Tips
Cornelia Fuchs
April 30, 2026
Hiking
For the people of Bodrum, sponge diving was long one of the main sources of income. The sponges were cleaned by hand, dried, and then sold in the markets of Istanbul, Athens, and even in major European cities.
Over time, Bodrum became an international trading center for sponges. Demand was high, and many families lived solely from this trade.
From the mid-20th century onward, sponge diving in Bodrum began to decline. The introduction of synthetic sponges and the overfishing of natural stocks led to a drastic decrease in sponge production.
Over time, Bodrum became an international trading center for sponges. Demand was high, and many families lived solely from this trade.
From the mid-20th century onward, sponge diving in Bodrum began to decline. The introduction of synthetic sponges and the overfishing of natural stocks led to a drastic decrease in sponge production.
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Elevation 40 m