The city of Theangela, where Mausolus II relocated the people of Syangela, is on a hill one kilometre from the village of Pinarbelen, along the Mumcular Bodrum road. The path leading from the village to the hill is very steep and the walk takes some time. It is recommended to take a guide from the village. However, the ruins at the top are worth the effort. If you feel energetic, if it is not too hot and you have the time, this trip of exploration might be interesting.
Author: tur
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The Ancient City Of Karyanda, Guvercinlik, Bodrum
There is talk about some ruins from the ancient city of Karyanda on Salih Island opposite Guvercinlik. It is claimed that Yeni Karyanda (New One) was located on the site of the current settlement of Golturkbuku. However, there are no remains to prove that these were the locations of these ancient cities.
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Working Hours in Turkey
Knowing the standard working hours in Turkey can help travelers plan visits to government offices, banks, shops, and major attractions more efficiently. While opening hours may vary slightly between cities and individual businesses, the following schedules serve as a general guide.
Government Offices
Most government offices operate during regular weekday business hours.
- Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 17:30
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Government offices are typically closed during national and religious public holidays.
Banks
Banks throughout Turkey generally follow standard business hours.
- Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:30 – 17:00
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Most banks close for lunch between noon and 1:30 p.m., although some branches located in airports, shopping malls, and tourist areas may offer extended hours.
Shops and Retail Stores
Traditional shops and small businesses usually operate six days a week.
- Monday – Saturday: 09:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 19:00
- Sunday: Usually closed
However, in major cities and popular tourist destinations, many shopping malls, supermarkets, and stores remain open seven days a week, often from 10:00 until 22:00.
Grand Bazaar (Covered Market), Istanbul
One of Turkey’s most famous shopping destinations, Istanbul’s historic Grand Bazaar, welcomes visitors during the following hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 08:00 – 19:00
- Sunday: Closed
It is advisable to arrive early in the day to enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience before the busiest afternoon hours.
Summer Working Hours
During the hot summer months, particularly in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, some government offices and public institutions may adopt seasonal working schedules. In certain provinces, offices close during the hottest part of the afternoon and reopen according to locally determined summer timetables.
These seasonal hours are established by the provincial authorities and may vary from one region to another. Visitors who need official services are advised to check local office hours in advance, especially during the summer season.
Useful Tips for Visitors
- Banks and government offices are generally busiest during the morning hours.
- Shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and most tourist attractions often remain open throughout the day and into the evening.
- Pharmacies operate on a rotating duty system outside normal business hours, ensuring that at least one pharmacy remains open at night, on weekends, and during public holidays.
- Business hours may differ during the month of Ramadan and on national or religious holidays, so it is advisable to confirm opening times before planning your visit.
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That is the Little Magic Stone that protects one from the *Evil Eye*
This is a typical item, a specialty of this region you should take home as a souvenir, it’s called the Boncuk, the Little Magic Stone that protects one from the *Evil Eye* (pronounced ‘bon-dschuk’), you will see this blue glass piece everywhere here on the Aegean Coast.
But what is behind this superstition? In a shortened version we will try to explain. Once upon a time (yes, it starts like in a fairy tale) there was a rock by the sea which, even with the force of a hundred men and a lot of dynamite, couldn’t be moved or cracked. And there was also a man in this town by the sea, who was known to carry the evil eye (Nazar).
After much effort and endeavor, the town people brought the man to the rock, and the man, upon looking at the rock said, “My! What a big rock this is.” The instant he said this, there was a rip and roar and crack and instantly the immense and impossible rock was found to be cracked in two.
The force of the evil eye (or Nazar) is a widely accepted and feared random element in Turkish daily life. The word *Nazar* denotes seeing or looking and is often used in literally translated phrases such as “Nazar touched her”, in reference to a young woman, for example, who mysteriously goes blind.
Another typical scenario. A woman gives birth to a healthy child with pink cheeks, all the neighbors come and see the baby. They shower the baby with compliments, commentating especially on how healthy and chubby the baby is. After getting so much attention weeks later the baby is found dead in his crib. No explanation can be found for the death. It is ascribed to Nazar. Compliments made to a specific body part can result in Nazar.
That’s why nearly every Turkish mother fixes with a safety pin a small Boncuk on the child’s clothes. Once a Boncuk is found cracked, it means it has done his job and immediately a new one has to replace it.
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Historical Remains Near Bodrum Peninsula
The most important cities of Caria were Halikarnassos (Bodrum) and Knidos (Datca). Other cities on the Gulluk Gulf were Bargylia (Asarlik), Iasos (Kiyikislacik); on western end of the Bodrum Peninsula, Myndos (Gumusluk); on the inner part of the peninsula, Pisada and Theangela; and to the south of the Gulf of Gokova, Keramos (Oren) and Kedria (Sedir Island).
There were other settlements inland at Mylasa (Milas); Labranda, which is linked to Mylasa by a 14 kms long road; to the north where there was Mylasa Euromos (Ayakli); and Araphisar, which was close to the Alabanda Stream. In addition, there was Gerga; nearby Yatagan; Stratonikeia and Lagina; Kaunos (Dalyan) which used to be on the sea until the waterway silted up.