Bayırköy - Marmaris

In recent years the village of Bayır has become a popular stopping point for jeep safari tours. You should be sure to take a break here and have a glass of foamy ayran under the shade of the very large ancient trees in the central square.

According to tradition, if you walk three times around the ancient tree making a wish, it will come true if you believe. It is also said that whoever circles the tree increases their lifespan. This information has been written on a plaque near the tree by the villagers of Bayır.

We were a little hungry and tired after circling the great tree three times! That's why it was necessary to have a sandwich of delicious pieces of small meat which had been cooked with vegetables in a traditional pan. We did not forget to have a cup of tea before we left.

It is believed that the village was founded on the top of the ancient city of Syrna. There used to be a temple dedicated to the God of Health, Asklepios, where the mosque now stands. Some traces of the temple still exist. The Acropolis of Syrna is two kilometres to the north east of the village, on top of Yancağız Hill. The Acropolis, some parts of the city walls, lids of stone tombs and the remains of buildings can be seen after travelling along the ancient stone-paved road that is still in use and climbing the hill for about half an hour.