Gumusluk: One of Bodrum’s well kept secrets
Gumusluk: One of Bodrum’s well kept secrets
Why Gumusluk is an ideal place for foreign property buyers
Gumusluk, one of the lesser known coastal resorts of the Bodrum peninsula is blessed with a natural appearance, historical background, cultural yearnings and beautiful scenery. Yet, international travel magazines and brochures rarely feature it, as the ideal destination for rest, relaxation, and indulgence.
Instead, they focus on the nearby and bustling resorts of Yalikavak and Turgutreis, which do well with package holiday companies. All is not lost though because it does have an army of hardcore admirers holding it in high esteem. The local Turks and foreign expats of the Bodrum peninsula adore their small utopia.
The History of Gumusluk
Historians have traced Gumusluk’s roots back to 640 BC. However, its pivotal moment in time was 350BC, when it became the ancient city of Myndos of which the name means to worship the mother goddess.
Out of all the landmarks of former Myndos, it is rabbit island, sitting just off the coastline that brings Gumusluk its fame. Stories say King Myndos specifically built a walkway to the island so that he could feed the rabbits inhabiting it.
Many centuries later, the name changed to Gumusluk, meaning silver. Some urban legends say it refers to the silver mines, that locals worked for 60 years before they closed in the early 20th century. Others say the name reflects the colour of the sea when the sun sets.
In 1975, the hills surrounding the village centre fell under protected status, and the government placed a ban on construction in most areas. Hence Gumusluk maintains its original community appearance and is no danger of turning into a concrete jungle.
In 2016, controversy descended on Gumusluk, when a few 2,500-year-old tombs found in the ruins of ancient Myndos were reburied and covered with asphalt, so work on the nearby new road connecting the neighbouring towns of Yalikavak and Turgutreis carried on undisrupted.
The chief council of Bodrum protested the decision adamantly, even reaching out to museum director of the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum for intervention, which never came. The controversy came and went.
The Gumusluk International Music Festival
The village has the immense pleasure of every year, hosting the Gumusluk International Classical music festival. Held since 2004, and organised by the Bodrum Classical Music Association, it usually lasts for six weeks, with anything up to 15 performances starting at the end of July and continuing to the early days of September.
The schedule ties in with a piano competition and a masterclass program by the Gumusluk Festival Academy that sees attendance by music students from all over the world.
The setting of the ancient stone quarries evokes vibes of eras gone by because legends say King Mausolus built both his mausoleum and palace using stones from this quarry. Focusing on works by well-known composers like Bach, Handel and of course Mozart, it is a festival that earns the admiration of classical music lovers all over Turkey.
In later years, they have also attracted many attendees with a beachside Jazz program, and in 2015, the Gumusluk Culture and Arts Association also stepped it up a notch by hosting the Eklisia Chamber music festival in ancient Byzantine church, therefore providing, once again, a nostalgic ambience.
Seaside harbour dining and the traditional stone houses
Every night during summer, Turks from other resorts and towns descend on Gumusluk for their famous seaside dining restaurants at the harbour. The al fresco dining style includes fresh fish and seafood as well as a buffet of mezes as dedicated by traditional Aegean dining protocol.
Nostalgia oozes from the protected old stone houses, of which many of the restaurants are located in, but most important is the timing because Gumusluk is home to one of the best sunset views in Turkey.
We also adore Liman café, high in the green hills. Serving a traditional Turkish village breakfast, it likewise oozes scenic landscape views heading out to sea. Otherwise, the other traditional community habit is to set aside Wednesday morning for a stroll around its weekly market, selling fruit, veg, clothes and textiles.
Why Gumusluk is an ideal place for foreign property buyers
Despite the off the beaten track appearance of Gumusluk, it has for many decades, been a favourite retreat of British expats. Hence many locals speak perfect English, so foreign property buyers easily go about their daily business as well as strike up friendships with the locals.
Life is also incredibly laidback in Gumusluk with much of the social scenes revolving around the seafront. However, if you do want to kick it up a notch, the neighbouring and busier towns of Yalikavak and Turgutreis are just a short bus trip away.
The other main reason Gumusluk is worth looking at is the diversity of its property portfolio. With homes starting at £65,000 and going right up to your millionaire properties, it tastefully accommodates budget and luxury buyers with a choice of new and resale apartments and villas. Many of the properties also have incredible sea views, and all these benefits make Gumusluk an ideal contender for your future home in Turkey.
See also:
Expat life in Turkey and what to expect
