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Set in a lovely bay, the popular resort of Fethiye is built around a charming town full of restored
houses and local bazaars. A hill crowned by the ruins of a crusader fortress built by the knights of
Rhodes overlooks the little port. Above the town numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades
of ancient buildings, are cut into the cliff face. These rock tombs that are in the exact center of
the city, have become the symbol of Fethiye.
Fethiye’s former name was Telmessos. It is thought that Telmessos was founded in the fifth century
B.C. At first it was an independent city within the borders of Lycia and Carie. Later it joined the
Attic-Delian League.
In 333 B.C. Alexander the Great conquered Telmessos. According to Livenel, it is said that the
citizens of Telmessos surrendered the city to Alexander the Great without any opposition.
After Alexander the Great, Telmessos was governed respectively by the Ptolemy Dynasty, the Romans
and the Pergamum Kingdom. In the seventh century A.D. it underwent the attack of the Arabs and became
extreamely weak. In 1284 A.D. Telmessos was conquered by the Menteseogul’s, and joined the Ottoman
Lands in 1424. In this period the name Telmessos was changed. The Ottomans gave the name Makri to
Telmessos, which means “Distant Country”. After 1914, the name of the city became Fethiye.
Fethiye is a pretty town at the hillsides of MendosMountain, and surrouns the bay that it has given
its name to.
Dry, long, hot summers and short, warm, rainy winters are climatic characteristics of Fethiye. The
temperature which is around 86-104 F during the summer is usually above 50 F in the winter.
Considering the fact that in these turquoise colored seas that in no season falls below 60 F swimming
is possible for nine months of the year, one might as well conclude that there are only two seasons in
Fethiye: spring and summer.
The naturally protected harbor is a drop-by place for all yachts and cruise ships. The beautiful
and unspoiled coastlines, islands and bays are ideal for yachting, water-sports and nature lovers.
Archaeological Museum, Lycial Rock Tombs and the Ancient Theater in downtown are the main attractions
within walking distance. Daily excursions are available to the famous Oludeniz Lagoon, Kaya Koy, Tlos,
Saklikent Kanyon, Dalyan, Caunos and 12 Islands. Also, one may take advantage of overnight tours to
Ephesus, Pamukkale (Hierapolis), St. Nicholas Church, Myra, Kekova, Kemer, Telmessos and Belek (Golf)
are great opportunities.
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