Things That Go Bump In The Night

A 200-year-old building that was under protection due to its historic value & located in Bodrum Gümüşlük district was knocked down in the night, authorities said.

Three people, a bulldozer operator & his two assistants, were taken into custody by gendarmerie forces for being involved in the incident.

The 90-square-meter house, which belongs to a Turkish tourism investor, was located in a 600-square-meter garden.

Neighbours called the gendarmerie hot line because the house was on the preservation list of the Cultural & Natural Heritage Conservation Board.

Gendarmerie officials learned at the scene that bulldozer operator Cengiz Kalman, who knocked down the building, did not have any authorization or license for the operation. “Two people came to me & asked me to knock down the house as they would start new construction,” Kalman said in his testimony. “They would pay us in the morning. We did not know who owned the house.” Kalman & his two assistants were later released by the court pending trial.

Ergun Berksoy, the owner of the house, had no information regarding the demolition & will press charges against the perpetrators, said Murat Duru, the head of a hotel owned by Berksoy. “Berksoy spends most of the year in the United States,” said Duru. “He was shocked to learn that the house had been knocked down. We have no idea who did it & why.”

Gümüşlük Mayor Mehmet Tire said it was not a municipal operation. “We did not order such a demolition, & even if we had done it, we would have done it during the daytime. I also wonder why they did this,” he said.

Source: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com

No Flamingos At The Wetlands In Bodrum

Flamingos failed to flock to the Tuzla wetlands near the resort town of Bodrum this year, marking the latest blow to an ecosystem that faces the risk of disappearing completely. The area was declared a special protection zone five years ago, but industrialization & urbanization in the region is putting the wetlands at risk. Marble plants & carpet washing factories have continued to operate in the area their wastewater reaching the wetlands through the Mazı River.

More than 5,000 summerhouses were also built near the Tuzla wetlands, & all their wastewater is released into the lake.

Once home to 120 species of birds & 50 species of fish, the wetlands now struggle to survive.

One of the most important wetlands in the Aegean region is the victim of “a murder of nature & environment”, according to Süha Umar, deputy president of the Foundation for Preserving Wildlife & Game.

Umar said the foundation filed complaints to the prosecutor’s office & the Muğla Governor’s Office against the industrial facilities that are destroying the area.

“The Tuzla wetlands are a unique asset that offers both historical & natural beauties,” he said. “While we are making plans to promote Tuzla & turn this spot into a popular tourist destination, some irresponsible people are turning the heaven into hell. I will do everything possible not to let them.”

Cüneyt Karaoğlu, a member of the Bodrum Volunteers Association, said flamingos did not come to the Tuzla wetlands this year for the first time. Karaoğlu noted that construction in the area has damaged the stability of the wetlands.

“The regulations regarding the protected areas have changed a few times in the last couple of years,” he said. “As a result of our inspections in the Tuzla wetlands, we found out that the number of animals in the area was decreasing, & we sent our reports to officials underlining the reasons for the decrease. ”Karaoğlu said precautions should be taken immediately; otherwise, he said, no animals will be left in the wetlands.

Bahattin Atçı, local governor of Milas, said the factories near Tuzla were warned last year not to release their wastewater into the Mazı River. “I will immediately send teams to the area to check the factories,” said Atçı. “We will severely punish anyone who poisons or damages the wetlands; no one should doubt that.” The local governor added the former salt plant in the area would be converted into a cafeteria & bird watching house.

The deep inlet from the Gulf of Güllük & Mandalya Bay forms Tuzla Lake. Home to a host of ancient ruins, the lake is surrounded by mountains covered with olive groves, pines & tamarisk trees.

Designated an Important Bird Area, or IBA in 2001 Tuzla Lake, dissected by a causeway, is particularly special as a bird sanctuary. Throughout the year, a large variety of rare birds including pelicans, flamingos & white storks can be seen flocking to the wetlands.

The IBA also covers the Güllük Delta, leading up to the Hamza Valley & following the Akyol River into Uyku Vadisi, or Sleepy Valley. Sleepy Valley is a natural preservation area among steep rocks, a forest of rich fauna & the Hamzabey River. It is called this because one feels sleepy as a result of the fresh, clean air in the region. This valley is now an official National Park.

The brackish waters of Tuzla Lake, less than a meter deep, provide vital nourishment for birds “refuelling” on their long journey to & from Russia, Scandinavia, and parts of Europe & Africa. It is rich in fish, algae & tiny creatures & fed by three fresh water streams. The lake attracts flamingos, grey heron, egret & numerous species of duck & goose. Although rare, 45 Dalmatian pelicans have been sighted here, as well as white pelicans, pygmy cormorants, spoonbills, & ospreys.

The varied nature of the lake’s surroundings also makes it an important habitat for birds & other wildlife. Mud flats are alive with waders, including the rare terek sandpiper. The surrounding farmland, forest & hedgerows attract even more rarities such as the booted eagle & the saker & lanner falcons.

The area also benefits from an especially mild microclimate so booted eagle & swallows were spotted there in December when they would usually be in Africa at this time. The Cyprus warbler, rarely seen this far west, is another visitor benefiting from the warmer temperatures.

Apart from the myriad bird life of Tuzla Lake that numbers into the thousands & thousands in winter, permanent inhabitants also include terrapins, snakes, wild boar, badger, fox & porcupine.

For more information visit: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com

Bodrum: Cultural Heart of Eastern Europe

Turkey, a country rich with exquisite cultural heritage, houses one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the magnificent Mausoleum of Mausolus. The monument, situated in the stunning coastal city of Bodrum in southwest Turkey was impressively constructed to house the tomb of Mausolus, ancient ruler of Caria.

The name “Mausoleum”, describing the monument enclosing a burial chamber, actually originated from the original edifice in Bodrum. Its majestic, temple-like structure, decorated with reliefs and statuary on a massive base, stood resiliently for 1700 years until it was eventually devastated by earthquakes. Today, you can still visit the foundations and several pieces of sculpture that remain from the immense memorial.

Crusaders, arriving in Bodrum in the 15^th Century, transformed the remains of the Mausoleum into the remarkable Bodrum Castle. Still standing today, the stunning castle overlooks the harbour and the International Marina and visitors flock to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology that is accommodated in its grounds. As one of the finest examples of Crusader architecture in Eastern Europe, the stunning fortress hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year.

The Bodrum peninsula features a notably prevalent artistic and intellectual recent history, providing secondary residence to many artists, poets and singers. A variety of European expats have been attracted to the area due to its ideal climate, luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle and extremely high investment potential. As well as foreign investment, Turkish nationals are also eager to acquire holiday villas in the region and take part in the ever-popular leisure activities that Bodrum’s supreme location offers, including yachting, water sports and golf. The immense and heavenly coastline, with miles of beaches, bays and coves to discover, make every voyage peaceful and enjoyable.

Accessing the area is progressively easier since Bodrum boasts both an international and a domestic airport that receive daily flights from across Europe.

Bodrum, Turkey Map

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Bodrum Turkey’s Upmarket Resort

Bodrum is one of Turkey’s longest established resorts. It boasts world-class facilities including it’s own airport, and a wealth of history, most notably the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The main resort itself has long been a favourite holiday destination of the Turkish elite and as such, there is a vibrant nightlife scene. The close-by resort of Gümbet is also famous for its discos and bars. In contrast, the Bodrum peninsula offers a calmer alternative: a shore line characterised by charming fishing villages with whitewashed houses, crystal clear water and a welcoming breeze.