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Marmaris
is built on the Ancient site of Phykos, so, little of
the old town remains; it was a Carion city that dates
back to 3500BC. Marmaris was once a sleepy fishing village
that is located on a natural harbour, where Lord Nelson
Co ordinated his attack on the French. Marmaris has
been under the control of many cultures including the
Egyptians, Ionians, Dorians and Romans, it finally became
a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1425. There are many
Ottoman remains from Suleyman, the Magnificent and a
castle which Suleyman was said to have disliked once
finished and a Caravanserai from the 16th cent as well
as the Mosque of Ibraham Agha which dates to 1789.
Marmaris is well known for its natural beautiness, pine
clad mountains and a fantastic coastlines full of pretty
coves and inlets, like Icmeler, Kumlubuk, Turunc, and
Kadirga. There is also a sea cavern nearby that is Phosphorescent
called Fosforlu. Marmaris has many tours to nearby resorts
such as Bodrum, Caunos, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Fethiye.
It is a modern town well geared to cater for the tourists.
There are many of restaurants, bars, shops and good
nightlife, as well as excellent opportunities and locations
for Watersports and sunbathing. There is also an old
quarter here where traditional Turkish life can still
be seen at the winding cobbled streets. Shopping in
Marmaris is good bargain. Some of the local preferable
and traditional items worth buying are Leather and Suede,
Onyx and Textiles and local produce of Pine scented
Honey. Marmaris has a long sand and shingle beach. It
has one of the best marinas in Turkey. You may also
take the famous blue Voyage cruise along the Aegean,
from here, as Marmaris is a yachting haven.
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Things
to see in Marmaris
The
Ataturk Park.
This is located in the east of Marmaris. Here is a wonderful
beach suitable for swimming. The area is famous for
its Frankincense trees, which give off a beautiful aroma.
Fortress Museum
This Small Castle is an Archaeological Musuem; it was
restored between 1980-1990 and opened in 1991. Suleyman,
the Magnificent had this castle built in time of the
Rhodian campaign. Here Suleyman assembled 200,000 troops
for the attack and siege of Rhodes in 1522. Most of
the exhibits here are of a nautical nature as well as
Roman and Byzantine earthen ware and ornaments. There
is an ethnographical section where various objects from
the Ottoman period are exhibited.
Icmeler.
This town is approximately 8 km along the coast from
Marmaris. It is possible to get a Dolmus which is a
common public transportation. Icmeler, once a small
sleepy fishing village, is now a popular destination
for holiday makers. There is a beach here backed by
lush gardens with numerous restaurants where you can
relax.
Turunc
Turunc, hidden behind hills, is a bay surrounded by
breathtaking beauty. It has been a place to settle since
Hellenistic time. Turunc can be reached by a relaxing
boat trip along the fantastic coast which Marmaris is
blessed with. The Bay of Turunc has a good beach with
water ideal for swimming. Restaurants and bars are to
be found here among the pretty scenery and relaxing
atmosphere.
Orhaniye and Selimiye.
These two villages are located 10 and 20 km away from
Marmaris. The village of Orhaniye is set in a beautiful
bay. You either spend a relaxing day in this natural
setting or head for the Carpet weaving centre where
you will get an in depth account of this famous craft.
Selimiye is also set in a bay; there are also a few
ancient ruins to be seen here. Both villages are ideal
opportunities to see beautiful Turkey in which there
is no touristical activity, far from the entertaining
athmosphere of Marmaris.
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