Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum

The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum is located within the historic Bodrum Castle in the Bodrum district of Muğla province, Türkiye. It is considered one of the world’s leading underwater archaeology museums. With its collection of shipwrecks and artifacts recovered from underwater excavations, the museum has become an important center both for Turkey and the international archaeology community.

History and Establishment

Bodrum Castle was built in the 15th century by the Knights of Saint John. The structure, which was used for military and civilian purposes for centuries, began to transform into a museum exhibiting underwater archaeological finds from the 1960s. The foundation of the museum was laid through the efforts of Oğuz Alpözen, the then Director of Bodrum Museum and one of the pioneers of underwater archaeology.

The museum officially opened to visitors in 1975 and has since been regularly expanded. Thanks to underwater excavations conducted throughout Türkiye, the collection has significantly enriched over time.

Architecture and Layout

Situated within the boundaries of Bodrum Castle, the museum comprises five different towers (English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish towers) and courtyards housing exhibition halls. Each tower is dedicated to a specific theme and the artifacts are classified according to the types of finds recovered from excavations. This setup offers a unique presentation both in terms of historical architecture and museology.

Collections and Exhibition Areas

The museum’s collection focuses primarily on underwater archaeology. It mainly exhibits shipwrecks and related artifacts recovered through scientific dives and excavations along Turkey’s coasts. Notable exhibitions include:

• Uluburun Shipwreck Hall: Dating back to the 14th century BCE, the Uluburun shipwreck was discovered off the coast of Kaş in 1982 and excavated between 1984 and 1994. This Bronze Age shipwreck is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved shipwrecks in the world.
• Serçe Limanı Shipwreck: This 11th-century Byzantine shipwreck was recovered in the 1970s and attracted significant interest due to its cargo of glassware.
• Glass Artifacts Hall: Featuring glass objects from various excavations, including the Serçe Limanı shipwreck, this hall displays glass containers, daily use items, and decorative objects spanning from the Early Islamic period to the Byzantine era.
• Amphora Collection: Amphorae widely used in Mediterranean trade are displayed, classified according to their production typologies.
• Yassıada Shipwrecks: Two different shipwrecks dated between the 4th and 7th centuries CE, documented through underwater work around Yassıada, have been included in the museum’s collection. These artifacts provide insight into trade routes and the evolution of shipbuilding technologies.

Scientific and Cultural Contributions

The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum is not only an exhibition space but also a research and educational center. It has played a major role in institutionalizing underwater archaeology in Türkiye and has hosted numerous excavations in cooperation with international research organizations such as the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA).

Alongside scientific studies in underwater archaeology, the museum contributes to academic production through conferences, symposiums, and educational workshops. Many artifacts in its collection have been the subject of international publications and exhibitions.

Conservation and Restoration Efforts

The museum undertakes conservation and restoration activities alongside exhibiting underwater artifacts. Organic and inorganic materials recovered from shipwrecks are preserved using specialized techniques in the museum’s laboratories to prepare them for display.

Visitor Information and Significance

The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum attracts significant attention from both local and international visitors. It promotes Türkiye’s cultural heritage and is regarded as one of the important representatives of underwater archaeology worldwide. In 2016, it was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award.

Recent Developments

In recent years, new underwater research around Yassıada and photogrammetry-supported 3D modeling have enriched both the museum’s collection and scientific archives. With advancements in underwater documentation techniques, there is an ongoing effort to digitize the museum’s collections.