Gocek
With its geographical position, Göcek has been transformed
over the past several years to become the ‘in’
spot for salty dogs and international yachtsmen, gaining
a fine reputation in the process. From the latest model
yachts to the smallest boats, the bays of Göcek are
one of the few places on earth that mariners can cruise
throughout the year. In addition, Göcek is an ideal
spot from the standpoint of wind, sea and air temperature,
whereas it is located only 22 km. away from Dalaman International
Airport. Moreover, its yacht harbor, which was constructed
in recent years and is still undergoing expansion. has
become a place of distinction. For instance, you can board
a plane in Istanbul, or Ankara or from even outside the
country and within a couple of hours, you’ll be
whisked away from all your outside world worries to embrace
Göcek, where the blue sea laps against green forests
to form the magical hue of turquoise.
Gulf
of Fethiye
In sailing E from the direction of Marmaris, you will
round Kurtoglu Burnu to enter the Gulf of Fethiye, which
is one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world. Situated
between Kurtoglu Burnu and Iblis Burnu are 12 islands
of various sizes and several magnificent bays in this
gulf which is swathed in forests. You will never get enough
of these bays and they are going to ensure that you have
a very delightful time here.
Aga
Limani
When we enter the Fethiye Gulf our next stop will be Aga
Limani. From here with a 30-minute hike takes you to ancient
Lydae. Off the beaten path and rarely visited, Lydae features
sarcophagi, temple walls, cisterns, Corinthian columns and
inscribed tablets from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Gobun
Bay
This anchorage, which is surrounded by pine woods and Olive
groves, provides shelter from winds in all directions whereby
up to 50 vessels can moor here concurrently. If you visit
here in the summer, be prepared to put up with the maritime
traffic as it is a popular spot.
There
is a cozy little bay between Göbün Koyu and Yavansu
Koyu, sandwiched between two mountains, called ‘Merdivenli
Koyu’ by the local villagers. The small beach inside
the steep rocks on either side of the bay is very impressive.
The cave situated behind the beach can be reached by climbing
over some high steps. It must be because of these steps
that the bay was called ‘Merdivenli Koyu.’
Manastir
Bay
There is a fabulous bay shaded by pines just one nautical
mile to the W of Bozburun called Manastir Koyu. In the SE
quadrant of Manastir Koyu, one can see ruins in the sea
that have been named by the local folks as Cleopatra’s
Hamam. However, this is a fallacy as these ruins do not
date back to the time of the Egyptian Queen, but rather
to that of the Byzantine Empire. The pines lean into the
sea as if they are kissing it whereas they stretch from
water’s edge to the top of the hills, adding distinct
beauty to the bay.
The
S quadrant of the bay, where there is an island as well
as remnants of a Roman bath, is considered to be an ideal
spot to anchor as it remains calm in stormy weather. It
is a comfortably nice place to spend the night as long as
there is no wind blowing.
In
the W part of Manastir Koyu is an old, long wall that runs
by a restaurant called Wallbay. This wall was built to protect
Lydae at the top of the isthmus and its village Arymaxa.
From here it extends up to the hill and then back down to
the sea again. Thusly, the peninsula was securely cut off
from the mainland.
When
you get to the top of the hill the beautiful view of Gokgemile
Koyu is going to amaze you. The shoals off the coast are
like a motif of the panoramic view.
Sarsala
- Sirali Buk
Ruins of an old dwelling as well as that of an ancient pier
can be seen in the water to the W of the peninsula. There
is a road from land to this bay, which is comprised of two
coves known as Büyük and Küçük
Sarsala.
There
are a number of small coves in this bay, which is exposed
to the 5, whereas some vessels drop anchor in these coves.
There is a mountain path behind these on which one can trek
up to Erentepe and Kocagöl.
Kocagöl
is 2 - 3 km. beyond Sarsala. Here the ancient city of Lyssa
is situated at Kizilagaç Mevkii. The only author
of antiquity to have ever mentioned
this city was Pliny. It is known that the city did not mint
any coins but it was mentioned in inscriptions. A part of
the acropolis walls remains standing, whereas there are
inscriptions on the S side of the walls. These are honor
inscriptions that were written in the 3rd century B.C. during
the period of Ptolemiac Dynasty. Nothing much remains of
the ancient city save for tombs that are seen between the
city and the sea. However, as with other cities of antiquity,
there most certainly should have been ruins of some private
and official buildings as well.
The
other name of Sirali Bükü, which is located in
the inlet of Martin Burnu to the N of Sarsala Pier, is Martin
Koyu. The bay is surrounded by tall mountains and unites
with the pine trees growing on the peaks. It is possible
to moor anywhere along the cape, which has five beaches.
Bedri
Rahmi Cove
One of the most important bays in the gulf is Bedri Rahmi
Koyu, known by the local people as Taskaya. Situated opposite
Tersane Adasi, this bay was named after the Turkish writer
and artist Bedri Rahmi Eyüpoglu, who was one of the
first to experience a ‘Blue Voyage’ back in
1973. During this pioneer journey, he painted a picture
of a fish on a boulder behind the fountain here. A number
of Turkish intellects and artists such as Bedri Rahmi, his
brother Selahattin Eyüpoglu and Azra Erhat participated
on the first ‘Blue Voyage’ and discovered all
this natural beauty. In describing these incredible bays
in subsequent newspaper articles and books, they recommended
that everyone experience what eventually became known as
the ‘Blue Voyage.’
There
is a freshwater fountain under some immense pine trees at
the NE end of this wide bay, which poses no problems as
far as entering it is concerned. You can drop anchor at
a depth of 2 —2.5 m. at the spot where a restaurant
and a pier are located, and replenish your water supply
at the fountain at the same time. You can see Bedri Rahmi’s
picture of a fish right behind this fountain and just behind
it is a Lycian rock tomb seemingly lurking amongst the trees.
In addition to this tomb, there are numerous Lycian pigeon-hole
tombs carved into the face of a [arge rock. In addition,
one can encounter a rock tomb with an embroidered gate as
well as three tombs lying next to each other further on
ahead. These rock tombs are peculiar to the Lycians in that
they reflect examples of their wooden edifices. These rock
tombs, of which we have seen several examples in Caunos,
with more to be seen in Fethiye and Myra, date to the 4th-5th
centuries B.C. and belong to the ancient city of Crya, located
up on the hill.
Tersane
Island
The largest island in the Gulf of Fethiye is that of Tersane
Adasi. One enters Tersane Koyu, which is a natural harbor
stretching inland on the island’s NW side, through
a deep channel measuring 100 m. across. You can anchor in
anywhere in the bay except the E and NE parts, where sunken
sections of piers are scattered about in the shallows. It
is safer to moor on the W side as it is closed off to the
prevailing lodos and yildiz winds.
We
know that Tersane Adasi, which used to be known as Telandria,
was inhabited during ancient times.However, there are a
total of 140 dilapidated houses on land as well as submerged
in the sea that catch one’s eye. These houses belonged
to the island’s inhabitants who emigrated to Rhodes
in 1923.
There
are ruins of two churches, one adjacent to the well and
the other on the hill, as well as the graves of the ancient
people’s community leaders in the W.
The
island derived its name from the fact that the Ottoman naval
fleet used it as a shipyard during World War I. Before the
population exchange, the people here were known to be involved
with raising fruit orchards and animal husbandry. Again,
you can still encounter fruit orchards and goat herds.
Yassica
Isles
The islands called Yassica Adalari which arouse interest
because of their mysterious appearance and are favoured
by yachts.
Ak
Bükü
Ak
Bükü, which is located N of Boynuz Bükü
and W of Göcek Adasi, is comprised of two bays, one
situated in the S and the other in the N. There is a large
boulder situated in the entrance of the bay, whereas there
is a beach and a fountain amidst the pine trees on the N
shore. Several bays line the shores between here and Göcek.
One of these is Günlüklü Koyu, decorated
with styrax trees in the immediate vicinity. Another is
Osmanaga Koyu, which is located on the other side of the
peninsula which borders Gunlüklü Koyu. However,
beware of the small islet S of the bay which renders passage
between this islet and the shore impossible. Extending out
into the sea like a tongue, Ince Burun Peninsula is situated
next to Osmanaga Koyu.
Oludeniz
Situated behind Yogan Burnu, Ölü Deniz is a hidden
paradise which possesses intriguing beauty. The shadow of
the pine trees on the opposite side look as though they
being washed in the sea. Vessels have been banned from entering
the world-famous Ölü Deniz since 1983. though,
it is possible to drop anchor in the inner part of Yogan
Burnu, One needs to look out for the rocks in front of this
promontory. This tranquil beauty was also discovered by
people who lived hundreds of years ago. Christians making
their pilgrimage during the 12th century visited Ölü
Deniz en route to their destination. In taking shelter here
during stormy weather, they prayed and waited for the force
of the gale to diminish. In the Medieval Ages. 11 churches
for the pilgrim candidates were erected in an area called
Sybola. In addition to the churches found on the islands
of Karacaören and Gemiler, there is one in the back
and another one in the middle part of Ölü Deniz.
The church in the middle section is nestled amongst some
bushes on the right side of the road leading to Ölü
Deniz. The church in the back of Ölü Deniz is
situated in the touristic facilities there. Excavation work
carried out at one of these church sites indicates that
ancient civilizations knew about Ölü Deniz.
Gemiler
Adasi ( St. Nicholas Island )
Gemiler Adasi was a town of the Middle Ages. The island,
which measures 1,000 x 400 in., is separated from the mainland
by a narrow channel in the position of an exquisite harbor.
Although the S part of the island is very steep, the N side
is very convenient for yachts and because it has a slight
grade, it is also possible to get onto the island from here.
The N shore was once the island’s harbor, but due
to earthquakes which struck the region throughout history,
the pier which served the harbor hundreds of years ago remains
submerged. We can encounter many ruins on the island. Now,
let’s check out the island’s historical edifices
starting from the W side. Even as we approach the island,
one can see these in all of their magnificence. In addition,
there are ruins of a fortification wall on the island. There
is a cemetary found on the F side. A number of churches
that were constructed on the island were destroyed in the
Arab raids of the 7th century. However, the Byzantines regained
control of these shores in the ‘12th century and rebuilt
these churches, which were located along the route the pilgrims
once frequented.
Some
documents written towards the end of the Middle Ages name
Gemiler Adasi as ‘St. Nicholas Island.’ Even
today, there are some places where the island is referred
to as St. Nicholas Island. Though this might be the case,
St. Nicholas was born in Patara during the 4th century A.D.
and was the archbishop of Myra, so we know he didn’t
live on the island. However, there were more than ‘1,000
churches built in Anatolia and beyond that were named after
this saint otherwise known as Santa Claus.
The
most magnificent church on Gemiler Adasi is Church No.111,
which is located at the highest point on the island, 99
m. above sea level. Books written during the Middle Ages
mention this church in the following way, “St. Nicholas
Church is located at the top of the island.” This
church is a basilica measuring 30 m. long with three passageways.
The W portion of the church was made by cutting through
the slope of a rock. It is presumed to have had a wooden
roof covered with adobe tiles. Access to the entrance is
through the mouth of the tunnel which connects this church
to Church No.IV.
Yesilköy
- Kalkan
After spending enough time wandering about Karacaören
Adalari, Gemiler Adasi, Bektas Limani and Ölü
Deniz, it’s time to set sail towards Kalkan. In manuevering
around Kötü Burun and Yedi Burun, and making a
cautious transit around the reef situated two nautical miles
SE of Ince Burnu, you shall arrive in front of Patara. However,
because the sea is constantly in motion, it is not wise
to stop here for any length of time. So, let’s just
look at Patara’s wide beach from the yacht and continue
on our way. We reach Kalkan by navigating between Yali Burnu
and Çatal Adalari. The yacht harbor and breakwater
in Kalkan, which is exposed to the NW wind, is a secure
shelter for yachts. The harbor has been completely renovated
in recent years and is able to meet all your yachting needs.
Before the founding of the Turkish Republic, Kalkan was
known as Kalamiki and it was an old Greek village.
Today,
it has been transformed into a spot which is preferred by
numerous people with its clean pensions, and restaurants
serving up fresh fish and appetizers. You can also take
daily sidetrips from Kalkan to visit the ruins of ancient
Lycian cities in the vicinity, such as Patara, Letoon and
Xanthos. In addition, Yesilköy Limani, which is just
opposite Kalkan, is a decent place to drop anchor.
Kas
Kas is another place where you can moor safely overnight
after departing Kalkan. The marina there is protected by
a breakwater against the winds blowing from the W and SW
and at the end of the harbor there is a lighthouse. Entry
into the harbor must be made carefully because of the rocks
in front of lnce Burun where the lighthouse stands. The
space in front of the rocky beach at the SE end of the harbor
is the best bet for mooring, though you should not manuever
too closely to shore as there is a shallow and rocky
sandbank.
The
marina provides water, fuel, electrical current and garbage
disposal services whereas you can stock up on provisions
in town. Meals served in the restaurants are delicious and
leave you with pleasant memories. As Ka~ is an administrative
district, you will find services such as a PTT, pharmacies,
dentist offices and dispensaries as well.
Kekova
Kekova, where history and nature are entwined, shelters
incredible beauties. An easily accessible place where ‘Blue
Voyagers’ can feel confident about dropping anchor,
Kekova exhibits unbelievable beauty that is an inseparable
part of history.After departing Kas, you will sail past
Uluburun and set a course for Kekova, a spot that is practically
paradise. One first encounters Siçak Peninsula, where
the ancient city of Aperlae is found. At the end of this
peninsula are two islands, Toprak and Kara.
Kekova
Adasi stretches out from here and it is because of this
island that the surrounding region is called Kekova. It
is also called ‘Sunken City’ as the historical
buildings on Kekova Adasi sank in the water as a result
of various earthquakes. Passing between the islands and
arriving at Kekova, the safest place to anchor is off the
village of Uçagiz, which is a decent all-round harbor.
This
is an area where history mingles with nature and today’s
lifestyle. There are a number of ancient cities situated
very close to each to other here, such as Aperlae on the
Sicak Quay, Simena, in the sunken city of Kaleköy,
Theimussa, which is found on Ucagiz, and Istlada, which
sits above Gökkaya Koyu. In addition to these cities
along the coast, there is also Apollonia in Kiliçli,
as well as the ancient city of Tyberissos, in Çevreli
on the road two km. outside Uçagiz. Tyberissos towers
365 m. above sea level on a hill overlooking the plain of
Tirmisin. At the foot of the mountain, and a little above
the level of the plain, is an attractive glade in which
are a dozen or so Lycian sarcophagi and a number of pigeon-hole
tombs. By their inscriptions, they date back to Hellenistic
and Roman times.
Kaleköy
Here,
a modern village is interspersed with edifices remaining
from antiquity. Paying close attention to the islets in
front, you can manuever to a point in front of Kaleköy,
where the ruins of the ancient city of Simena are found.
You can tie a mooring rope around one of the jetties here
which belong to the restaurants. However, take heed of the
sunken pier in front of these restaurants. Because it is
exposed to the SW winds, it does not offer much shelter,
so it is not a good idea to stay moored very long.
Kaleköy
has an intriguing appearance in that there is a medieval
castle at the top of the hill, modern structures down below
the castle, with ruins of a baths and Lycian monument tombs
situated in between.
The
Lyican region’s smallest theater, which was carved
out of the rocks, is found inside the medieval castle. From
here, you won’t get enough of the view of Ucagiz and
Gökkaya Koyu. You will encounter several sarcophagi
scattered around the castle which date from the Hellenistic
and Roman Periods. Some of these are visible in the sea
along with remnants of the ancient harbor and piers.
We
are going to provide you with more details of this place,
where the ruins of the ancient city of Simena are found,
Aperlae, which is located in Sicak Iskelesi, as well as
Theimussa, which is located in Ucagiz, in our chapter entitled
‘Kekova,’ where you’ll be able to follow
the history of these ancient cities as well as acquire information
about the historical structures you encounter.
Ucagiz
Üçagiz is the sole spot that connects Kekova
to the mainland. This is one of the most sheltered places
on Kekova, whereas the village of Uca~iz is located on the
N shore of this bay, which is surrounded by green hills.
Due to the islands positioned in front, entering the bay
is a bit difficult. For this, you will need to navigate
past the W shores of the islands on the E. This is a clean
passage, however, there are submerged shoals along the shores
of the islands to the W. You can also manuever by either
side of the rocky island in the middle and anchor anywhere
you want in the bay to a depth of 5-10 m. It is possible
to see the ruins of the ancient city of Theimussa right
on the shores of Ücagiz.
The
Lycian tomb found amongst these ruins is significant in
that is has an inscription written on it. One can see sarcophagi
belonging to the Hellenistic and Roman Periods right next
to the restaurants on the seashore. You can moor alongside
one of the jetties situated in front of the restaurants
in Ücagiz and check out the historical edifices on
the shore after dining in one of these restaurants
Gökkaya
Situated right next door to Kekova, Gökkaya Koyu possesses
awe-inspiring beauty with the indented shores of several
islands positioned in front. Vessels can find a spot to
anchor practically anywhere in the bay. In front of Gökkaya
Koyu are the islands of Asirli and Kisneli whereby there
is a smaller island between these known as Kasirli. There
are smaller islets spread around inside the bay. Sailing
into Gökkaya Limani from Kekova, you can enter by manuevering
between Kisneli Ada and the mainland and through the deep
channels between Asirli Ada and Kisneli Ada. However, you
will need to pay close attention to the Martini Reef to
the S of Kisneli Ada. The water is clear in Gökkaya,
which is an ideal anchorage as it is closed to all winds.
Because the freshwater which flows off the mountains stays
on top of the salty seawater, the upper layer of the water
is cold while the lower layer is warm. This will come as
a brisk surprise for those who want to take a refreshing
dip in the water during the summer.
There
is a restaurant in the bay that serves the vessels at anchor,
whereas they also have a disco that you can check out at
night. You can see a church apse behind Gökkaya Koyu.
Adjacent to this, if you follow along the goat herders’
track to the E quadrant of the hill, you will come to the
site of the ancient city of lstlada.
Demre
( Myra - St. Nicholas )
Myra retained her fame throughout the Middle Ages as the
see of the servant of God, St. Nicholas, who spouted forth
myrrh, in accordance with the city’s name. Myra was
established on the seaward cliffs of the mountains surrounding
the plain of Demre from the NW. At first, the city was established
on top of the hill where the rock tombs are situated, then
later on, it expanded by moving down below where it became
one of the six important cities of Lycia. The city’s
first coins, which were minted in the 4th century B.C.,
depicted the figure of a mother god.

Ekincik
cape of Ekincik Koyu and surrounded by green pine woods.
Just as you are able to anchor in several spots in the wide
Ekincik Koyu, a bay called “My Marina” is also
a secure anchorage. Here the local people have formed an
pleasant motorboat taxi service that takes you from your
yacht on up to Caunos. You can drop anchor in the part the
motorboats are located, in front of the wide beach, or else
you can even in the nearby bay just opposite the lighthouse.
If
by any chance you can find a place for you and your mates
in this bay of blues and greens, anchoring here is going
to be both secure and enjoyable.
Those
daily excursion motorboats out of Marmaris only go as far
as Delik Adasi, where the Dalyan Stream flows into the sea.
From here you’ll board another motorboat that takes
you to Caunos along a very shallow channel that resembles
a dreamworld.
The
channel, which twists and winds its way all the way up to
Köycegiz Gölü, takes on another meaning with
magnificent scenery of the reedy marshes and Lycian rock
tombs. After wandering around the Caunos ruins and visiting
the curative mud baths, the romantic return to the sea is
bound to remain etched in your memories for the rest of
your lives.
Dalyan
/ Caunos (optional
trip to Dalyan - mud baths, turtlesand ruins of Caunos)
Situated on the border of ancient Lycia and Caria, Caunos
receives much attention today for the fact that it is very
close to where the giant loggerhead turtle Caretta Caretta
goes ashore to deposit its eggs, for its Lyciantype tombs,
for its Venetian-like channel and most importantly for its
ruins.
As
the taxi boat winds its way through the channel up to Caunos,
you will suddenly come face to face with several magnificent
Lycian-type rock tombs. There are three stone beds inside
the tombs in which the deceased were placed. From the fragments
of earthenware uncovered, the tombs have been dated to the
4th century B.C. One of the three of four inscriptions that
were found just above these tombs, contains two words related
to the Carian language, while it is understood that the
other tombs were recycled during the Roman
Period. The facades of the tombs, which were carved out
of the sheer rock have two columns of the Ionian order.
On top of the columns, you’ll see exterior friezes
above pediments which were decorated with acroters in three
corners. Most of the columns are no longer intact. Of the
pediments, all but one is plain, with a unique example of
a relief of two lions positioned face-to-face. To the side
of this incredible group of tombs is yet another tomb, which
is plainer, and incomplete. On the W end of this group of
tombs, which is near the village, are more Carian-type tombs
which were not decorated like the others. In addition, there
are niches that were opened on the lower rock surface for
votive offerings.
The
name Dalyan’ means fishery, and a complicated system
of barriers has been built among the reeds to allow the
gray mullet and sea bass to be caught as they head for the
sea. Let’s go ashore at the landing next to the fishery
and wander around the ruins. The first thing we see is the
acropolis of Caunos, which rises 152 m. high over a cliff
in the S quadrant. The fortification walls situated in the
N quadrant appear to be from the Middle Ages.
This
trip will be absolutely your favorite because it offers
you such variety. Experience beautiful scenery while cruisig
through the Dalyan river marshes. Passing the famous Caunos
rock tombs and ruins before arriving the mud baths. Here
you have a chance to pamper yourself in the mud and sulphur
pools and will feel the wrinkles dissaoearing! Now feeling
cleansed and fresh you are ready for a riverside lunch stop
and perhaps a beer or two! After lunch drift down the river
again to relax, soak up the sun, swim and share the same
beach space as the Caretta Caretta turtles who still breed
here.
Marmaris
As this quaint district, which is surrounded by green pine
forests, was established directly over the ancient city
of Phychos we do not have much information about the ancient
site. However, from what we gather from a certain inscription,
Phychos existed during the time of Alexander the Great,
whereby the acropolis of this city was established one kilometer
N of Marmaris on a low hill called Asartepe. Though it wasn’t
long ago when there were visible remains of the ancient
fortification wall, which was erected in the Classic and
Hellenistic Periods, nothing can be seen of it today. After
the death of Alexander, the Marmaris region was annexed
to the Pergamon Kingdom, then it was captured by the Romans,
Byzantines, the Mentese Beylik and then the Ottomans, respectively.
Among
the few historical buildings found in Marmaris today, are
a castle, which was built in 1557 and recently restored,
a mosque in Kemeralti District, which was built by Mengelizade
Ibrahim Aga in 1789 as well as a caravanserai which was
constructed in 1545. This stone inn with brick vaults was
erected on the road to Mugla during the reign of Süleyman
the Magnificent in the military campaign against Rhodes.
Located near the old junior high school is the Degirmen
Brook Bridge, which was also erected during the time of
Süleyman the Magnificent.
If
you have the time, we recommend that you check out Sedir
Adasi, as well as Karacasögüt, where you can see
ancient theaters, temples and fortification walls. As you
come out the bay, your boat will manuever past Keci Adasi
and Yildiz Adasi, otherwise known as Nimara to call on Alkaya
Cave. Then you will sail out to Kumlubük where to take
a break of a couple of hours for lunch and an afternoon
swim in the sea. Straight up from the pier are the Amos
Ruins, which are situated on Asartepe.
With
its styrax forest in the middle of the city, excursion trips
taken with motorboats and its natural beauty, Marmaris is
an ideal spot for rest and relaxation. In addition, the
town, which is complimented with wonderful nearby bays such
as Sedir Adasi, Karacasögüt, Mersincik, Hisarönü,
is a paradise on earth.
Fethiye
Situated on the slopes of Mendos Mountain, Fethiye was established
on top of ancient Telmessos on the shores of the Gulf of
Fethiye. For this reason, the majority of the ruins have
remained under this quaint district. Because of the abundance
of accommodation facilities, captivatingly beautiful coves
and significant development in yacht tourism in recent years,
Fethiye represents the center of excursions in the Lycian
region.
The
significance of the city, which continued its existence
into the Byzantine era, waned with the Arabian raids which
occurred after the 7th century. The city’s name was
changed to Anastasiupolis during the 8th century in honor
of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasiupolis II, whereby the
following century this too gave way to the Makri, which
meant ‘far city.’ Later on, the city was called
Megri, whereas Megri was finally changed to today’s
Fethiye in 1934, to commemorate one of the first Turkish
aviators, Fethi Bey.
C.
Texier, who saw Telmessos in the 1850’s, indicated
that the Apollo Temple and theater could be seen at that
time. Not long after C.Texier’s visit, a major earthquake
struck in 1856, which knocked down these structures, and
when Fethiye was hit with a second devastating quake just
over 100 years later, in 1957, these ruins were completely
destroyed. Today’s Fethiye is what was built up after
this second temblor more than forty years ago. Today, the
theater, which was found near the pier of new Fethiye, has
been uncovered. This theater, which had the capacity to
hold 5,000 people, was built in the Early Roman Period and
renovated later in the 2nd century A.D.
A
medieval castle situated on the acropolis hill, where the
city was first established, is surrounded by a wall. Today,
one can see the bottom portion of this wall, which was erected
by the Romans as well as the upper part, which was constructed
during the Middle Ages, when the Rhodian Knights used this
castle as well as Sövalye Adasi, located in the harbor,
to hold the city under their control.
The
Tomb of Amyntas, which is the most splendid and best known
of all the tombs, is located on the E face of the city’s
acropolis and has become the symbol of Fethiye. Seen from
the plain below, it gives a great impression of size from
up close. It is of the temple-type, in the Ionian order.
Four steps lead up to the porch with two columns between
pilasters; halfway up the left-hand pilaster the name of
Amyntas, son of Hermapias is inscribed in letters of the
4th century B.C. Encountering this tomb in the 1850’s,
C. Texier apparently wished to document this as he signed
the upper left corner of the grave door.
In
the cliff-face further to the left are numerous other tombs;
two of these are temple-tombs similar to that of Amyntas,
and little less impressive. There are also a number of Lycian-type
sarcophagi within the city. One of these is situated on
the street directly below these stone monuments, while the
other stands besides the municipal building near the pier.
The sarcophagus next to the municipal building is one of
the few sarcophagi with reliefs that has managed to remain
intact to the present. Both sides of the lid and of the
surmounting Crest carry reliefs showing rows of warriors
with shields in their hands, with a man sitting in an armchair
wearing long clothing on the right side. The ends of the
lid are divided into four panels. This sarcophagus, which
was erected in ca. 340 B.C., once had reliefs on the bottom
part as well, which is understood from the drawings of both
Sir Charles Fellows and C.Texier. In addition, there are
two sarcophagi from the 4th Century that are located in
the Cumhuriyet District, one of which has reliefs. However,
these reliefs are in poor condition.
Kayakoy
It
is a Greek settlement founded beginning from 14th century
over antic Karmillassos, fully destroyed excluding a few
house type tomb as a result of earthquakes and foundation
period is not known definitely.Its former name is Levissi.
Kayaköy, teaching humanity on the concepts of friendship,
brotherhood and peace, and united with five Turkish villages
during its lifetime, is one of the pride resources of our
region. According to a "population exchange" agreement
signed between Turkish and Greek governments on 1922, Greek
population of Kayaköy is exchanged with Turkish population
residing in Western Thrace.