The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum reflects Türkiye’s determination to protect history while embracing contemporary museology.
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology has been nominated for the
European Museum of the Year Award
By Erol Güler, PhD
Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum, one of the best examples of restorations carried out with the understanding of contemporary museology, also reflects the determination to protect history. With this candidacy, Türkiye has once again crowned the value of our cultural heritage in the international arena. Türkiye is looking forward to the award ceremony, which will take place in Poland in May 2025.
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is restored, and the restoration was completed in 2021. After the restoration, the Museum was chosen as a candidate for the European Museum of the Year Award. The European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) is presented each year by the European Museum Forum under the auspices of the Council of Europe. This prestigious prize is awarded on the recommendations of the EMYA Judging Panel, by the Committee on Culture, Science, and Education of the Council of Europe to a museum which puts particular emphasis on a clearly understandable presentation of a European perspective and of the interplay between local and European identities, working with themes of European relevance and adhering to key values and priorities of democracy, human rights, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue, of bridging cultures and overcoming social and political borders. The EMYA is considered the most important annual award in the European museum arena and has been given annually since 1977 to represent innovation and excellence in Europe’s new or redeveloped museums. Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which first won the “Special Commendation Award” within the scope of the European Museum of the Year Awards in 1995, was nominated to be the European Museum of the Year in 2025 by the European Museum Forum (EMF).
History of the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum
The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum is one of the most fascinating and unique museums in Türkiye, showcasing underwater archaeological finds from the ancient seas around the Aegean coast. Its history is closely tied to the region’s rich maritime heritage and the efforts to preserve and present underwater archaeological discoveries.
The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum was originally part of the Bodrum Castle (also known as the Castle of St. Peter), located on the Bodrum Peninsula in southwestern Türkiye. The idea of establishing an underwater museum came about as a response to the increasing interest in maritime archaeology and the need to protect and display artifacts discovered in the waters off the Turkish coast.
Bodrum has a deep historical connection with seafaring, as it was an important hub for ancient maritime trade and culture, particularly during the Classical periods. The sea surrounding Bodrum was rich in shipwrecks, sunken artifacts, and ancient ruins, making it an ideal location for underwater archaeology.
The museum’s origins can be traced back to the 1960s, when Türkiye began to focus on the preservation of underwater heritage. The Turkish government started exploring the possibility of recovering and preserving artifacts from shipwrecks in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. The Bodrum region, with its clear waters and abundance of shipwrecks, became a focal point for these underwater archaeological efforts.
In 1980, the museum officially opened within Bodrum Castle, which dates back to the 15th century and was originally built by the Knights Hospitaller. The museum’s initial purpose was to present both land-based and underwater finds, including artifacts from local archaeological excavations and wreck sites.
The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum has several rooms and spaces that could accommodate the artifacts, which are primarily focused on maritime culture.
The castle itself houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including: i) items from ancient shipwrecks, ii) a range of marine archaeological objects, like pottery to statues, and İİİ) findings from ancient cities in the area, such as Halicarnassus.
Starting in the 1960s and continuing today, underwater excavations off the coast of Bodrum and throughout the Aegean have led to the discovery of numerous shipwrecks, artifacts, and other submerged cultural relics. Some notable shipwrecks and finds include:
◗ The Uluburun Shipwreck (ca. 14th century BCE): One of the most significant underwater finds in the region, this wreck, discovered off the coast of Uluburun near Bodrum in 1982, is one of the oldest and best-preserved shipwrecks ever found. It contains valuable treasures, including bronze, copper, glass, and jewelry, which provide a unique glimpse into the ancient world of maritime trade.
◗ The Knidos Wreck (ca. 3rd century BCE): A Greek merchant ship, wrecked near the ancient city of Knidos. The ship’s cargo and other items, including amphorae (ancient storage jars), were excavated and displayed in the museum.
◗ The Mazı Shipwreck (ca. 7th century BCE): This wreck is another important find from the Iron Age, providing insight into ancient shipbuilding techniques and trade routes.
The museum also plays a critical role in the preservation of underwater heritage. The artifacts are carefully conserved, many of them requiring sophisticated techniques such as desalination and stabilization. The museum also conducts ongoing research into the ancient maritime history of the region, working with international experts and institutions to further our understanding of ancient trade, shipbuilding, and navigation.
Educational Role
In addition to its exhibition spaces, the museum has a strong educational focus. It hosts workshops, educational programs, and lectures for visitors of all ages, especially those interested in maritime history and archaeology. The museum’s efforts to raise awareness about underwater cultural heritage have made it a popular destination for both tourists and scholars.
Conclusion
The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum stands as a symbol of the region’s rich maritime history, from its origins as a center of seafaring culture in ancient times to its modern role as a beacon for underwater archaeology. With a vast array of exhibits, significant shipwreck discoveries, and ongoing research and preservation efforts, the museum continues to be a vital institution for both preserving and sharing the history of underwater civilizations. If you have a chance, it is highly recommended to visit this museum in person and indulge in the history. If you do not have the opportunity, you can watch the videos like these, to get a glimpse of the feeling: visit YouTube.
Bodrum and the Castle
Part of the charm of Bodrum comes from the fact that Bodrum was the location of the city of Halicarnassus, which also held the world-famous Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which was one of the so-called Seven Wonders of the World in the Ancient World. It was made popular in recent history by the so-called Halikarnas Balıkçısı (Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı). Bodrum Castle was ideal for the museum due to its historical significance and strategic position overlooking the harbor. Initially constructed by the Crusaders to defend the region, the castle became a center for archaeology and history. ■
Erol Guler, PhD, is the co-owner of GT Consultants LLC in Virginia. Previously, he was the co-owner of the ELC Group in Istanbul, Türkiye, for 20 years, which was acquired later by the global consulting engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV. He has served as the principal geotechnical engineer to more than 200 projects in Türkiye and many different countries. He is also a retired professor from Bogazici University where he dedicated 37 years. Since 2017, he has served as an affiliate professor at George Mason University.
