HISTORY OF FETHIYE

Fethiye is located on the Lycian and Carian border and was called Telmessos in ancient times. The city was very prominent and a centre of prophecy, pledged to Apollon. That the city life was rich and highly cultured during the Hellenistic and Roman periods is evident from the existing monuments. Today the majority of ancient ruins in Telmessos are rock-tombs, Lycian-type sarcophagi, the fortress and the Roman Theatre.
     The peninsula lying between Fethiye and Antalya was known as Lycia in the ancient times. Lycians were natives of Anatolia and sea-faring people as mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Kadesh War Peace Agreement document.
     The tomb of Amyntas, which could be considered as the insignia of Fethiye, strikes the eye with its grandeur on the slope as you enter the bay. This tomb, whose façade was built as an Ionic temple based on the plan of in antis, belonged to Amyntas is believed to be a king or a governor of Telmessos during the Hellenistic period.
     Within the city there are quite a number of Lycian-type sarcophagi. On these there are epitaphs in the Lycian scripture. Especially the sarcophagus near the government house is worthy of notice, with its relieves depicting warriors.
      The fortress stands where the city was first founded and the existing walls are from the 11th Century. At same places, portions of walls from the Roman period can be seen. The fortress was repaired by the Rhodesian Knights during the 15th Century and was used as a naval base.
   Telmessos Ancient Theatre stands opposite to the commercial quay at Fethiye town centre. Typical Roman type theatre was built in 2nd. Century on the remains of a Greek style previous one. The site was escavated by the Fethiye Archaeology Museum in 1993 and a restoration project was made to renovate the theatre’s cavea and stage.
   Fethiye Archaeology Museum exhibits numerous Archaeological findings from the Lycian, Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods as well as ethnological works of art typical of the region.
     There is a new project to be realised in 2001—2002 for a new “open-air Museum complex with the ancient theatre”. Fethiye Municipality and the Directory of Museum are leading this project to reform the centre of town with the idea of protecting natural and cultural environments of Fethiye.
     The Teke Peninsula of our times, lying between Fethiye and Antalya was known as LYCIA in the ancient times. In fact the Lycians participated in the Kadesh War together with Hittites, Which indicates that they were one of the oldest tribes of Anatolia. All through the history, Lycia was invaded by the Persians, Alexander The Great, Romans and Byzantines but was never evacuated. Fethiye is an appropriate centre for excursions into Lycia. Either on your own or by organised daily tours, you can pay visits to major Lycian cities in the region.

Telmessos
      The Telmessos antique city is the only center along the Mediterran cean shores where settlemment has been continuous from the first establishment to the present day.The philological studies reveal that city dates back to the third Century B.C. 

Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz):
     Explore Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz) where the calm crystal water is ideal for swimming and other water sports. Blue Lagoon is located near the famous tourist resort of Fethiye, Belcekız Beach and protected as one of the natural parks of Turkey.

      Xanthos:
     Political capital of Lycian Federation, Xanthos is known as the place of people who committed suicide all together for peace and freedom when Persians invaded town in 546 BC. Sir Charles Fellows first discovered Xanthos in 1838 and all relieves and unlikely beautiful Nereid’s Monuments were carried to London—British Museum. The ruins still standing in the city, which is at present location of Kınık Village on the road from Fethiye to Kaş Town, are splendid samples of the Lycian Civilisation.

 Cadianda :
     The ancient city of Cadianda is located at Üzümlü Village, about 20 Km. from Fethiye. Best samples of Cyclops Walls of the ancient ages, a sport complex, theatre and Heroon like temple type tombs are all worth to see.
Tlos: Located at 28 km. from Fethiye, Tlos is one of the oldest residential areas of Lycia and one of the few cities, which continued its existence up to the 19th Century. Tlos is known as “the sport centre” of Lycian Federation and was the home of mythological winged horse Pegasus and his hero Bellorophonte. Acropolis, temple type tomb of Bellorophonte, Stadium—bath complex, and theatre are some of the structures coming from early periods of Tlos.
       Pınara:
    “Beauty Center” of Lycians, Pınara is on the way to Minare Village and can be reached by a short road branching off from the Fethiye—Kaş highway. Numerous Pigeon Holes like simple tombs carved on the slope of the Hill and a hearth planned Aphrodite Temple are probably the most interesting remains of Pınara to see.

      Letoon: Letoon is a holy city, dedicated to Goddess Leto, located at the Kumluova Village and 4 Km. from Xanthos. It is known that all holy ceremonies were held here with the priests of the temples of Leto, Artemis and Apollon.
Oenanda: recently excavated city of Oenanda is located near İncealiler Village, about 88 Km. to Fethiye. British and Turkish archaeologists discovered about 300 scribed tablets of Lycian Epicurean Philosopher Dioghenes.
    Fethiye is surrounded by Toros (Taurus) Mountains, which are fully decorated with pine and cedar trees in addition to about 10.000 sorts of floral components. Ecological life of Fethiye is waiting to be explored by the people who are the lovers of nature, culture and history.

     Butterfly Valley:
     Pieri Rapos, Euglapia Quadripunctia, Danaus Chtsippus and others… Butterfly Valley is placed at the bottom of deep and sharp of a Valley, which is one of the most beautiful bays around Fethiye. Starting springtime for about 9—10 months more than 40 kinds of butterflies can be watched in the valley.
     
 
     Gemiler Bay & Island:
     Following the road leading from Kaya Köyü, you end up at a beautiful beach surrounded by pine and olive trees. Gemiler bay is facing you to the small Island where Byzantine ruins lie tucked among the pines. A Japanese team has carried on archaeological excavations for 10 years.

      Günlüklü (Küçük Kargı):
    This site is also operated as a camp-site by the Directorate of National Parks and renewed for its incense (Sytrax) trees (Liquidi-Ambar Orientalis) which grow only in Muğla region.
       Katrancı:
    The Muğla—Fethiye highway branches off to this campsite at a point 15 km. from Fethiye and there are numerous little bays around this spot. Katrancı is an ideal place with camping facilities where pine trees stretching right to the shore.

Saklıkent Gorge:
      High in the mountains above Fethiye rushing torrents cut a narrow gorge / canyon through the mountains, creating Saklıkent Gorge. A cool refuge on hot summer days, Saklıkent Gorge is a favourite picnic spot with rustic restaurants serving delectable fresh trout.

Gebeler Spa: The Gebeler Spa is a thermal spring recalling Tlos baths. The spring, that content high Chlorine and sulphate cures many ailments. The 15 meters deep hot water wells are most efficacious remedies for rheumatism, sciatica and skin diseases.
     From the coastline to the mountains—pastures, Fethiye is the place where different cultures are mixed and coloured the life. Yörük (Nomads) and fishermen come together easily in a typical Fethiye picture. Folkloric values as folk music, folk dances, and handcrafts, local cuisine are all different than the other regions of Turkey.
    Kaya Rugs: Kaya Village rugs have been made for centuries with specific designs and colours and specially used technique for the dyes.
Dastar: Dastar is hand-craft more specifically seen in Üzümlü Village. Cotton is used for these scarves and they are hand made either in plain weaving or with designs in white—on—white.
Kilim: Flat woven carpets as well as saddle—bags are hand—made at Seydiler, Atlidere, Karaçulha and Eldirek Villages with specific designs.
Kolan: These are thin, long belts woven from wool dyed in various colours. .
 
     KAYA KÖYÜ—MOSAICS OF CULTURES: Beyond the Fethiye fortress going south, if you follow the road climbing up to the slope some 7 km. you can come to a magnificent lowland where Anatolian Greeks had lived until 1922. Greeks called the town Levissi in the past. Kaya Köyü in the year 1922 during the exchange of Turks in Thrace with Anatolian Greeks was evacuated and the new residents did not take up the existing houses. Kaya become a “Ghost Town” as an abandoned town after 1923.
2 churches, chapels, numerous houses, schools, library, hospital, work—shops and the other structures will be renovated soon according to a project which is made by The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies and The Chamber Of Turkish Architects. After the renovation, Kaya Köyü will serve as the place of “ Piece & Friendship Village” and be protected forever.
     Fethiye’s magnificent mountains and forests are mostly undeveloped, existing as wonderful natural preserves for an extraordinary variety of life a culture, flora and fauna.
       For centuries nomads and semi—nomadic people have migrated annually to the fresh pastures of the higher elevations in summer.
    Seki and Girdev Pastures are two of magnificent picturesque areas on Taurus (Toros) Mountains about 80 km. to Fethiye Town centre and famed for their horses and Juniper trees. At Boğalar Village, there is a nomad museum worth seeing, immortalising the traces of culture at pastures.

GENERAL INFO

One is  at a loss for words to describe the beauty of Fethiye. If you are incurably addicted to exploring new horizons and are a lover of nature, this is the destination for you… What is it that makes these shores so delightfully indented with innumerable coves and the unbelievable beauty of nature. What makes it so alluring? Perhaps it is a bit of everything, who knows?
     To wander through the bays of Fethiye is an adventure, an exuberance, a spring of joy. While passing from one to another, the grandeur that spreads out before your eyes is enhanced by the silhouettes of tiny islands, which lead you astray.
      Fethiye is located in South—West Mediterranean Turkey, connected to all other cities by three highways and reached very easily.  Dalaman International Airport is as close as 50 km. to the town centre. During the tourist season one can find many flights from major European cities to Fethiye besides the domestic flights throughout the year by Turkish Airlines. Additionally Antalya Airport, three –hour drive to Fethiye, is another departure point.
     Fethiye seaport with its sheltered natural structure is an important stop for yachtsmen.  A new modern marina project will be realised soon for a large number of yachts with all facilities on the other end at the bay.
     The whole region excluding Fethiye and Eşen lowlands is covered with high mountains forming the south western spurs of the Taurus Range. These mountains exceeding 2000 meters extend the coastline. On a sunny winter day it is a real pleasure to view the pines and snow decorated peaks intertwined with the blue sky. Besides the refreshing woody slopes with thyme, sage, laurel and pine trees the exceptional incense forest is another peculiarity of the Fethiye region. Covering a 100-hectare area the incense forest is an ideal campsite and a picnic area. Balsam obtained from incense trees has pharmaceutical and cosmetic value and it is also used as a fumigate in mosques and churches.
      Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters prevails in the region temperatures are approximately 30°C in summers and usually not less than 12°C in winters. Seawater temperature is hardly below 17°C all year round.
      In Fethiye, with its abundance and fertile land, agriculture is of major prominence. Therefore whilst in other holiday resorts it becomes quiet at end of the season, life in Fethiye flows on throughout the 12 months.
      Such farming for vegetables and industrial plants as cotton, sesame, tobacco, and aniseed  are the major agricultural income sources. Yearly about 250.000 tons of tomatoes are produced and exported.  In bee-keeping and honey production, the potential is on a large scale. Furthermore, there is large supply of Chromium ore and Fethiye is an important export part of this mineral in Turkey.
     The climatic conditions permit almost all kinds of vegetables and fruit to be cultivated. The special nature of contact between the producer and the consumer may be witnessed in the town market, is most fascinating on Tuesdays. Life at the market and the shops are located around starts early in the morning and gives opportunities to locals and tourists during the daytime. Souvenir shops are located around the Turkish bath and the old Mosque. During the peak season one can buy leather-goods, carpets, rugs, jewellery and the other souvenirs as well as Turkish fashion cloths from these shops which stay open until the late hours. When you walk around, have a break at one of  “Paspatur” Cafes for a cup of Turkish coffee or apple tea, it  will keep you relax and keep your mind on Fethiye as “the shining light of eco world, worth  discovering”

NATURE & CULTURE

BAYS & ISLANDS
     It is not a dream anymore to discover the lovely bays and islands hugging nature and history by a boat in Mediterranean's blue waters. Everybody can arrive by yachts or traditional wooden Gulets into these bays that want to keep their holiday full with beauties, which were known only by the seamen until 40 years ago.
     For lovers of active life, sailing in the clear waters provide great opportunities for swimming, fishing, water skiing, snorkelling, surfing and scuba diving.
   The borders of blue heaven of Fethiye provide various choices from north Aegean to east Mediterranean. By starting from the Göcek islands and bays as you wish, on Marmaris route; Tersane Island (Dock yard), Lycian Bay, Cleopatra’s Bath, Ağ Limani, Ekincik Bay and Dalyan’s famous Turtle’s Beach or instead; you can sail on Antalya Route to see Gemiler Bay, St. Nicholas Island, Öludeniz Blue Lagoon, Butterfly Valley, Kalkan, Kaş and sunken city of Kekova.

Gulets:
    The singular design of Gulets, Turkey’s indigenous sea going vessels, blend practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies a Blue Voyage.
    Gulets have evolved from traditional crafts for fishing and transport into their present profile with a beam and a wide deck.
   Travel agencies can arrange charters free style or fixed trips for specific groups of people for you individually. On a Gulet you can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coast line. Ready yourself to rediscover the blue paradise of ecoworld in Fethiye waters...

OLUDENIZ BELCEKIZ:
     Ölüdeniz Lagoon and Belcekız beach are are known as Blue Paradise in the world. Colourful holiday complexes with lush gardens, camp sites and hotels provide a large capacity of accommodation for tourists. World Heritage Babadağ hugs the area with its floral richness. After half an hour driving to the summit of Babadağ, you can have an opportunity to fly single or tandem, do paragliding and land softly on Belcekız Beach. Babadağ and Belcekız is becoming a centre for paragliders .

OVACIK VILLAGE:
    Ovacık resort is located 4 km. from Ölüdeniz on the way to Fethiye. Cool breezes and common Fine Mountain & forest view caress its hotels and holiday villages.

HİSARONU VİLLAGE:
    Hisarönü Resort is next to Ovacık Resort in the area. Hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centres and the other activities describe a very colourful life for tourists. Easy transportation to Fethiye and Ölüdeniz from Hisarönü & Ovacık is provided by dolmuş, which takes 5 min. to Ölüdeniz and 20 min. to Fethiye centres.

CALIS
   Çalis, which is one of the most striking residential and recreational centers in the region, is situated 5 km. North of Fethiye. With its kilometers of beach and cool evenings in the heat of the summer, Çalis is especially noted for its unique sunsets. Further down from Çalis, Kargı, with its beautiful beach and the incense trees, is a newly developing site with a number of hotels and holiday villages.