ORTACA

Ortaca was within the borders of the Caria region in ancient times. The region was conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BC and subsequently came under Macedonian rule during the Hellenistic period. Later, Ortaca fell under the dominion of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, and in 192 BC, it became part of the Roman Empire. Between 1261 and 1451, during the period of the Anatolian Principality, Ortaca was under the control of the Menteşeoğulları. In 1424, during the reign of Murad II, it became part of the Ottoman Empire.

Main Historical and Archaeological Destinations

The ruins of an ancient city located within the boundaries of a tourist resort in Sarıgerme stand out for their historical texture. Dating back to the 4th and 6th centuries AD, the city center in this area is surrounded by walls. Built on a rocky hill, the city center is laid out with narrow streets and alleys, featuring closely spaced, generally two-story houses. The city walls are constructed from stone, brick fragments, and Roman concrete (Opus Caementitium) and are 50-70 cm thick. The walls rise to a height of approximately 10 meters and are about 3 meters thick.

Outside the city walls, the stone foundation of an impressive mausoleum can be observed in the area where the hotel bungalows are located. The remains of a triple basilica are to the west of the western wall, and the remnants of the “Great Nischen-Basilica” are located to the north of the northern wall. Cemetery ruins are visible from the hill southeast of the hotel bungalows, where barrel-vaulted houses and a large hall stand out on the rocky terrain. Additionally, the remains of a Roman cemetery can be found on Baba Island, just off the coast.

Main Bays and Beaches

Iztuzu Beach

Iztuzu Beach is renowned as a nesting site for Caretta Caretta sea turtles. The beach has won one of the global awards for natural beauty preservation and is truly a natural wonder. One side of Iztuzu Beach is bordered by a freshwater lake, while the other side meets the Mediterranean Sea. You can enjoy the stunning natural beauty at this unique sandy beach.

To reach the beach, you can opt for a boat trip from Köyceğiz, which takes about one and a half hours with breathtaking views, or you can easily access it by road.

Iztuzu Beach holds special significance for the protection of Caretta Carettas and the support of their natural habitats. It offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its unique nature.

Sarıgerme Beach

Sarıgerme Beach, located in the Aegean region, is a Blue Flag beach. With its fine sand and crystal-clear blue sea, it is a sight to behold. The golden sandy beach and turquoise-toned water offer stunning beauty. The water is warm, creating an ideal environment for children to swim comfortably. This beach, where you can fully enjoy a family vacation, also offers accommodation facilities. Sarıgerme Beach provides an unforgettable vacation experience with its natural beauty.

Caretta Caretta

The Caretta Caretta is one of the endangered sea turtle species that lays its eggs on Iztuzu Beach in Dalyan. Due to overfishing, they are under threat, but conservation efforts in the area have helped protect this beach. These turtles can grow to a length of 115-150 cm and weigh up to 150 kg. Their average lifespan is 70 years, and they feed on algae.

During the nesting process, they dig several pits and bury 80-100 eggs. The hatchlings emerge after a 1.5-2 month incubation period, usually at night, and head towards the sea. The incubation period lasts from May to July. To ensure that the hatchlings find the correct direction, beach access is prohibited from sunset to sunrise to minimize the impact of surrounding lights.

Bird Watching

The areas around Ortaca, particularly the reeds around the Dalyan channels and Köyceğiz Lake, offer many undiscovered spots for bird watching. With various bird species and endemic types inhabiting these areas, you can explore this rich diversity through bird watching.

Recommended Activities

Dalyan Mullet Fish Festival (Spring Season)

Dalyan International Swimming Competition (Spring Season)

Swimming with the Carettas: International Dalyan Open Water Swimming Race (Spring Season)

National Ortaca Agriculture, Environment, and Tourism Festival (Summer Season)