Marmaris Castle, located in the picturesque Muğla district of Marmaris, exemplifies the region’s historical and architectural heritage. The fortress was rebuilt in the 16th century by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I as part of his attempt to retake Rhodes from the Knights Hospitaller, and it provides a fascinating peek into the past. However, its history extends well beyond this critical event, with origins dating back to ancient civilizations.

History

According to Herodotus, the first reports of fortifications at Marmaris date back to 3000 BC. These crude city walls marked the start of a lengthy legacy of defense fortifications in the region. The castle, built in the second millennium BC, underwent extensive restorations during the Ionian period, circa 1044 BC. This early fortification most likely played a vital part in protecting the area throughout the period of Greek hegemony.

Alexander the Great conquered Marmaris in the fourth century BC, bringing about significant development. Following this, the castle underwent successive renovations to coincide with the rise and fall of many empires and emperors. The most famous of these renovations occurred during the time of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I, who ordered a substantial reconstruction of the castle in the sixteenth century. The construction was part of his preparations for the military campaign to retake Rhodes from the Hospitallers, and the castle served as a strategic military outpost.

The castle’s significance was both military and symbolic. As an Ottoman power symbol and defensive fortress, it has witnessed many historical events, including the destruction it sustained during World War I. In the early twentieth century, cannon fire from French warships shattered the castle’s defenses. Despite this, Marmaris Castle remained a place of residence for the residents of Marmaris until 1979, keeping its influence in the region’s daily life.

The Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi provided the most thorough description of the castle’s construction. In his 17th-century works, Seyahatname, Çelebi described his visit to Muğla and its surrounds. He noted that the castle’s construction was intimately linked to Sultan Suleiman’s military goals. His comprehensive observations provide essential information about the castle’s historical background.

Archaeological Museum

Marmaris Castle is unique among Turkish strongholds because it has a museum within its walls. Established in 1991, the Marmaris Archaeological Museum is one of Turkey’s few museums housed within a castle. Following extensive restoration work between 1980 and 1990, the castle reopened to the public as a cultural institution, attracting visitors from around the world.

The museum houses items from many periods in history, highlighting the region’s rich archeological and anthropological legacy. Visitors can visit the castle’s 18 chambers, which include seven interior sections, two archaeology halls, and one ethnographic hall. Exhibitions and storage parts are also available, allowing for a thorough examination of the site’s enormous collection.

The archeology department is especially noteworthy, with an excellent collection of amphorae from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. These old vessels, which are frequently utilized for storing and transporting commodities, provide a physical link to the region’s thriving trading routes and maritime past. Along with these, the museum houses a collection of pottery, glassware, coins, and ornaments discovered during excavations at adjacent archaeological sites like as Knidos, Burgazada, and Hisarönü.

The ethnography part is as fascinating, displaying a variety of Ottoman-era antiques, tools, and equipment. These items offer a peek into the daily life of those who formerly lived in the castle and its surroundings. The museum’s enormous inventory includes almost 15,000 registered pieces, making it one of the most important cultural repositories in the area.

The museum at Marmaris Castle enjoys a continuous stream of tourists because to its well-curated exhibitions. Over 19,700 tourists visited the museum in the first five months of 2018, and according to 2017 figures, it is one of Turkey’s top 22 most lucrative museums. This reflects not only the museum’s cultural value, but also its popularity as a significant tourist attraction.

Location

Marmaris Castle, strategically placed at the confluence of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, commands a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. From its elevation atop a hill, the castle provides panoramic views of Marmaris, the bustling port, and the Mediterranean’s dazzling waters. The castle’s elevated location made it an ideal military stronghold during the Ottoman Empire, providing both defense capabilities and a good vantage point for observing the surrounding area.

The castle’s proximity to the sea enhances its historical value. During Sultan Suleiman I’s tenure, the fortress was essential to his military actions, particularly the 1522 siege of Rhodes, which required 200,000 troops. The castle served as a gathering place for these soldiers, and its strategic location made naval and ground operations more easily coordinated.

Today, the castle’s setting continues to captivate visitors. Walking along its old walls and ramparts, one can see down on the bustling marina and town below. The castle continues to represent both past military prowess and Marmaris’ rich cultural tapestry. Notably, the museum within the castle has educational displays in both Turkish and English, allowing visitors to fully comprehend the castle’s historical significance.

Among the museum’s attractions are the Apollo Altar frieze from Knidos, the Datça stele, and many amphorae recovered from shipwrecks in Marmaris Bay. These relics provide a glimpse into the old past, giving visitors a better appreciation of the region’s rich cultural legacy.