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| Akyaka |
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 Akyaka is situated in the province of Mugla, in the southwest of Turkey, at the eastern end of the Gökova gulf, between Marmaris, Mugla and Bodrum. The number of inhabitants amounts in the winter to approximatly 1500, in the summer it almost doubles. It's delightful position at the end of the Gökova gulf, bordered in the north by the almost 1000m high Sakartepe, in the south by the wetlands of the Gökova plain ("heaven's plain") with it's multitude of species, particularly water birds, takes the visitor into it's spell.
In the year 1988 the region was declared as the first "Nature Protected Area" (SPA- special protected area) of Turkey. Akyaka is with its forest-covered mountains, the crystals-clear rivers, which look just like an aquarium, the sea, the Forest-camp site, with its innumerable springs, its history and its additional wood-using buildings, a much-visited "tourist paradise". In short, Akyaka is a place to live.
Being a settlement even in antique times - there are plenty, though not very important remains- the village of Akyaka lead an existence as a fishing village, off the roads, with a little of agriculture. In the 1970's Akyaka was "discovered ". A meager tourism developed, consisting mainly of locals and some "refugees" of the big Cities, seeking unspoiled nature and the refreshening summer climate with a constantly blowing seabreeze. Slowly Akyaka developed into a summer residence for wealthy holiday guests from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
 The tourist boom, beginning in Turkey in the 80's and persisting until today, did not ignore Akyaka. Still most of Akyaka's visitors being turkish, the number of european tourists is increasing. The main attraction for most of the visitors is the natural beauty of Akyaka, with a multitude of species in the wetlands, among those the nearly extincted European Fishotter(lutra lutra), during the wintermonths different types of herons, flamingos, even migrating pelicans can be observed with some luck. Since some years paragliding from the height of the Sakartepe, the "local mountain" of Akyaka, down to the plain became quite fashionable. The launch site is sufficient, but not easy for beginners. The fish restaurants on the bank of the crystal clear " Kadin Azmak"('Woman river`) where freshly caught fish is perfectly prepared and served, are very well known by gourmets throughout turkey.
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| The History
It is known that the area is inhabited for about 2600 years. Earlier settlements are not proven.
The Carian City of IDYMA
In the area, in which today's Akyaka is situated, the city of Idyma was founded. The settlement of Idyma extended east of today's Akyaka up to the village of Kozlukuyu ( 3 km) and the quarters of the Inisdibi and Yazilitas up to the ancient port which was nearby the forest cap site. The Necropolis (rock graves) and the Acropolis are on the mountain-slopes in the north of Kozlukuyu. The Acropolis was explored in the year 1937 by the French researcher Louis Robert. Idyma was founded as a Carian city. The name originates from the Carian language. The area, where today's Mugla is situated, is known as the antiquate Caria. The most important city of Caria was Milas. Idyma was situated in the southern Caria. The Carians were the earliest settlers in the area. Whereas the customs and the way of life is known, the language of the Carians, since no documents are found, remained unknown. In 546 BC, the Persian army conquered the area under the command of Harpagos. Under the Persian rule the customs and the religion remained unchanged. Between 484 and 405 BC, the Delian Sea-federation (Delian League) under the leadership of Athens took over the administration. Idyma was affected too. In the tax lists of the years 453-452 BC, of the Delian Sea-federation Idyma is already mentioned. This is the earliest document concerning the city of Idyma. Additionally in these reports a leader is mentioned named PAKTYES, It is considered that the city was governed for a long time by the dynast of Pakytes. The City produced coins.
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One side was marked with IDIMION (IDIMION), the other side has the head of PAN. It is well known that the cult of the shepherds, the God PAN was of great importance in the region. The Delian Sea federation ended in 405 BC. Idyma separated already around 440 BC, from this federation. The Spartian general Lysandros destroyed the city Cedrea (Sedir Adasi) in 405 BC. At the ridge of Kozlukuyu and the eastern side of Inisdibi rock tombs date from this time, dated 4th century BC. One of the toms has two columns. Architectural style and stone mason works are remarkable. It could be made for a member of the house of Paktyes. Near Kozlukuyu, approximately 300 m above the rock tombs, the Acropolis is situated. Nearby is a 200m long site walls of Hellenistic time as well as the buildings, and the remnants of cisterns. On the northwestern side of the Acropolis, the road from Marmaris extends to Mugla. Inisdibi and the mediaeval fortress which was situated in the proximity is a very old settlement area. The old rock tombs show this. It is certainly the fact that the fortress existed from antique times to mediaeval and Byzantine times and then at unknown times it was left. The Byzantine fortress, also mentioned as Genoose fortress (Ceneviz kalesi), would be worth to be restored. From the fortress an underground tunnel leads to the bank of Kadin Azmak. The neighbors of the Idyma were in the east Callipolis (in the proximity of Kizilyaka), whose name remains still as Geliboluat the gulf of Gökova. Also Cedrea (Sedir Adasi) in the gulf of Gökova was an important naval base. In the west CERAMOS (Gereme- Ören), after which the gulf is named. In the north Thera (Yerkesik) is appropriate, KILLANDOS (Yenice village) and Mugla, at its time a very small settlement.
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| Life in Akyaka
Akyaka has two centers. First one is the main center at the upper part up Akyaka which is always busy even in winter time. There are markets, restaurants and shops open all year long. You can find whatever you need. The second center is by the beach and busy between may and october. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, markets in this part. The cafes and bars by the beach are always busy even at night time. If you are a party person we advice you Marmaris (28 km).
For the ones who choosed self catering accommodations, local bazaar is on wednesdays and it is cheap. There are cheap restaurants that costs 8-10 Euro including all meals per day. Do not forget to taste the delicious Aegean mezes at the restaurants by the creek.
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| Excursions
As Gökova is the crossroad between Muğla, Marmaris, Dalyan, Fethiye, it is very easy to join daily excursions around these worth to see points.
Rafting on The Dalaman River
Deep and green canyons, untouched nature, more than 12 rapids. For the daily tours on R2 the river is grade 3-4. The upper course where double day trips are organised the river is grade 4-5. The river is a quite technical with narrow passages and drop pool-drop pool structure. For the white-water kayakers and play boaters it is a heaven. Water is quite warm and clean most of the year. Knowing how to swim is a must on both tours. There is no need for a previous experience. If you like water do not miss this tour. You have the chance to see the mountain villages while driving up to start point.
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Paragliding in Blue Lagoon/Fethiye
Paragliding from Babadag by Ölüdeniz should be at the top of your activities list. It is exciting, uniq and one of the best spots of this sport on the world. Fethiye Babadag is 15 min. from Fethiye, 2.5 hours from Akyaka and 3 hours from Marmaris.IKARUS Sport Aviation is ready to entertain you in the sky with its experienced staff. You needn't get any training or know anything to join our Tandem (Two persons) flights. Everything is under the control of our experienced staff, all you have to do is make a reservation and add unforgettable memories to your holiday. Watch the spectacular beauty of Ölüdeniz through the clouds. The Tandem Flight will have a distinctive place beside the other activities you do during your holiday.
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Horse Riding in Forest Park Horse Club
 Forest Park "first class Horse Club" is offering you the opportunity of horse riding as well as rlaxing near the pool side. Other activities are volleyball, badminton, dart and trekking. Our stables accommodate only first class horses like Arabians, English Full Bloods and West Fallen horses. Inexperienced riders are also able to come for horse riding as we have a closed manage where our instructors give the basics.
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Mugla city tour and big bazaar
This tour is on Thursdays (big local bazaar day). Mugla is 20 minutes from Akyaka. The city centre boasts many beautiful examples of civil architecture. We enter the Arasta (Historical Bazaar). The Arasta is as if it was frozen at the beginning of the 20th century, with its saddle-maker, shoe-maker, barber shop, hardware store, small businesses, small restaurants and a fountain at its centre. In the bazaar there are also shops that sell traditional souvenirs as well as the famous Mugla woven material. The most beautiful samples of the "Historical Mugla Houses" are in the old district of Saburhane, just above the power station that in turn is above the Arasta. The Ottoman-built inns of Yarim Han, Yagcilar Han and the Konakalti are also worth seeing. The Yagcilar Han, which has been restored and is still in use, is a frequent stopping point for tourists. |
 The 250 year old Konakalti Han is presently serving as the Konakalti Culture Centre The Vakiflar Hamami (Turkish Bath), built by Ibrahim the Mentese Bey in 1334 as a part of the foundation to support the Ulu Mosque, after being restored has become a focal point for Mugla locals as well as domestic and foreign tourists. |
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Climate
Between May and October the wind from sea starts at 10 am and continues to blow till appr. 6 pm. Between 2 pm and 4 pm it is the strongest period of the wind. This constant wind specific to Akyaka cools down the hot summer of Aegean. Ofcourse a pair of shorts and t-shirts are enough between these months. December, January and February are the coldest months but it never snows but rains a lot in Akyaka and the avarage is about 10 C°. The rest of the year it is mostly suny. It is necessary to bring a raincoat and a fleece.
Tips
Turkish Baths are great fun and a visit to one of the ultimate Ottoman pleasures is a must for any holiday. To take full advantage of the the experience, make sure you go at the beginning of your stay so your skin leave it to the end of the holiday, your tan will be scrubbed away!
If you're travelling around with hire car and intend to visit mosques, keep a 'mosque kit' in the car to avoid embarrasment. Before entering a mosque, the head, shoulders arms and legs of ladies should be fully covered; this can easily be accomplished with two large locally made shawls, which can also be used as beach wreaps, picnic table cloths or sofa throwes when you get home. One shawl tied sarong style over shorts will enable men to enter a mosque without giving offence (with a shirt, obviously!).
Mosquito bites won't give you malaria, but can make you itchy and miserable. Buy an electric mossie repellent, and the tablets or liquid to go with it, as soon as you arrive, and turn it on before you go out in the evening. Use lots of repellent on any exposed skin, especially around sunset. If you've forgotten to bring any with you, the local brand is called KOV and is available at any chemist.
If you want to take photos of 'cute, ethnic locals', ask permission first. Sign language works fine, and means that you don't insult anyone unintentionally. Many village ladies have strong objections to be photographed.
If your hotel asks you not to put loo paper down the loo; don't! Some plumbing pipes are too narrow to cope with paper, and you will then suffer the agonies of having a blocked loo which could take some time to sort out.
Don't encourage touts who hassle on the street. Ignore them, and make a point of shopping or eating somewhere else.
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