Bodrum, known as Halikarnassos in the Classical period, is located on a historic peninsula in the southwest of Türkiye on the coast of the Aegean Sea. This ancient city hosts a rich architectural and cultural heritage stretching from the past to the present. Of Bodrum's well known historical landmarks the most well known is the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus built in the 4th century BC. This monument, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was commissioned by Artemisia, wife of the Carian king Mausolos. Over time, Bodrum has been under the influence of the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Ottoman Empire, and significant architectural works from these periods, such as Bodrum Castle, have survived to this day. Historical sites such as Bodrum Castle, city walls, theater, Myndos Gate and the Bodrum Shipyard are other elements that constitute the rich architectural urban texture of the old city. These ruins carry the historical past of Bodrum and traces of different civilizations into the present times. Halikarnassos is also the birthplace of Herodotus, known as the father of history writing.

Vegetation, Bays, Natural Life

The region, under the influence of Mediterranean climate, displays a distinct climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. These climatic conditions allow for rich vegetation and a variety of ecosystems. In coastal areas, plant species such as pine trees, olive trees, and maquis scrubland, which are part of the Mediterranean and Aegean vegetation, are common. In terms of natural life, the Peninsula is rich in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. While marine life includes fish, coral reefs, and other sea creatures, many species of animals live on the land based terrestrial ecosystems. The Bodrum Peninsula's vegetation is distinctly divided into two. West of the Bodrum-Milas road, the vegetation is covered with shrubs, thickets, and thorny plants known locally as "çeti." While the area west of the Bodrum-Milas road is covered with this maquis scrubland, the east is dominated by red pine, wild strawberry, myrtle, and sandalwood trees. The Bodrum Peninsula is known for its bays spread all around the coast, its unique turquoise waters, and impressive natural beauty. These bays are generally known as calm areas where natural life is preserved. Gümüşlük Bay, located on the west of Bodrum, hosts the ruins of the ancient city of Myndos. Yalıkavak Bay is known for its clean sea and natural beauty. Recently, one of the most famous bays, Türkbükü Bay, has become notable for significant holiday resorts, beaches and vibrant nightlife. Torba Bay, located just outside Bodrum, is known for its calm beaches and luxury hotels. For those who want to windsurf, Bitez Bay and Akyarlar Bay are indispensable. All bays of the Peninsula are known for their magnificent scenery and impressive natural environmental setting.

About Aktur Bitez

Aktur Residence, built in 1976, is a residential summer housing and holiday development located on the Bodrum Peninsula. The architecture of the Aktur Residence respects the history, culture, and natural beauties of Bodrum, preserving the local culture. Hills surrounded by olive trees, turquoise seas, and unique vegetation constitute the natural abundance around the site. To meet the demand for summer housing in Bodrum, the then Governor of Muğla in the 1970s, Özer Türk, initiated the establishment of a property development project with a different business model. This project, Aktur, was realized with the designs of the EPA Group following an invited competition in 1973. The lead architects were Ersen Gürsel, Nihat Güner, Öcal Ertüzün, Mehmet Çubuk, with assistant architects Ziya Soyer and Göktuğ Vensürel. Interior design was by Fikret Tan and landscape design by Besalet Pamay. Waste management was managed by Nevzat Kor under the direction of the ITU Environmental Health Chair. The architectural design of Aktur combines traditional, vernacular Bodrum local architectural elements with modern comfort, in harmony with the environment. The sloped terrain features small-scale buildings painted white with plaster, integrated with local stone textures in certain places. Terraces offer residents maximum benefit from the surrounding natural beauty. Aktur Houses, inspired by the texture of the traditional built environment, consists of several core modules and aim to offer users their own living space with different compositions. The white walls and prismatic masses of the residences reflect the unique concept of Aktur and maintain its importance today with dynamic street patterns constructed in 1976. However, over time at Aktur, additions and expansions have been made by the owners and users without the necessary consultations, permissions and approvals from the project architects, distancing the general architectural atmosphere from its initial architecture concept. Additionally, use of the beachfront continues with the same carelessness. Maintenance and repair workshops from the activities of the construction season are another factor creating a haphazardness in the surroundings. We believe that our Ovoo project, located immediately next to the neighboring plot of Aktur, will impact ensure the necessary care for Aktur and other sites in the vicinity will take place.

About Bitez Bay

Bitez Bay is known as the jewel of the Bodrum Peninsula. Its crystal-clear sea and natural beaches make the bay a tourist attraction. The Bodrum Peninsula is also an important destination for yacht tourism, offering comfortable accommodation for luxury yachts and boats. Restaurants around the bay offer the opportunity to enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine. The whole of Bodrum Peninsula is also an important destination for yacht tourism. Its ports provide comfortable accommodation for luxury yachts and boats. Yacht tourism adds vitality to the region's economy and is noteworthy for the presence of architecturally modern marinas. Bitez Bay, one of the most beautiful bays of the Bodrum Peninsula, offers visitors both an aesthetic experience and cultural exploration with its significant architectural heritage. The islands of Kos where the Greek physician Hippocrates was born and lived, Symi, and Rhodes, separated by international borders but a stone's throw away, offer wonderful connections for daily visits by sea when the weather permits.Architecture in BodrumOne of the significant architectural elements in Bodrum is Bodrum Castle, which has hosted various civilizations throughout history dating back to ancient times. Bodrum Castle, also known as St. Peter's Castle, is one of the symbols of Bodrum. The architecture of Bodrum has been influenced by its rich history from ancient times to the present day. Contemporary residential buildings, hotels, and holiday resorts are new elements that contribute to the region's architectural environment. Bodrum also stands out as a tourist destination where current and traditional elements come together. This occasionally creates a contradiction, but this charming conflict between the traditional and the contemporary creates beautiful differences and diversities.