Güllük

Güllük, Turkey: Rich History, Natural Charm, and Unique Shipbuilding

Güllük is a shimmering coastal jewel located in the Milas district of Muğla province in Turkey. It was more than just a small village; Güllük was an independent town affiliated with Milas until 2012, when it became a neighborhood after Muğla province became a metropolitan municipality. Despite its administrative transformation, Güllük has maintained its unique charm and distinct character as a peaceful tourist destination.

Strategic Location and Enchanting Natural Beauty:

Güllük sits on the highway connecting Milas to Bodrum and is about 8 kilometers from the junction leading to Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV). Güllük embraces a bay that bears its name, also known as Mandalya Bay, giving it stunning natural scenery and attractive beaches. Güllük is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, which contrasts sharply with the bustle of Bodrum, making it an ideal haven for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.

Diverse Economy Focused on the Sea:

Güllük Port plays a vital role in the region's economy, serving as a major shipping point for bauxite and feldspar deposits found in the surrounding area. In addition, fishing and tourism are among the most important economic activities and sources of livelihood for the inhabitants of Güllük. The sea around Güllük is abundant with fish, where various species can be found, such as gilt-head bream, sea bass, white seabream, coral, bluefish, mullet, flounder, mackerel, bonito, eel, and many more. Furthermore, aquaculture farms are prevalent in many surrounding bays, where gilt-head bream and sea bass are raised. From a tourism perspective, Güllük attracts the attention of tourists with its tourist facilities and summer houses spread across the hills overlooking the coastline.

Cradle of Unique Gulet Shipbuilding:

Güllük boasts a rich history in the construction of traditional wooden sailing vessels known as "Gulets." Credit for launching this industry goes to Mehmet Uyav, son of Nami Captain, who built the first Gulet in Güllük. Mehmet Uyav is considered a prominent master in this industry, having trained many craftsmen who later became pioneers in wooden shipbuilding in Bodrum. This industry continued to flourish, with Ali Uyav, Mehmet's son, continuing this legacy. After his death, the craft passed to his son, Mustafa Uyav, who maintained it. Later, his older brother, Mehmet Uyav, joined him, and the brothers built larger and more beautiful ships than ever before, until they went their separate ways. The Nami Captain family, originally from Crete, who began building ships in the İçmeler, Gümbet, Ortakent, Yalıkavak, and Tavşanburnu areas within the Bodrum region, continues to practice this profession to this day.

Historical Overview and Timeless Legend:

Güllük derives its earliest historical information from Byzantine sources. Güllük is described as a small fishing village, and the name it bore at that time is unknown, but it is believed to have been an extension of present-day Milas. Güllük was known for its distinctive stone houses, narrow winding streets, and the diversity of its fish. Güllük's fame in Turkey increased after the renowned writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı documented a legend that took place there. Although the legend is said to have taken place in the ancient city of Iassos, located on the shore opposite Güllük, many written sources indicate that Güllük was more developed than Iassos, and that the geography of the area described in the legend closely resembles Güllük, suggesting that the legend of Hermias most likely took place in Güllük.

After meetings held by the famous writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı with the elders of the region and conducting studies in Güllük, he became fully convinced that the legend took place exactly here, and informed his readers of this in his book "Anatolian Legends" (1954).

Güllük gained town status on December 17, 1986. On November 12, 2012, it became a neighborhood under Law No. 6360, which was approved by the Turkish Parliament.

Conclusion:

Güllük is characterized by its strategic location, enchanting natural beauty, and diverse economy, which is based on the sea. In addition, Güllük boasts a rich history in the construction of unique Gulet sailing ships and possesses a timeless legend that adds to its charm and appeal. All these factors make Güllük a distinctive tourist destination worth visiting and discovering.