Historical findings on the Datça Peninsula date back to around 2000 BC. The first known indigenous inhabitants were the Carians. The Doric period saw its peak as they migrated southward through Thrace around 700 BC and into the region of Upper Greece. The present-day town of Datça was founded in the area of Burgaz, 7.5 kilometers northeast of the current center of the Datça district. The settlement in Burgaz dates back to this period and has been excavated since 1998 by the Middle East Technical University (METU) on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the German Research Foundation and with the support of the Gerda Henkel Foundation.

According to Professor Dr. Numan Tuna, this was the place where the six Doric city-states gathered to organize competitions in the name of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo, where the prizes for the winners were placed, is also located here. The excavation results, especially the artifacts on the lower terrace, indicate that the sanctuary of Emecik Sari Liman had significant overseas prominence until the late 6th century BC. The finds demonstrate a rich variety of limestone and terracotta figures as well as ceramic examples previously known as East Greek production but now confirmed as Knidian production, along with imported goods of Egyptian, Phoenician, and Etruscan origin.

Epigraphic inscriptions and valuable archaeological artifacts identified as votive and dedicatory offerings found in the sanctuary corroborate the connection of the archaic Emecik sanctuary with Apollo. Excavations in the Temple of Apollo have revealed votive offerings, dedicatory offerings, statues, bull, falcon, and warrior figures dating from the 8th to 9th century BC. There is also evidence that in later periods, other temples and churches were constructed near the temple.

Cnidus became the center of Doric civilization and fell under the rule of the Persians from the Lydian state in 546 BC. The peninsula contains a significant number of archaeological remains and played a crucial role in the incorporation of important civilizations. The most famous is the ancient city of Cnidus. The 28 church ruins from more recent times on the peninsula also attest to the region’s mystical roots.

In summary, Datça was initially under the rule of the Carians and later the Dorians after 7700 BC. Cnidus was relocated to the tip of the peninsula for economic reasons in the 4th century BC, where magnificent ruins can be seen today. Dorians and Romans built many temples in the new Cnidus. In the late Roman and early Byzantine periods, the temples gave way to churches. The population of the city reached 70,000. In the later Byzantine period, weakened by earthquakes and pirate attacks, the city was abandoned, and the population of the peninsula dwindled to thousands. In the 7th century, the settlements on the peninsula were annexed to the Principality of Menteşe. In the 15th century, it joined the Ottoman Empire and was named Datça. During the rule of the last Ottoman sultans, Sultan Reşat changed the name to “Reşadiye, ” and it was later reverted to “Datça” in the Republic. In 1947, the center was moved to its current location in İskele Mahallesi.

The center of Datça consists of three neighborhoods: Reşadiye, Eski Datça, and İskele. Reşadiye and Eski Datça are characterized by well-preserved historical settlements. The narrow streets, whitewashed stone houses, and charming courtyards with almond trees reflect the lifestyle of the past. The house where the famous poet Can Yücel spent his last years is located in Eski Datça. A building constructed in 1940 in Eski Datça as a school has been restored and converted into a crafts center. Women contribute to the livelihood of their families by weaving carpets in this center. Some of the stone houses in Old Datça now serve as bars, cafes, and small charming guesthouses.

The property known as Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion, also known as “Koca Ev” (Big House), was built by the Tuhfezade family. It is believed that Mehmet Ali Ağa’s father, Mehmet Halil Ağa, commissioned the construction. Mehmet Halil Ağa had two other children, Murat Halil Ağa and Rabia. Murat Halil Ağa’s only son, Akif Armağan, died childless. The growth of the district center led to the development of the new settlement İskele Mahallesi on the coastal side of the peninsula. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities are concentrated in this area. The district government offices are also located in this neighborhood, and when people talk about Datça center, they usually refer to this neighborhood.

The former villages of Datça, now converted into neighborhoods, are described as confusing and fascinating. They are clean, well-maintained, and home to cheerful residents. The villages have a civilized and tolerant community where women actively participate in various aspects of life, from economy to education. Strabo, the geographical father of geography, was probably right when he said, “God sends his beloved servant to Cnidus (Datça) for a long and successful life. ” This statement is corroborated by meeting many people who confirm it. While there are no specific tours to explore the villages, you can visit them with a rental car, use village minibusses, and even hike between some of them. Now let’s leave the center of Datça and explore some villages.

Die ehemaligen Dörfer Datças, die nun in Stadtteile umgewandelt wurden, werden als verwirrend und faszinierend beschrieben. Sie sind sauber, gut gepflegt und beherbergen fröhliche Bewohner. Die Dörfer weisen eine zivilisierte und tolerante Gemeinschaft auf, in der Frauen aktiv an verschiedenen Aspekten des Lebens, von der Wirtschaft bis zur Bildung, teilnehmen. Strabo, der geografische Vater der Geografie, hatte wohl Recht, als er sagte: “Gott schickt seinen geliebten Diener nach Knidos (Datça) für ein langes und erfolgreiches Leben. ” Diese Aussage wird durch die Begegnung mit vielen Menschen, die dies bestätigen, untermauert. Es gibt zwar keine speziellen Touren, um die Dörfer zu erkunden, aber man kann sie mit einem Mietwagen besuchen, Dorfminibusse nutzen und sogar zwischen einigen von ihnen wandern. Lassen Sie uns jetzt das Datça-Zentrum verlassen und einige Dörfer erkunden.

The Menteşe Beylik is a Türkmen principality consisting of Oghuz tribes. The tombs of the rulers of this principality are considered “yatır” or pilgrimage sites within the Alevi-Bektashi tradition. It is located on the road to the Karmen Port, where ferries operate between Karaköy, Bodrum, and Datça, overlooking the Gulf of Gökova. The principality is 8 km from the city center. Kızlan is accessible via a short road branching off from the Datça-Marmaris road. Kızlan, one of the most wind- exposed settlements on the peninsula, features historical windmills. It is located 8 km from the city center. The village of Emecik, located near the Datça-Marmaris road, is situated at the foot of a mountain of the same name, with its highest point reaching 704 meters.

The ancient site of the Apollo Sanctuary is located within the village boundaries on the peninsula and is approximately 20 km from the city center. Mesudiye can be reached by taking the first left road in the mountainous region while driving towards Cnidus. The coast of Mesudiye features popular coves such as Kızılbük, Hayıtbükü, and Ovabükü. The fertile soils of Mesudiye are very suitable for agriculture and are located 20 km from the city center.

Start your journey in the village of Hızırşah and follow the paved road northwest, which was once the old route to Cnidus. Continue your path by following the Orencik Stream in Kartallar Valley, then turn towards the Karain Stream to reach the Karain Cave. Head south towards Alazeytin and finally reach Domuz Çukuru from Alazeytin. The view of Domuz Çukuru, where green and blue harmoniously merge, is fascinating, and the sea is perfect for swimming.

Start east of the Teacher’s Lodge and continue your way. After passing the first excavation site of Cnidus near Burgaz, turn left and follow the road. Windmills can be found along the route. Continue on the road until you reach the intersection of the Kızlan village. From the Kızlan village, continue your path northeast to reach Gereme Bay.

Start your journey in Kargı Bay and climb the hill to the southwest. After passing the Aquarium Bay, you will reach ancient cisterns. Follow the path that turns towards Domuz Çukuru; the breathtaking view of the bay surrounded by pine trees is stunning. Just a few hundred meters before the bay, on the right side of the path, you will come across the remains of a small church amidst pine and laurel trees. The path consists solely of footpaths and offers a route where blue and green blend, accompanied by pines, generously showcasing the unique beauty of nature.

Start in Cumalı village and head west on the tractor road towards the Karataş Region. Upon reaching the Karataş Region (at the triple fork), turn left to reach the junction of Yazı village. Turn right at the junction of Yazı village and continue. Along the stream, there are old water mills, and you will reach the shore.

From Sındı village, follow the asphalt road towards the Zeytincik district. After leaving Zeytincik behind, head south on the dirt road. After 5 minutes, the dirt road gives way to a narrow path. A gradual ascent begins towards a hill. At the summit, where the ascent ends and the descent begins, you can simultaneously see the villages of Vaka, Cumalı, and Vazi, as well as the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. In the west, near the point where the summit meets the plateau, you will encounter the remains of 2 windmills just before reaching the Kumyer district of Vaka. Continuing south on the asphalt road from Kumyer, you will reach Palamutbükü Bay.

Set off from the village of Emecik in a southeast direction and reach the asphalt road. Leave the asphalt road and continue southward to reach Sari Liman. Upon reaching Sari Liman, turn right (westward) and continue your way. Proceed along the same road, cross the asphalt road, and reach the Temple of Apollo.

Turn off from the Cnidus asphalt road towards Belen Mahallesi. Traverse through the Belen district and continue on the same road. Just before reaching the village cemetery, about 2 km after Belen, turn right onto the tractor road. If you turn left from the position of the village cemetery, you will reach the asphalt road Çeşme-Palamutbükü. Inside the cemetery, you will find remains of a church and a mosque. The triple junction is the point where the Marin road intersects with the road to Palamutbükü Bay. From this point, the road leads south to Bükceğiz Bay. From the triple junction, follow the path along the stream (towards the mountain) towards Palamutbükü.

Start from the village of Kızlan, which is 8 km from the center of Datça. To reach the village, you can take Kızlan minibuses. It is advisable to check the departure and return times of the minibuses as they may vary depending on the season. Another option is to take minibuses to the holiday resorts of Karaincir and Aktur, reach the intersection point of the village of Kızlan, and walk 2 km to the village.

The rich diversity of plants in Datça has been known since ancient times. The medical significance of Cnidus as a center is underscored by the evident diversity. Climatic characteristics play a crucial role in this botanical diversity. When we talk about the flora of Datça, the almond tree is the first thing that comes to mind, whether it’s in its early flowering state in spring or in the form of almonds that follow. The almond tree of Datça has a firm place for itself in both situations.