History of Marmaris

It is not known when Marmaris was founded, but Physkos as Marmaris was previously known, was part of the Carian Empire in the 6th century B.C. when overrun by the Lydians. Another invasion by the Lydians in 334 B.C. led to the partition of the Roman Empire of Alexander the Great. According to the historian Herodotus, the Carians settled in what is now the province of Mugla after coming from Crete. They also took over the town of Physkos with its large natural harbour, and used it as a military base for their campaigns against the Phoenicians in Rhodes and other Aegean islands.The Carian civilization entered a dark period after 300 B.C., coming under the rule of the Egyptians, Asstrians, Ionians and Dorians successively. The Dorians turned the Carian province into 9 colony cities, also including Halicarnassos and Knidos, which became an active trading centre for Anatolia and led to an increase in handicrafts and maritime trade.

In 138 B.C. Attalos the 3rd, King of Bergama, whose predecessors had ruled Caria for 90 years, ceded Physkos to Rome and the city was ruled from Rhodes by Roman generals. The city became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1425, and the castle was built in 1521 AD for use in a planned assault on Rhodes. The Ottoman Sultan at the time, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman, changed the name of the town to Mimaras, which then became Marmaris according to the historian Evlija Celebi. A local rumour has it that the reason for the change of name Mimaras was that Suleyman, on returning from his expedition to Rhodes, disliked the castle and exclaimed "mimar as!", which means "hang the architect!" Unfortunately there is no evidence to support this amusing story.

Situated within 3-4 hours drive from Marmaris are three sites of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World:

The Artemisium at Ephesus: There is only one column standing that has been re-erected. The British Museum and The Ephesus museum in Vienna have far more on display than we can show in Turkey.

The Mausoleum at Halicamessus: Built for King Mausoleus of Caria who reigned from 377-353 BC by his wife and sister Artemisia. No ruins are to be seen today.

The Colossus of Rhodes: Mythology tells us that this massive wonder was sold as scrap metal in the 8th century.

At that time there Iived a wise, holy woman named 'Sariana' (Blonde Mother). The Sultan asked her opinion on the result of the forthcoming battle and she wisely foretold that he would win. The Sultan did win and the Crusaders were sent off to
Malta. The tomb of Sariana may be visited, set beside the mosque on the hill behind Marmaris. Even today Iocal women pray here and ask for guidance.

An Insight to Marmaris

Marmaris is situated on the Agean coast at the very centre of the most scenically beautiful area of southern Turkey. The town lying at the head ofa sparkling fiord is surrounded by pine covered hills with a magnificent backdrop of dramatic mountains. The lush greenery of this area is thanks to a bountiful supply of fresh water from underground springs and streams. This idyllic venue affords the visitor a wide choice of holiday activities.

Dalaman airport is just over an hour away from Marmaris by road. There are frequent flights from Europe and the UK. In addition there are scheduled flights to Istanbul and on to Ankara, connecting with international services world-wide. It is also possible to travel by coach to and from all major cities in Turkey direct to Marmaris.

There are regular ferry boat services to Marmaris from Rhodes just 28 miles away .

From a small fishing village in the early seventies Marmaris has grown to be a major tourist resort and has been planned with care. Marmaris has retained its charm and comprises many villages within its environs. Hotel development has been confined
along the shores of the bay and thankfully , high-rise constructions are not permitted. The majority of the peninsular shoreline is also now under conservation to retain the beauty of the coastline.

Old City and Shopping

Old Marmaris is clustered around an 11 th century Ottoman castle and many of the original houses have been sympathetically restored. In this area you will find smart boutiques and attractive restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets.
Climb the castle hill to explore the shady whitewashed streets and watch artists working in their studios. Have a drink at any one of the many secluded bars near the summit and enjoy the view across the fiord.

To the east of the old castle is the superb new Marmaris Marina with berths for over 600 yachts and a virtual sailing village. Within the Marina are restaurants, bars, a swimming pool and quality boutiques.

Enter one of the maze of covered lanes to the fascinatirig and colourful shopping bazaar and bargain with the friendly traders for leather, hand made carpets, gold and silver jewellery , herbs and spices, clothes, onyx vases, chess-men, meersham pipes and much, much more. Regardless of whether you buy anything, you will be entertained and may be offered tea in a ceramic shop or with the grocer.

Getting about in and around Marmaris

There is never a shortage of transport and the fun thing is that you have a variety of different modes of travel to choose from: there are regular "little buses" known as "Dolmus" with connecting services to all suburbs and villages within the province, enabling you to hop on and off , to and from anywhere. In Marmaris itself there is an amusing open "cek cek" which is pulled along the main seafront road by tractor. Taxis are to be found almost everywhere in town. In the evening you can take a relaxed, romantic "trot" around. Marmaris in an open horse and carriage. Should you wish to explore independently, up-to-date vehicles can be rented from one of the many car hire firms in town.

There is a very efficient network of modem air-conditioned coaches operating to and from Marmaris connecting with all towns and major cities in Turkey.