Bodrum: The Jewel of the Turkish Riviera

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yuhr]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-she-koor ed-er-eem]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zoor dee-leh-reem]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-yeem. Yah siz]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-jay kon-oo-shu-yor mu-soo-nooz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [Ahn-lah-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-oo-yu germ-ek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatBen et yemem
  [Ben et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-reh-feh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-de-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım!
  [Yar-duhm]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zak-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-lee-see ar-ay-uhn]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-yuh-run]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-doom]
• I'm illHastaım
  [Has-tai-uhm]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-un al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-je ba-kuh-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Neh ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveÇok pahalı
  [Chok pah-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı düşürebilir misiniz?
  [Fiyat-uh doo-she-reh-beel-eer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)(Saat) on buçuk
  [(Sa-at) on boo-chook]
• MorningSabah
  [Sah-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-leh-den son-ra]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Durt]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Ye-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Do-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [... neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres ne?
  [Ad-res neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Harita üzerinde) bana gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-ta ooz-er-in-deh) ba-na ger-ste-re-beel-eer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-rah-kee (o-to-boo-s) neh zah-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (....'e)
  [Bee-let (....'eh)]

Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was founded by the Dorians in the 12th century BCE. The city reached its zenith under the rule of Mausolus, the Persian satrap, in the 4th century BCE. Mausolus transformed Halicarnassus into a major cultural hub, commissioning the construction of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though the Mausoleum was heavily damaged by earthquakes in the Middle Ages, its remains are still a significant landmark in Bodrum.

In 334 BCE, Halicarnassus became a battleground during Alexander the Great's campaign against the Persian Empire. The city was well-fortified, and the siege was a prolonged and arduous affair. Ultimately, Alexander's forces succeeded in breaching the city's defenses, marking a pivotal moment in his conquest of Asia Minor. The remnants of the city walls and the Myndos Gate still stand as a testament to this historical event.

In the early 15th century, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, constructed the imposing Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter) on the site of a pre-existing fortification. The castle served as a stronghold and a base for the knights' naval operations in the eastern Mediterranean. It also provided refuge for Christian pilgrims and was a key defense point against Ottoman expansion. Today, Bodrum Castle is a well-preserved museum showcasing the region's rich history.

Bodrum fell under Ottoman control in 1522 during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The city remained a quiet fishing village for several centuries, relatively untouched by major historical upheavals. In the 20th century, Bodrum began to transform into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. The modern town of Bodrum has grown around the ancient ruins, seamlessly blending historical landmarks with contemporary attractions.

Bodrum has long been a haven for artists, writers, and intellectuals, largely due to its inspiring landscapes and historical significance. The town's cultural renaissance began in the early 20th century, spearheaded by figures such as the Turkish writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, also known as the 'Fisherman of Halicarnassus.' His works and lifestyle promoted Bodrum as a cultural and literary center, drawing creatives from all over the world. Today, Bodrum hosts numerous art festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events, celebrating its artistic legacy.

Bodrum is well-connected by air, land, and sea. The nearest airport is Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV), located about 36 km from Bodrum city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in Europe and Turkey. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Bodrum. Additionally, Bodrum has a ferry port with regular services from Greek islands like Kos and Rhodes, as well as domestic routes from cities like Istanbul and Izmir. For those traveling by road, Bodrum is accessible via major highways and intercity buses from various parts of Turkey.

Bodrum offers a variety of transportation options to explore the city and its surroundings. Public buses (dolmuş) are a convenient and affordable way to get around, with routes covering most areas in Bodrum. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. Car rentals are also popular for those looking to explore at their own pace. Additionally, you can rent scooters or bicycles for shorter trips. For sea travel, water taxis and boat tours are available to visit nearby islands and coastal attractions.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Bodrum. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. Currency exchange offices and banks are also available for exchanging foreign currency.

Bodrum is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular tourist spot, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid secluded areas at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like markets and bus stations. The central areas of Bodrum are safe, but exercise caution in less frequented neighborhoods. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings and use hotel safes for valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for ambulance, fire, and police services. Bodrum has several hospitals and medical facilities equipped to handle emergencies. The nearest hospital is Bodrum State Hospital, located in the city center. Pharmacies are available throughout the city and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For consular assistance, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Turkey.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight nod. Kissing both cheeks is common among close friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bodrum like a local, visit the weekly markets (pazar) where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and handmade goods. Engage with the locals, who are friendly and often eager to share insights about their culture. Explore the less touristy neighborhoods to discover authentic restaurants and cafes. Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the culture. Don’t miss the Bodrum Castle and the ancient theater for a touch of history. For a unique experience, take a traditional gulet boat tour along the coastline.