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According to the
historian Herodotus, there has been a castle in Marmaris since
3000B.C. Long after this, during the Hellenistic Age, Alexander the
Great invaded Caria and the castle was besieged. The 600 inhabitants
of the town realized that they had no chance against the invading
army and burned their valuables in the castle before escaping to the
hills with their women and children.
The invaders realized the strategic value of the castle and repaired
several of the destroyed sections to house a few hundred soldiers
before the main army returned home. The 17th century writer Evliya
Celebi mentions the castle, which was rebuilt by Kanuni Sultan
Suleyman in 1522 when he invaded Rhodes. Since 1979 restoration work
has been continuing at the castle in order
to restore it to near its original condition. Under the auspices of
the Ministry of Culture the castle has been converted into a museum.
There are 7 galleries, the largest of which is used as an exhibition
hall and the courtyard is decorated with seasonal flowers. In
addition to the permanent displays, cultural and artistic activities
are offered.
For a visit of the Ottoman Marmaris remains start at the
Caravanserai, an inn built in 1545, which includes seven small rooms
and one large room. From Caravanserai walk up the stairs to the
castle of Suleyman the Magnificent and visit the many galleries
within, including a gallery of archeological findings. Enjoy
Marmaris Bay views from one of the castle walls before making your
way down the narrow winding streets of "Tepe Mahalesi" (Hill
District) to view traditional local architecture. |
