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 Bafa
Lake: Those travelling to Bodrum from Izmir would know the
serene beauty of Lake Bafa and environs. This quiet region only
40 minutes from Bodrum and once the setting of ancient
civilizations, is finally receiving the recognition as an
attraction that has been kept secret for centuries.
Lake Bafa and its surrounds is home to legends, and if given
chance, people are assured to recognize its intrigue and beauty.
Historical data reveals various ancient civilizations inhabiting
the Bafa Lake environs that have a 2,000 year history. A sea
with a large gulf once undulated on the region currently serving
as the main transportation route linking Söke to Milas, to
Bodrum. Soil brought in via the Büyük Menderes delta, closed off
the gulf disconnecting the link between the lake and the Aegean
Sea thousands of years ago. Today's Lake Bafa was once a sea
with a present coastline filled with traces of the past
attesting to this phenomenon
Shepherd Endymion used to stake out the beauty of the moon
goddess "Selene" from peaks of Beşparmak (Latmos) mountains. The
village of KapIkIrI and the ancient city of Herakleia are
located at the foot of these mountains. One is reminded of
ancient tales and legends when looking into the sunset from the
towers of the Byzantine castle in KapIkIrI village. KapIkIrI's
houses brim with relics of ancient Herakleia from the Carian
period in their gardens, and under their walls and trees. The
village itself seems to be a relic of the past, still living in
the past in a subtle, quiet way at the foot of the Beşparmak-Latmos
mountains.
MONASTERIES
Ikizce island is connected to the mainland by a sand dune
with a Byzantian monastery and an Athenian temple located on its
top overlooking the lake and the KapIkIrI village. The temple
used both the Doric and Ionic architectural styles, still in
good condition, minus its roof.
On the eastern side of the temple, is the rectangular
constructed agora as a two storied building. Only its first
floor exists, today. The theatre is situated in the northeast of
the city. Building dedicated to shepherd, Endymion- who was
loved by the Goddess of Moon, Selene and was put to sleep for
eternity by God of Gods, Zeus, and is located on the road to the
shore and islands.
Heraclea became a safety land of hermitage for the monks and
priests in the early evangelization of Asia Minor Christianity.
The first monastery was established in the 7th century AD and
many monasteries - maybe 13, spread around Heraclea. A castle
was constructed in order to protect monasteries that were
scattered through this wild region.
The caves around, which are considered to be inhabited by
the monks and hermits, are ornamented by marvelous frescoes
representing the life of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and the
saints.
TWIN ISLANDS
There are many places to visit near the lake, as the
"Yediler Monastery", various churches and the impressive ancient
city of Herakleia. The natural beauty of the region is simply
astounding. There are four large islands, the KapIkIrI, Ikizce,
Menet and Kahvesar to the south of lake Bafa. Tourists would get
the opportunity to hear the legend of the love story of Shepherd
Endymion and the goddess of moon "Selene" if they chose to stay
at Bafa for a few days. Villagers still believe the two lovers
meet regularly at full moon. |
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