Property in Gundogan

Set against magnificent mountain scenery just east of Yalikavak is the secluded, peaceful village of Gundogan. Interestingly, the adjectives 'secluded' and 'peaceful' in respect to this delightful location seem to have particularly struck a chord with members of the diplomatic community, as Gundogan has become a noted retreat from their high pressure jobs for such individuals down the years.

Once a major fishing and sea sponge centre until the inhabitants moved further inland to escape the danger of gunboats during World War I, the main sources of income these days are tourism and agriculture (particularly citrus fruit). A small fishing community remains, however, and the catches of the day are served in the intimate restaurants that occupy the seafront road.

A little confusion is possible in approaching Gundogan, as the old Greek name of the village is still seen on some road signs! It is understandable that the Gundogan villagers would wish to cling onto the former name of Farilya to an extent, considering it translates, romantically, as 'Sunrise'.

A veritable paradise for water sports enthusiasts, divers and swimmers, Gundogan is the site of one of the earliest human settlements on the Bodrum Peninsula, fragments of Bronze Age ceramics and stone axes having been discovered in nearby caves. Of further historical interest close to Gungodan is the picture postcard Byzantine church crowning lovely Rabbit Island, just offshore in the curving bay; an Ottoman tower poking out from the pine forest behind the village, and a spectacularly-sited, though small monastery reached by 50 steps crafted from the rock above the upper part of the village.