Bafa Lake: Those
travelling to Bodrum from Izmir would know the serene beauty
of Lake Bafa and environs. This quiet region only 40 minutes
from Bodrum and once the setting of ancient civilizations,
is finally receiving the recognition as an attraction that
has been kept secret for centuries.
Lake Bafa and its surrounds is home to legends, and if given
chance, people are assured to recognize its intrigue and
beauty. Historical data reveals various ancient
civilizations inhabiting the Bafa Lake environs that have a
2,000 year history. A sea with a large gulf once undulated
on the region currently serving as the main transportation
route linking Söke to Milas, to Bodrum. Soil brought in via
the Büyük Menderes delta, closed off the gulf disconnecting
the link between the lake and the Aegean Sea thousands of
years ago. Today's Lake Bafa was once a sea with a present
coastline filled with traces of the past attesting to this
phenomenon
Shepherd Endymion used to stake out the beauty of the moon
goddess "Selene" from peaks of Beşparmak (Latmos) mountains.
The village of KapIkIrI and the ancient city of Herakleia
are located at the foot of these mountains. One is reminded
of ancient tales and legends when looking into the sunset
from the towers of the Byzantine castle in KapIkIrI village.
KapIkIrI's houses brim with relics of ancient Herakleia from
the Carian period in their gardens, and under their walls
and trees. The village itself seems to be a relic of the
past, still living in the past in a subtle, quiet way at the
foot of the Beşparmak-Latmos mountains.
MONASTERIES
Ikizce island is connected to the mainland by a sand dune
with a Byzantian monastery and an Athenian temple located on
its top overlooking the lake and the KapIkIrI village. The
temple used both the Doric and Ionic architectural styles,
still in good condition, minus its roof.
On the eastern side of the temple, is the rectangular
constructed agora as a two storied building. Only its first
floor exists, today. The theatre is situated in the
northeast of the city. Building dedicated to shepherd,
Endymion- who was loved by the Goddess of Moon, Selene and
was put to sleep for eternity by God of Gods, Zeus, and is
located on the road to the shore and islands.
Heraclea became a safety land of hermitage for the monks and
priests in the early evangelization of Asia Minor
Christianity. The first monastery was established in the 7th
century AD and many monasteries - maybe 13, spread around
Heraclea. A castle was constructed in order to protect
monasteries that were scattered through this wild region.
The caves around, which are considered to be inhabited by
the monks and hermits, are ornamented by marvelous frescoes
representing the life of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and the
saints.
TWIN ISLANDS
There are many places to visit near the lake, as the
"Yediler Monastery", various churches and the impressive
ancient city of Herakleia. The natural beauty of the region
is simply astounding. There are four large islands, the
KapIkIrI, Ikizce, Menet and Kahvesar to the south of lake
Bafa. Tourists would get the opportunity to hear the legend
of the love story of Shepherd Endymion and the goddess of
moon "Selene" if they chose to stay at Bafa for a few days.
Villagers still believe the two lovers meet regularly at
full moon.
