Muğla (Province)

Muğla is a province in Türkiye’s Aegean Region, with part of its territory extending into the Mediterranean Region. It is known for its internationally renowned tourist areas including Ortaca, Dalaman, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça and Bodrum like. The province covers an area of 12,654 km² and administratively consists of 13 districts, 14 municipality and 568 neighborhoods. With a population of approximately 1.05 million, this number can reach 3 to 4 million during the tourist season.

Muğla Natural Landscape

History

Muğla’s history extends back to 3000 BCE. In antiquity, the region was inhabited by the Carians and named Caria. The area known as region by the Hittites experienced rule by the Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans and Byzantines. In 1284 it came under the control of Menteşe Bey following its conquest.

In 1391 the region joined the Ottoman Empire, was granted to the Menteşe Beylik by Timur in 1402, and definitively came under Ottoman rule in 1425. The name Muğla is traditionally said to derive from the Seljuk commander Muğlu Bey.

Muğla Before Turkish Rule

The ancient region of Caria is Muğla’s oldest settlement area. The Carians arrived in the region around 3400 BCE. Muğla and Milas were among the principal cities of Caria. In 334 BCE, with the arrival of Alexander the Great, the region became part of Macedonia, followed by Roman and Byzantine rule.

Turkish Migrations and the Menteşe Beylik

After the Battle of Manzikert, Turkish tribes settled in Muğla. In 1284, Menteşe Bey seized the region from the Byzantines and established his beylik. The demographic structure of the region was strengthened by Turkishmen migrating from Germiyan. The beylik’s economy was based on agriculture, animal husbandry and sea trade, and it joined the Ottoman Empire in 1391.

Ottoman Period

During the Ottoman era, Muğla developed through agriculture, animal husbandry and trade. In 1522, during the Rhodes campaign, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman visited the city. Evliya Çelebi, in the 17th century, praised Muğla, comparing its olive groves in Aspuz and Konya in Meram to those of Karabağlar.

National Struggle Period

Muğla was occupied by Italy on 11 May 1919, and the occupation ended in 1921. The Menteşeliler Müdafaa-i Hukuk Cemiyeti was established, and the Muğlalı Serdengeçtiler became important figures in the struggle.

Republican Period

After the proclamation of the Republic, significant steps were taken in education, agriculture and tourism. International recognition increased in the 1980s through tourism projects. Today, Muğla is one of Türkiye’s important cities due to its historical heritage and natural beauty.

Geography

Muğla is located in the southwest corner of Türkiye. It borders Aydın to the north, Denizli and Burdur to the northeast, and Antalya to the east. To the south lies the Mediterranean Sea and to the west the Aegean Sea. Muğla has Türkiye’s longest coastline, exceeding 1,500 km. Important lakes in the province include Lake Bafa and Köyceğiz Lake, along with rivers such as Çine Çayı, Esen Çayı and Dalaman Çayı.

Climate

In Muğla, the typical Mediterranean climate prevails up to 800 meters elevation, while higher areas experience the Mountain Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The province receives heavy rainfall especially during winter season and transitional periods. Lowland areas feature rain, while highland areas show snow. Annual precipitation exceeds 1,000 mm. Due to its climatic characteristics, Muğla is one of Türkiye’s richest provinces in terms of forest resources.

Population and Districts

By Law No. 6360, Muğla attained metropolitan municipality status and consists of 13 districts. Their populations are as follows:

• Bodrum: 203,035
• Dalaman: 51,088
• Datça: 25,866
• Fethiye: 182,280
• Kavaklıdere: 10,834
• Köyceğiz: 41,205
• Marmaris: 96,589
• Menteşe: 99,158
• Milas: 145,678
• Ortaca: 52,345
• Seydikemer: 62,789
• Ula: 24,567
• Yatağan: 48,901

Economic Structure

Muğla’s economy is primarily based on tourism and agriculture, with activities also present in the energy and mining sectors.

Tourism: Muğla has over 3,600 accommodation facilities, more than 400 of which hold Tourist Operation Licenses, and a capacity exceeding 260,000. In addition to tourism centers such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, the province welcomes millions of tourists annually to natural attractions including Datça, Köyceğiz, Dalyan, Ölüdeniz, Saklıkent and Sedir Island.

Agriculture: Muğla is one of the world’s major centers for beekeeping. Marmaris is renowned for pine honey production and accounts for 90% of Turkey’s pine honey output. Muğla ranks first in Turkey for marine culture fishing. Citrus, olive and sycamore oil production also hold significant economic importance.

Industry: Industrial activity in Muğla is limited. The Yatağan, Yeniköy and Kemerköy Thermal Power Plants are prominent in energy production. In Fethiye, chromium mines exist; in Yatağan, lignite deposits and marble mines are found. The Mopak Paper Factory in Dalaman is also among the province’s key industrial establishments.

Tourism

Ancient Cities and Archaeological Sites in Muğla Province

1. Letoon Ancient City (Seydikemer)

Letoon Ancient City, established in the 7th century BCE, served as the religious center of Lycia. It is notable for its temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis. It is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and lies along the Lycian Way.

Letoon Ancient City

2. Halicarnassus (Bodrum)

Halicarnassus, founded by the Dorians and dating back to 1000 BCE, was the capital of the Carian Satrapy and is home to the Mausoleum.

Halicarnassus Ancient City

3. Physkos (Marmaris)

Physkos, the ancient name of Marmaris, was known as the port city of Caria. Ancient remains are present at Asartepe.

4. Telmessos (Fethiye)

Telmessos was one of the major cities of Lycian civilization. Its history dates to the 2nd millennium BCE, and it is notable for its rock-cut tombs and ancient theaters.

5. Kaunos (Köyceğiz)

Located on the shore of Köyceğiz Lake, Ancient City of Kaunos was an important center center. Its rock-cut tombs and ancient walls are striking features.

6. Knidos (Datça)

Knidos, a center of Dorian civilization, is famous for the Temple of Aphrodite. Its history extends back to the 2000s BCE.

7. Hyllarima (Kavaklıdere)

The Hyllarima Ancient City is notable for its Roman-era theater. Its walls resemble Lelegian structures.

8. Lagina (Yatağan)

The Temple of Hecate at Lagina was one of the major religious centers of Caria.

9. Kyllandos (Ula)

The Kyllandos Ancient City, dating to the 6th century BCE, is located in the Ula district.

10. Ortaca and Dalaman

These areas contain archaeological and natural protected sites. Although limited in number, ancient settlements show Persian, Roman and Byzantine influences throughout history.

11. Milas Ancient Cities

Surrounding Milas are the ancient cities of Labranda, Euromos, Herakleia and Iasos. The Gümüşkesen Grave Monument is among the notable structures.

The ancient cities and archaeological sites of Muğla are listed as above.

Culture and Art

Muğla has 103 ancient archaeological sites. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the most important architectural works of Caria, is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Hellenistic and Roman-era artifacts, the Beçin Castle in Milas and structures from the Menteşe Beylik period reflect the region’s historical richness.

Among regional folk dances, Zeybek, Teke and spoon dances stand out. The Folk song repertoire frequently includes abroad melodies, semahs and sailor folk songs. Traditional dishes include Püryan Kebabı, Milas Keşkeği, Bodrum Pasha Macaroni, Datça Mürdümerik Soup and Harnup Pekmez.