MİLAS

The ancient name of Milas is Mylasos or Mylasa. This city, which was an important center of Caria and known as the “City of Temples,” housed the national God Zeus Karios Temple of the Carians. Milas has a rich history with an uninterrupted cultural heritage spanning 3,000 years and home to the remains of 27 ancient cities within its boundaries.

Some of these ancient cities include important sites such as İasos, Labranda, Euromos, and Heraklia. Throughout history, Milas has carried the influences of Carian, Byzantine, Selçuk, Menteşâ Principality and Ottoman civilizations. Additionally, it holds a significant position in yacht tourism with its coastlines along the Gulf of Gökova and Mandalya. Captain Cousteau, after visiting these areas, remarked, “Those seeking paradise on Earth will find it in Gökova.” The easiest way to reach Milas is through the international Milas-Bodrum Airport.

Main Historical and Archeological Destinations

Gumuskesen Grave Monument

One of the visible remnants of the city of Mylasa is the Gümüşkesen Grave Monument, which is located in the Gümüşlük area in Muğla province, Milas district. The burial monument, which was constructed in the shape of a mausoleum, using materials gathered from older structures. It is accepted that the Gümüşkesen Grave Monument and the Baltali Gate were constructed during the same time period based on the decorative aspects. The structure is divided into three sections: the burial chamber, the floor in the middle that is ringed by columns, and the pyramidal top cover. This Mausoleum dates back to the 2nd century AD. The lower portion of the top cover is ornamented with botanical and geometrical patterns.  It is from the 2nd century.

Heraklia

Once an important port city, Herakleia lies before the blue waters of Lake Bafa, with the Beş Parmak Mountains (anciently known as the Latmos Mountains) rising behind it. The old city of Latmos was situated a bit northeast of the present location; however, it was moved to its current site during the Hellenistic period and renamed Herakleia, inspired by the semi-divine hero Herakles.

The city is surrounded by 6.5 kilometers of walls supported by 26 towers, reflecting both the importance placed on the city’s defense and the luxury of the ancient period. The “Latmos Prehistoric Rock Paintings” found in the Latmos Mountains around Lake Bafa reveal that the region’s history dates back to the 6th millennium BC.

Ören – Keramos

Located on the Bodrum-Milas road, accessible by a 45 km asphalt road that branches off at the Beçin junction, the area formerly known as Gereme, now Ören, is situated on the shores of Gökova Bay. The city center is a bit inland from the coast. Along the beach, there are two- storey houses with gardens, small hotels, and guesthouses. The ancient city ruins of Keramos can be visited between Ören and Akyaka.

Natural and Cultural Heritage

Bafa Lake

The Söke Plain was once a vast bay covered by the sea about 2,000 years ago. The alluvial deposits carried by the Büyük Menderes River filled this bay, transforming it into a plain. Today, Lake Bafa remains as a remnant of the sea. The lake features two islands. Bafa Lake is renowned for its freshwater fish such as mullet, bass, and eel.

The islands on the lake are home to monasteries and churches, with the oldest being the “Monastery of the Seven.” Important Christian events depicted include the resurrection of Lazarus, the crucifixion of Jesus, burial themes, and the anastasis (resurrection) scene, featuring priceless frescoes depicting scenes from the life, deeds, and death of Jesus Christ. The lake’s surroundings are covered with olive groves, and meals at the coastal restaurants are typically prepared with olive oil.

Handwoven Carpet

Milas is one of the oldest settlements of the Turkmen tribes. The region has preserved this characteristic in terms of customs, traditions, and clothing. Carpets with distinctive features are woven in the Milas region. The carpet tradition is believed to have started in the 16th century with the weaving of prayer rugs. The carpets dated to the 18th and 19th centuries are distinguished by their patterns and colors, categorized as classical and Baroque styles. From the 18th and 19th centuries onwards, Milas carpets were made entirely of wool. The carpets were dyed using root and natural dyes. These carpets, known as Milas Carpets, are still woven in Karacahisar, Ören, Dörttepe, Gereme, Bozalan, İkizköy, Pınarköy, Mezgit, Gürceğiz, Akçakaya, and many other villages.

Uyku Valley

Uyku Valley and the Gökçeler Cave, which is a Natural Conservation Area, can be visited with day trips. There are two entrances to the valley. The entrance of the Gökçeler Cave is quite wide. The cave initially opens into a large hall, with a significant gallery to the left. When you ascend slightly to the right, you can reach another gallery filled with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as small pools, through a narrow passage.

Tuzla (Bargylia)

The Tuzla Wetland covers an area of 380 hectares. It is a winter habitat and feeding ground for migratory birds and is surrounded by tamarisk, olive, and pine trees. Pelicans are among the most common bird species, along with mallards, teal, bean geese, Hungarian ducks, coots, herons, geese, flamingos, moorhens, and marsh swallows. The wetland also provides a rich fish population due to the abundance of plankton and aquatic plants.

Olive

Milas has historically been a center for olive production, with olive trees dating back approximately 8,000 years. Olive cultivation is a cornerstone of the Milas economy. Milas is one of Turkey’s most important olive production centers, with 52,900 hectares of its 81,189 hectares of cultivated land covered by olive groves. The majority of the olive trees are of the Memecik variety.

Çomakdağ

The distinctive feature of the Çomakdağ is the Çomakdağ houses, which masterfully blend the past with the present in their architectural style. The stone houses are noted for their aesthetically pleasing chimneys. The interiors of the houses are just as colorful and impressive as their exteriors. The ceilings and doors are adorned with examples of wood carving art. The women of Çomakdağ village continue to preserve their nearly 500-year-old traditions and customs through their colorful attire.

Recommended Activities

International Çaykama Böreği Cultural and Art Festival – Summer Season

National Olive Harvest Festival – Autumn – Winter Season

Southern Aegean Food, Agriculture, and Livestock Fair – Spring

Main Bays and Beaches

Çökertme Beach

Ören Beach

Main Marinas and Ports

There are 4 private and 1 public port in Milas.