Bodrum today begins an hour before dawn, as the night time silence is broken, from the minaret's heights by the rhythmical wailing of the muezzin summoning the faithful to the first of the day's five calls to pray.

For many it is a wakeup call, the start of the day's activities. For many others it is a call to bed, as they wend their way home at the close of Bodrum's active nightlife. This contrast perhaps signifies Bodrum's uniqueness and diversity as a holiday resort, offering on the one hand watersports, excellent shopping, dining and nightlife, while at the same time fervently maintaining its cultural and historical heritage. Day or night, Bodrum has it all.

Bodrum occupies a special place in many people's hearts. A popular home and resort for Turkish artists and intellectuals, Bodrum's first remembered literary character was known as the "Halicarnassus Fisherman". After the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli was exiled to Bodrum due to his unpopular political expressions. His subsequent books and stories about life in Bodrum attracted like minded romantics to the town and were largely responsible for creating the Bohemian atmosphere Bodrum enjoys today. In fact although mostly unknown outside Turkey, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli ranks with King Mausolus as one of Bodrum's most famous residents.

As Bodrum has become more popular over the past few years services have steadily improved, creating in Bodrum a complete self contained community for visitors and residents alike. Doctors, dentists, laundries, car repair, shops and utilities now cater for almost every need.

Visiting yachtsmen are now provided with the services of the Karada Bodrum Marina, whether staying for a night or a season. The new three hundred and fifty-berth marina offers every service a yachtsman could ask for, resulting in many boat owners berthing here permanently.

Bodrum is definitely growing, with Turks and foreigners alike attracted to its warm, relaxing atmosphere. Growth inevitably brings change, but fortunately some things will always stay the same. In Bodrum you can always count on the sunny weather, the warm hospitality of its residents, the sight of a fully laden camel wending its way through the back streets and from the top of the minarets, the wailing cry of the muezzin, calling the faithful to prayer.