Usually popular resorts are similar to each other. Excursions, palm trees, all-inclusive hotels and snow-white beaches are their standard attributes. An approximate picture: the shores of the azure seas are full of sun loungers and elderly people with cameras stand by the water. In Turkey, there is a beach holiday resort called Marmaris, which is often called youth-oriented. To understand why this happens, you need to learn more about the attractions. For comfortable travel, we are recommended to use a taxi from Marmaris to Dalaman Airport by Kiwitaxi. This is the fastest way to get to the airport.
Brief description of the holiday resort
Marmaris is a small port and beach resort in Turkey (Mugla province). It is the center of the Marmaris region and lies on the border of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. The total area of the city is 878.1 km2, and the population is only 90 thousand people.
The resort is a popular resort – up to 2 million tourists come here every year. Marmaris is surrounded on all sides by mountains, and on the sea side by islands. The city is divided into several districts. The most popular include:
- Merkez;
- Drinks;
- Armutalan;
- Siteler.
Historical background
Historians are still arguing about the founding date of the city of Marmaris. Scientists have been able to establish that in the 11th century. BC e. there was a settlement called Fiskos (it is part of Caria). In the 10th century BC e. Rhodes founded the city of Amos near Physkos.
It is believed that this fact influenced the further history of this area. In 334 BC. e. Alexander the Great came to the territory of modern Marmaris, and Physkos was finally given to Rhodes.
Soon the city was annexed to the Roman Empire, and in the 4th century. n. e. – to the Byzantine. In subsequent centuries, the settlement was captured and devastated more than once by conquerors (Arabs, Menteshe Turks, Ottomans, etc.).
In 1424, Fiskos was officially assigned to the Ottoman Empire. And when the fortress was built in 1522, the city was renamed Marmaris (from ancient Greek – “brilliant”).
In 1957, a strong earthquake occurred in Turkey, as a result of which Marmaris was destroyed almost to the ground, but it was soon restored. Since the 80s Marmaris has been a major tourist center.
How to get to Marmaris
There are four ways to get to Marmaris:
- By plane (Dalaman airport is 120 km from the city) via Istanbul. It is easy to fly to Istanbul from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Yekaterinburg, Astrakhan, etc.
- By bus via Bodrum (about 3.5 hours), Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya or Fethiye.
- By train from Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum and other Turkish cities.
- By ferry from Rhodes. The sailing takes about an hour, the cost is approximately 150 lire. This method can be used from April to November.
Popular attractions in Marmaris
Tourist Marmaris has many attractions. The city’s architecture, cultural sites, historical monuments and natural places are interesting.
City architecture
The architecture of Marmaris is clearly visible in ancient buildings, sculptures and Muslim temples.
Old Fort Marmaris
The Marmaris fortress was built in 1522 by Suleiman the Magnificent. The fort became the main headquarters of the Ottoman Empire. Due to earthquakes and raids by hostile troops, it was destroyed several times, but it was immediately restored. Nowadays there is a local history museum on the territory of the fortress.
There are 2 legends about the construction of the fort. The first of them says that Suleiman, having seen the architect’s work, was dissatisfied with the result. He said mimar as, which means hang the architect. According to the second legend, the name of the fort comes from Le Mar Maris (“pearl of the sea”).
The museum’s exhibition includes an archaeological collection from the Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods. Numismatics, figurines, lamps and dishes are of great value. In the courtyard of the museum there are larger exhibits: cannons, amphorae, etc. You can book Kiwitaxi service to get to this attraction very quickly.
Many films have been made about this, but the most famous is the series “The Magnificent Century”. I clarified: indeed, most of the series was filmed on the fortress walls of Marmaris. The role of Roksolana (Hürrem-Sultan) was performed by the famous Turkish actress Meryem Uzerli.
Practical information:
- fortress address – Tepe Mah., 41 Sok., 56 (exact coordinates – 36°51’02″N 28°16’27″E);
- Opening hours: daily from 8:30 to midnight;
- entrance fee – 8 liras.
The Fortress Museum is the most popular attraction in Marmaris
Ibrahim Pasha Mosque
The Ibrahim Pasha Mosque (İbrahim Ağa Camii) was built in 1789. The object is a monument of Ottoman architecture, but the mosque remains operational to this day. Thousands of pilgrims visit it every year.
Historians claim that at the beginning of the 19th century the British also fell in love with this place. The uniqueness of the mosque lies in its architectural style. The author of the project wanted the Muslim temple to be different from the classical mosques of that time.
Some art critics believe that the architect did not have enough imagination to implement the idea, so the building turned out to be a little pretentious and rustic at the same time. The mosque is named after the architect who built it.
All mosques have some rules for visitors. Even an unbeliever needs to observe them. Anyone entering must wear a hat and closed clothing. First of all, you need to cover your hair, elbows, shoulders, neck and ankles.
I visited mosques in different cities and countries. In large tourist centers this is well thought out, and pilgrims are offered to take a special cape at the entrance, which can be thrown over the head/shoulders or tied around the waist. Of course, this scarf will have to be returned later.
Information for tourists:
- address – Tepe Mh, Cordod Cd., 2 (next to the market);
- exact coordinates – 36°26’34″N 28°13’40″E;
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day, but usually the mosque is visited during prayer (an invitation will be heard from the roof of the minaret);
- entry is free.
Dancing fountain
The Dancing Fountain is the largest art object in Marmaris. It was built in 2012 on Youth Square (previously there was a Tansash supermarket on this site). The uniqueness of the fountain lies in the evening water show. First, the jets “dance” to various melodies. By the way, the music program changes daily so as not to bore tourists – these are famous classical melodies, popular modern songs and hits of bygone decades.
At the end of the show, small jets emerge from the center of the fountain, forming a “foggy” curtain. A short film about Marmaris is broadcast on this water wall.
The square where the fountain stands is also interesting with other architectural objects. There are many sculptures and installations here.
Particularly popular are the man-made waterfall, the sculpture in the form of a mermaid, the composition “Two Fishermen”, etc. There are also many souvenir shops, cafes and clubs.
My friend, who has visited Turkey many times, has photographs of the snow-white sculpture “Lovers”. He said that this composition is located right next to the fountain. To find happiness in their personal lives, single people must definitely touch the “Lovers”.
Practical information:
- address — Kemeraltı Mah.;
- the exact coordinates of the fountain are N36.8531669 E28.2697535;
- the show lasts from 21:00 to 21:30;
- You can explore the attraction at any time and for free.