BODRUM

Bodrum: Pearl of the Aegean

A unique story stretching from Halicarnassus to the present.

Bodrum Guide

Among Turkey's tourism regions, Bodrum has a unique image and there is a different Bodrum for everyone. Built on ancient Halicarnassus, Bodrum is one of Turkey's most popular tourism centers today.

  • Characteristic white two-story Mediterranean houses
  • Blue cruises with marinas and gulets
  • Mandarin orchards
  • World-famous nightlife
Bodrum Houses

Origin of the Name Bodrum

1. Saint Peter (Petrum)

Since Bodrum Castle was dedicated to Saint Peter, it was first called 'Petrum'. Over time: Petrum → Potrum → Bodurum → Bodrum.

2. Hippodrome Theory

Hippodromes were called 'Podrum' in Anatolia. The name of the hippodrome located where the industrial site is now was given to the city over time.

3. Dungeon/Cellar Theory

It is mentioned in the sense of a dungeon in Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha's Gazavatname. It is thought to be derived from the Greek 'batrum' or Aramaic 'Batrun'.

Piri Reis Map

Ottoman Period: Isravolos

The famous sailor Piri Reis uses the name 'Siravolos' for the Bodrum peninsula. This name is an administrative name given to the entire peninsula in Ottoman correspondence.