Bodrum Castle is a medieval fortress located in Bodrum, Muğla, strategically built on a peninsula by the Knights of Saint John in 1406. Positioned between Bodrum Harbour and the Inner Castle Harbour and surrounded by the Aegean Sea on three sides, the castle has served various military, religious, and cultural roles throughout its history. Originally named "Sanctus Petrus," it incorporates stones from the ancient Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, reflecting a blend of historical periods. Today, it hosts the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum and stands as a major cultural and historical site under the protection of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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Location and General Information

Bodrum Castle is located in the Bodrum district of Muğla province, situated on the Aegean Sea coast, southwest of Bodrum. It is located between Bodrum Harbour and the Inner Castle Harbour. It is built on a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides. Thanks to this strategic location, it has been used for various purposes throughout history. Today, it serves as both a historical and a tourist site.

Construction Process and Historical Background

The construction of the castle began in 1406 by the Knights of Saint John, also known as the Knights of Rhodes. The knights wanted to establish a defensive base in the region and built the castle accordingly. The construction process lasted for many years, with various works carried out on the castle throughout the 15th century. New sections were added to the castle over time, and some existing structures were strengthened. The understandings of different periods are reflected in the castle's structure during this process.

Etymology and Transformation

The castle's first name was recorded as “Sanctus Petrus” (Saint Peter). This name is a Latin expression used during the period when the castle was built. Over time, this name evolved into "Petronium" in the vernacular, and later the current name “Bodrum” became widespread.

Architectural Features and Structural Elements

The castle consists of five main towers. These towers are named after the different national groups involved in the castle's construction:

• English Tower
• French Tower
• German Tower
• Italian Tower
• Spanish Tower

Each tower, while possessing its own architectural details, was built for defense and surveillance purposes. Inside the castle, there are large courtyards, water cisterns, religious structures, dungeons, storerooms, and military structures. Different types of stone and materials were used in the construction of the building. Remains from an ancient period were used, especially in some wall sections.

^{Bodrum Castle (Turkish Museums)}

Relationship with the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, were used in the construction of some parts of the castle. The ruins of the mausoleum were considered a resource during the castle's construction. This situation is of importance both architecturally and archaeologically.

Use During the Ottoman Period

In 1522, the castle came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. From this date onwards, the castle continued to be used as a military base. It also served as a prison from time to time. The church structure within the castle was adapted during the Ottoman period. During this process, the castle underwent some new arrangements while preserving its existing architecture.

Republican Period and Restoration Process

After the founding of the Republic of Turkey, the castle remained derelict for a time. Restoration work, initiated in the 1960s, reorganized the structure. In 1964, the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum was established inside the castle. This museum is one of the first museums opened in Turkey in the field of underwater archaeology. Various restoration works are still ongoing in and around the castle today.

^{Bodrum Castle (TRT 2)}

Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum

The museum is located in the inner areas of the castle. Various archaeological artifacts recovered from shipwrecks are displayed here. The museum's collection includes amphorae, glass objects, everyday objects from shipwrecks, and other ancient finds. The museum serves as a source of information for both researchers and visitors.

Management and Status

Bodrum Castle is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. The structure is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is therefore under protection. Ongoing archaeological excavations and restoration activities in the region aim to preserve the building's historical structure.

Visitor Information and Usage Purposes

The castle is open to visitors during certain times of the year. Visitors can explore the towers, courtyards, and the museum within the castle. Various exhibitions, cultural events, and scientific studies are also held at the castle. The castle continues to function as both a historical structure and a cultural center.