23, the great Turkish seaman Turgutreis after whom the region was named, is remembered with various activities, on his anniversary of death. The passing of battle ships bound to the Commandership of the South Fields and the torchlight procession, at night, are the symbols of paying tribute to the legendary seaman.

TODAY...
Turgutreis is a modern Mediterranean town that lives with with modern houses, close relationship with the nature. Begonvilles, oleanders and many other colorful plants and endless oil groves, gardens of citrus fruits covers the town.

SHOPPING
Turgutreis is also famous with its Market and Bazaar. On  Saturdays  you should visit “Turgutreis Market” which you may find fresh vegetables,Colourful fruits and more, growed, collected and brought on the day by villagers. Its Bazaar is placed close to the market.The popular bazaar is a shopping-land for the people. We advise you take a trip around the Turgutreis Market and Bazaar.

NATURAL BEAUTY
This coastal town has brilliant sea and islands as famous as its history and naturel beauty. The beaches that closer to areas of settlement are as long as to house thousands of people at a time. The endless blue waters embracing Turgutreis is adorned with 14 islands seems like green spots placed by the nature. Catal Island, Yassı Island, Topan Island, Coban Island, Tulluce Island and Sarıot Island are some of Turkish Islands,Kos (Istanköy) and other Greek islands are some of the neighbour islands.

It is possible to visit these wonderful Greek islands by ferryboats which departures everyday from Turgutreis to,Rhodos,Kalymnos and passengers can make shopping from Turgutreis Customs Agent. As Greek islands, you may join to daily boat tours from Turgutreis harbour to visit other Turkish islands which has virgin bays and clear water. End of the day, while you return to town on the boat or lay on the beach or have your dinner, you can witness a magnificent and unique sunset.

In “Yassı Island” –called Yassı Ada in Turkish- (since 1961 has been a site of underwater investigations) some of the first underwater archaeological discoveries made and found an ancient trade ship which sank not far from the town . You can see this ship in Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum in its private room. Yassı Island will be changed into an underwater museum for diving-lovers in a short time. Turgutreis Municipality has started a project to become the island as an underwater museum and make available for diving. (For more details of this project click on “Projects" link.

TRANSPORTATION AND COMUNNICATION
If you prefered to spend your holiday in this town,you can travel to the pretty villages of Turgutreis by “DOLMUS” (minibuses) and it only takes between 10 or 20 minutes. (You can find more information on “Places to visit” link.)

FOOD AND NIGHT LİFE
You will be able to find the most popular and various cuisines from all around the world but what we recommend is of course the Mediterranean cuisine and local fish meals.You should taste “Köpoğlu”  a local appetizer made from aubergine. The meal can be completed with salads prepared with olive oil. Turgutreis is a rich town with fish. Every kind of fish can be found in the restaurants; Lagos, Orpheus both of them are distinct tastes. After a delicious dinner, the bars and pubs of Turgutreis will be waiting for you. You can dance with local or foreign music or you can watch soccer games on mega- screen TVs. But at the sea side you may enjoy the night in a calm bar at the sea side. If you want to have more fun, it is possible to take a bus to Bodrum, just 18 km far.

Those who wish to experience a perfect holiday can find everything they look for in Turgutreis which is a real “Mediterranean Dream”. A dream that you will want never to end... 

Places of Interest

AKYARLAR
Akyarlar used to be called “Kefoalonia” which means the head of Peninsula in Greek. Akyarlar is one of  the biggest  cove of Turgutreis and only 9 km. far away from the town center. This cove is the closest point to Greek Island,Cos (Istankoy Island). Akyarlar has vey rich fish resources and sponge diving point. Nowadays, it became a popular tourism resort with its hotels, restaurants and crystal seashore. The wind is strong here and makes this place a paradise for windsurfing. Akyarlar is right place for windsurfers.

LIGHTHOUSE – KEMER
There is a light house, “Huseyin Point Lighthouse”  which was built in 1931 by the French,on Akyarlar way.  Below the Lighthouse, a large beach is a perfect choice who do not prefer crowded beaches. This beach is called  “Sand Bath” which has sandy land.

ASPAT
It is one of the historical area which is 13 km. to Turgutreis.  The origin of this name comes from Aspartos, meaning “unsuitable place for planting”. The city of Telmera was built here during the reign of Mouselous. Aspat was the shelter of Genoa pirates for many years. There is a magneficent castle top of the hill. Castle of Aspat (Cıfıt) was built by the Genoas to watch and to use as arefuge. According one story, there was a spring in the east part of the mountain that its water would never lose its taste even if it were kept in acup for a whole year. There is a stone building on the shore which used to belong a Cretan man.  

KADIKALESİ
Kadıkalesi is the best place for bicycle and located only 4 km. on the north of Turgutreis. Kadıkalesi was an old Leleg city and there is a Hellenistic Castle on the hill which also gives the town name.The Local Judge (ın Ottoman times) used to live in the castle and therefore the place was called “Kadıkalesi” (The Castle of Local Judge). Opposite side of the hill there is a church  from  the age of the Roman Empire. The cistern that on the way to the church is one of the most typical symbols of this region.The old and historical fountain under the trees is still being used. Kadıkalesi is the choice for those who await tranquility with its calm beach,green nature.

BAĞLA
Bağla is located on the east of Turgutreis, 15 km. from city centre. Bağla is the right place for campers and has a popularity with its clear beaches and best coves.That is why Bağla is the most famous break point of touring boats. It has a long sandy beach, mandarin gardens and the limped sea.