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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.
Fethiye
has always been a major area of settlement throughout the
history. This is due to the fact that the region is opulent
in all aspects of subsistance. It bears the stamp of all the
people living here in various periods, The region was known
as ''Telmessos" during the Lycian times until the Roman
Empire, when it was referred to as "Makri" (Megri), meaning
far-off !and. In 1282 Mentese Beg, the founder of the
Mentese Principality, fought with the Byzarithians and
onquered Makri, PUR-suant to this dote, although in the
official documents name Makri (Megri) was still in use, the
popular name among the residents was "Iskete" or "Beskaza".
The name Iskele was derived from the use of this town by the
Ottoman Empire for sailing out to Rhodes and the out side
world.
Similarly,
the name Beskaza was in frequent use during the Ottoman
times. As the central government had a hard time to dea with
local matters, five regional ad ministrations were
established. Under the auspices of the central
administration, the five kadhis (local gover- nors) of
Uzumlu, Yaka-Doger, Yakabag-Esen; Oren and Kaya were
appointed. The name Beskaza was very popular and there are
several folk dances and song bearing this name.
In the year 1914, a new name'appears. At that the Megri
Municipal Council proposed changing. The name of "Megri" to
commemorate Fethi Bey, the first Turkish pilot who was
killed in a. crash near Taberiye This proposal was approved
by the Council, presided by the Mayor of the time, Musaoðlu
Mehmet cen, and the name "Fethiye" was used in all
documentation However, due to the First World War and the
subsequ ent Independence War, the Council of Ministers 2
approval could be obtained only in1934.
Turkey Hotels
Many of Turkey’s most popular resorts can be
found on the south west coast, and there is a vast range of
Turkey accommodation on offer to suit all budgets and
tastes.
The busy market town of
Fethiye – where Orange’s headquarters can be found –
boasts a large, bustling marina, as well as some stunning
beaches. Rooms at the 5-star
Ece Saray Marina Resort offer stunning views over the
marina, where giant turtles reside, while the city centre is
just a few minute’s walk away.
For beach lovers, the resort of Oludeniz
boasts one of the best stretches of sand in
the region: the Belcekiz Beach, which is marked at one end
by a magnificent blue lagoon. The 5-star
Oyster Residence is located right on the beach, and
offers a beautiful collection of luxury rooms surrounding a
large pool area amongst olive groves. There is also a
popular nightclub next door.
The
atmospheric fishing town of Kalkan is littered with narrow,
winding streets, historical Ottoman buildings, and
white-washed houses that make the resort ideal for relaxing
strolls. Its sweeping views over the harbour and picturesque
bay further enhance the resort’s appeal. The 4-star
Pirat Hotel is one of the best in the resort, offering
spectacular views of the harbour with a backdrop of
green-clad mountains. This Kalkan hotel is also just 200
metres from the beach, as well as being close to a promenade
of restaurants.
In the charming town of Bodrum, visitors are
greeted by a fascinating mix of old and new, with an
imposing Crusader Castle overlooking an
exclusive marina. The surrounding region boasts mountains
and green valleys, traditional villages and isolated
beaches. The 4-star
Dolphin Aparthotel is located just outside the centre of
Bodrum, and offers superb views of the marina, the castle
and a picturesque bay. This Bodrum hotel is also just a few
minute’s walk from the hub of the resort’s vibrant
nightlife.
Dalyan
is a small, peaceful town situated
in the middle of a conservation area, making it popular with
bird watchers and naturalists. The 3-star
Dalyan Resort boasts a large pool with a nice view of
the nearby tombs. Boats stop at the hotel and transport
visitors to nearby attractions, including a beach, a
wonderful trail under the tombs, and a former Roman city.
The town centre is a 15 minute stroll from the hotel.
The resort of Marmaris
is popular with a chic Western crowd, but venture into the
narrow streets of the old quarter and you will discover a
more traditional Turkey. Boasting a vast beach, Marmaris is
also popular for watersports, as well as being a jumping off
point for the Blue Cruises of the Aegean Sea. The 3-star
Kamelya Aparthotel is located in a quite area of town,
just 150 metres from the beach. This is a great hotel for
couples and families who want to be close to the resort’s
facilities, with a wide range of shops and restaurants
nearby.
The city of Antalya has a fine
choice of atmospheric, inexpensive accommodation options,
including pensions and hostels, particularly in the old
quarter of Kaleici, which boasts Roman ruins and picturesque
narrow winding streets. A good budget option in Kaleici is
the 2-star
Frankfurt Hotel.
Turkey Accommodation
http://www.sletoh.com/book/Turkey-hotels-792.html
Fethiye
http://www.sletoh.com/plan/Fethiye-guide-306453.html
Ece
Saray Marina Resort
http://www.sletoh.com/hotel/Ece-Saray-Marina-Resort-47001.html
Oyster Residence Oludeniz
http://www.sletoh.com/hotel/Oyster-Residence-Hotel-72226.html
Pirat
Hotel
http://www.sletoh.com/hotel/Pirat-Hotel-72376.html
Bodrum
http://www.sletoh.com/hotel/Dolphin-Apart-50450.html
Dalyan
Resort
http://www.sletoh.com/hotel/Dalyan-Resort-50475.html
Kamelya
Aparthotel
http://www.sletoh.com/hotel/Kamelya-Aparthotel-70936.html
Antalya
http://www.sletoh.com/hotel/Frankfurt-Hotel-44478.html
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