Akyarlar - local crafts and fishermen near Bodrum
- Written by Portal Editor
Akyarlar, the village of fishermen and formerly of the notorious sponge divers with its traditional whitewashed houses, is located just 22 kilometres from Bodrum.
Due to its proximity to Bodrum, Akyarlar now attracts numerous tourists during their journey along the Aegean Sea south of Turgutreis. It goes without saying that the number of holiday homes has also increased dramatically.
Akyarlar - near the ancient city of Termera
The village is located near the historic city of Termera, which once faced the sea and is only 5 kilometres from the Greek island of Kos. The ancient name of the settlement is Arhialla. Termera, also known as Termerum or Termeron, was a coastal city in ancient Caria on the south coast of the Halicarnassus peninsula, near Cape Termerium. Stephen of Byzantium incorrectly assigned the city to Lycia. It was a polis (city-state) and a member of the Athenian League. Under the Romans, this Doric town was a free city. According to the Suda, the place gave rise to the proverbial term "exile" as it was used as a prison by the rulers of Caria. In Greek mythology, the town was founded by Termerus, after whom it was named.
Bazaar and primary school in the village
There is only one primary school in Akyalar. A bazaar is held every Thursday, which offers not only fruit and vegetables but also embroidery work by local do-it-yourselfers. So-called dolmuş shared taxis connect the town with Turgutreis and Bodrum. Close to the village lies the Akyarlar volcano, which has been dormant for many years and is the most southeastern volcano of the Southern Aegean Volcanic Arc.
At Akyarlar Point, the layers of white limestone rocks are shaped almost like deep and winding gorges that drop off very steeply. Akyarlar Bay, with its remarkable beach and clear blue water, lies between the village and Cape Koca. Here you will find one of the best and very famous places for windsurfing. The strong winds here come from the mountains and generally blow towards the open sea.
Fishing boats at the quay of Akyarlar
On the shore there are some fishing huts with the typical Turkish white fishing boats tied to the quay and in the centre there are some cozy restaurants, after which the moon-shaped beach awaits you. Those who find this part of the beach too crowded can walk to Kemer beach, which starts just a few hundred meters away. After the Hüseyin Point lighthouse, built by the French in 1931, the sandy beach begins, which is very popular under the name Kum Hamami (The Sandy Beach).
In 1923, the Turkish citizens of Greek Orthodox faith were resettled to Greece in accordance with the Convention on Population Exchange between Greece and Turkey.
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