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HISTORY OF TURGUTREIS
Turgutreis is located 18 km. from Bodrum and at the west point of the Bodrum peninsula and the second largest residential area after Bodrum. The region has been one of the most important connection points of Anatolia with the outside world since the day it was established.
Turgutreis also possesses an active historical background. The first inhabitants of the region were the folk of Lelek. Following the Dorian and Persian invasions, the peninsula went under the Carian domination in the 3rd Century B.C., before being ruled by Alexander the Great. Afterwards the period went under the reign of the Seljuks, Byzantium empire and the Knights of Rhodes. In 1523 it went under Ottoman domination after Kanuni’s victory over the Knights of Rhodes. Invasions and changing reigns led to a cultural variation, as much as it ended up with demolition. Today, the region houses fountains, tombs, cisterns and churches from various historical periods.
The name of the region that was "Karatoprak” (Blackland) was changed into “Turgutreis” in 1972, as it is the birthplace of the famous Ottoman Admiral Turgut REÝS. Turgut Reis was born in Karabað in 1485, which was established in the 15th century and started his life on the sea as a sailor. He joined the Ottoman Navy and in a short period of time obtained great success due to his passion and fearlessness. During the victorious Preveza sea battle, he accompanied the legendary Turkish admiral Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha. In 1548 he sunk the Spanish ships in the bay of Naples and turned Cerbe Island into a naval base. From that moment on, the Aegean Sea went under the control of the Ottoman Empire. In 1552 he won a victory over Andrea Doria and in 1553 took over the port and Castle of Bastia. In 1554 he was awarded the title of “Beylerbey” of Tripoli. In 1565 he gained the level of martyrdom at the age of 80 and died after shrapnel wounded his head. In the town there is also a statue of Admiral Turgut Reis in Sevket Sabancý Park.
Every year on June 23-his anniversary of death-, the great Turkish Admiral Turgutreis is commemorated with various activities and festivities, not only in Turkey but also abroad. His body is buried in Tripoli.
TURGUTREIS TODAY
Turgutreis is a Mediterranean town that has modernized in the past few years. It’s natural surroundings and untouched beaches make it a very popular place to visit. Begonias, oleanders and citrus plantations cover the town.
SHOPPING
Turgutreis is also famous with its Saturday market and bazaar. It’s possible to find locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables along with Turkish souvenirs, clothing and much more. Turgutreis also boasts many big shopping centers and supermarkets.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Turgutreis has pristine, clear blue sea and long sandy beaches. The Çatal islands and the surrounding hills make up its famous panorama. The beaches of Turgutreis are long enough to accommodate thousands of people at a time. The endless blue waters embracing Turgutreis is adorned with 14 beautiful islands, famous for offering refuge to seafarers. Çatal Island, Yassý Island, Topan Island, Çoban Island, Tüllüce Island and Sarýot Island are just some of these Turkish islands; Kos (Istanköy) and other Greek islands are some of the neighboring Greek islands.
It is possible to visit these wonderful Turkish and Greek islands by ferryboats that depart everyday from Turgutreis. Kos, Rhodes and Kalymnos passengers can shop from Turgutreis Duty Free. You may also embark on an organized daily boat tour from Turgutreis harbour to visit the Turkish islands with their virgin bays and turquoise clear water. At the end of the day, returning back to the town on a boat or sipping your tea on the beach, you can witness the famous magnificent and unique sunset.
Around “Yassý Island” (which has been a site of underwater investigations since 1961) some of the first underwater archaeological discoveries have been made and an ancient trade ship found which sank not far from town. It’s possible to see this ship in the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum-one of the best archaeological museums in the world. Yassý Island will be changed into an underwater museum for diving-lovers in a short time. Turgutreis Municipality has started a project to convert the island into an underwater museum and make available for diving. (For more details of this project click on the “Projects" link).
TRANSPORTATION AND COMUNNICATION
It is fairly easy to travel to and from Turgutreis. Local minibuses (dolmuþ) link the town to Bodrum and other small villages along the coast (You can find more information on “Places to visit” link). National bus companies link the town to major cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and many more. Turgutreis is only one hour away from Bodrum-Milas International Airport.
FOOD AND NIGHT LÝFE
You will be able to find the most popular and various cuisines from all around the world in Turgutreis but of course what we recommend is the local Mediterranean cuisine and the famous local fish dishes. “Köpoðlu”, a local appetizer made from eggplant is a must. This dish can be complemented with salads prepared with olive oil. Turgutreis is a town rich with fish. Every kind of fresh fish can be found in the restaurants. Especially popular are bream, grey mullet, sole and sea bass. After a delicious dinner, the bars, pubs and discos of Turgutreis will be waiting for you. You can dance to local or foreign music, watch soccer games on large flat-screen TVs or enjoy a quiet drink by the seaside. If you’re looking for something more lavish or extravagant and want to have more fun, Bodrum is just 18 km. away.
Those who wish to experience a perfect holiday can find everything they’re looking for in Turgutreis, which is a real “Mediterranean Dream”. A dream that you will never want to end...
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