Gümbet takes its name from the dome-shaped water cisterns known locally in the Muğla region as 'kümbet' or 'gümbet'. Built during the Ottoman era, these cisterns were used in areas lacking natural water sources to collect and store rainwater. They typically featured a spherical dome constructed atop a circular stone wall, measuring around 7-10 meters in diameter. Local tradition holds that the first cisterns were built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, around the time of his 1522 campaign for Rhodes. These remarkable structures became emblematic of the region and eventually gave their name to this charming neighborhood.
Medieval Bodrum
Gümbet: The Origin of the Name - Historic Kümbet (Water Cisterns)
The dome-shaped historic rainwater cisterns that lent their name to the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gümbet: The Origin of the Name - Historic Kümbet (Water Cisterns) and what is it like?
The dome-shaped historic rainwater cisterns that lent their name to the neighborhood.
What are the visiting hours?
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Is there an entrance fee?
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How do I get there?
Within the Gümbet neighborhood
Map
Nearby places
Ancient
Bodrum-Halikarnassos
Bodrum's ancient name is Halikarnassos, one of the most important centers of Carian civilization. It once hosted the Mausoleion, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and was also the birthplace of Herodotus. Today, this ancient city, still living within modern Bodrum, presents a unique open-air stage of history where past and present intertwine.
Ancient
Mausoleion
Mausoleion is a monumental tomb built in the 4th century BCE by Artemisia for her husband Mausolos, Satrap of Caria. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this structure stands as one of the most impressive examples of architectural and sculptural artistry in history. Today, the word "mausoleum" itself takes its name from this monument.
Medieval
Bodrum Castle
Bodrum Castle, built in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John, stands as an important structure elevated with stones taken from the ruins of ancient Halikarnassos. Both a powerful example of medieval defensive architecture and a cultural center that today houses one of the world's most significant underwater archaeology museums, Bodrum Castle is a living testament to centuries of history.
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