Maussollos’ Migration Route Comes to Life in Bodrum and Milas
The new cultural tourism project “Maussollos’ Migration Route” connects Bodrum and Milas through history, archaeology, and nature. Organized by Bodrum Municipality and Milas Municipality, this unique route revives the ancient journey from Halikarnassos to Mylasa with guided tours, archaeological storytelling, and outdoor cultural walks.
Reviving the Ancient Journey of Maussollos
The ancient heritage of Caria, one of Anatolia’s most remarkable civilizations, continues to inspire new generations. In 2025, the Bodrum Municipality’s Department of Culture and Social Affairs is launching an exciting new cultural initiative titled “Maussollos’ Migration Route.”
In cooperation with Milas Municipality and Milas Museum, this project aims to recreate the historical route taken by Satrap Maussollos, who moved his capital from Mylasa to Halikarnassos in the 4th century BC.
This cultural journey brings history, archaeology, and local storytelling to life, creating a bridge between the two ancient Carian cities—modern-day Bodrum and Milas.
A Joint Project Between Bodrum and Milas Municipalities
This year’s program, led by Pedasa and Leleg Civilization Research and Implementation Unit, continues under the inspiring motto “Discover, Live, Share Your Story.”
The initiative combines cultural exploration with eco-tourism, inviting locals and visitors to discover the deep roots of Carian civilization through guided cultural walks, archaeological tours, and storytelling events.
In collaboration with Milas Municipality, the project represents a major step in connecting two heritage-rich cities in southwestern Turkey through sustainable cultural tourism.
Historical Background: Who Was Maussollos?
Maussollos was a Carian satrap under the Persian Empire, best known for commissioning one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Around 360 BC, Maussollos decided to move his capital from Mylasa (modern Milas) to Halikarnassos (modern Bodrum), establishing one of the most influential cities of the ancient Aegean.
This migration marked not only a political shift but also a cultural transformation, blending Persian, Greek, and Anatolian traditions. The Maussollos’ Migration Route now aims to symbolically retrace that journey, combining archaeological discovery with modern-day appreciation for history and nature.
Cultural and Natural Highlights Along the Route
The new route will cover key ancient landmarks and natural landscapes that connect the two regions. Participants will have the chance to experience:
Ancient Mylasa Ruins – once the heart of Carian administration and religion.
Halicarnassus Mausoleum Site – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Pedasa Ancient City – an important Leleg settlement overlooking Bodrum.
Labraunda Sanctuary – a sacred site dedicated to Zeus Labraundos near Milas.
Each stop offers archaeological insights guided by experts, including historians, archaeologists, and excavation team members, who will share untold stories from the region’s past.
From Milas to Bodrum: A Journey Through Time
The Maussollos’ Migration Route is designed as both a cultural and physical trail, connecting Milas and Bodrum through hiking, guided storytelling, and historical commentary.
Participants will follow Maussollos’ footsteps, symbolically tracing the same route he took more than 2,400 years ago, while exploring Caria’s natural beauty and ancient ruins.
The route aims to:
Highlight archaeological heritage and historical connections between the two cities.
Promote eco-tourism and cultural sustainability.
Encourage educational tourism through live historical reenactments and workshops.
An Initiative Promoting Cultural Tourism
Organized by the Bodrum Municipality Department of Culture and Social Affairs, this initiative aligns with Turkey’s growing trend of cultural route tourism, which blends walking, history, and local culture.
Similar to the St. Paul Trail or Lycian Way, the Maussollos Route offers travelers a chance to experience Turkey’s heritage beyond traditional beach tourism, combining education, archaeology, and eco-conscious travel.
By linking Bodrum and Milas, the project strengthens cooperation between municipalities, museums, and local communities, ensuring the preservation of Carian heritage for future generations.
Event Details and Participation
The first cultural walk of the new season will begin on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event will start at the Milas Uzunyuva Mausoleum and Museum Complex, continuing through ancient sites accompanied by archaeologists, cultural guides, and excavation team members.
Registration and Participation
Participants can register by contacting Bodrum Municipality (444 00 48) or Milas Municipality. Due to limited capacity, early registration is recommended.
In Bodrum, registration forms are available at the Department of Culture and Social Affairs, while in Milas, participants can sign up at the Municipal Cultural Affairs Office.
Departure Points
From Bodrum: Participants will depart at 10:00 a.m. from Bodrum Old Bus Terminal (Eski Otogar).
From Milas: Participants will meet at 10:00 a.m. in front of Milas Municipality’s Ek Hizmet Binası (Annex Building), located near Hisarbaşı–Hocahıdır neighborhoods.
Transportation for registered participants will be arranged by the municipalities.
Bringing History, Nature, and Culture Together
This project is not only a commemorative cultural event but also a revival of the Carian spirit. By walking Maussollos’ route, visitors can connect with the ancient landscapes that shaped the history of southwestern Anatolia.
The initiative also supports local tourism economies, encourages sustainable travel, and offers an authentic cultural experience beyond traditional sightseeing.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in:
Archaeological storytelling sessions.
Nature walks through ancient Carian trails.
Educational talks about Carian art, architecture, and mythology.
Every step on the Maussollos Route reveals a new story—one that continues to shape Bodrum and Milas today.
A Living Legacy of Caria
The Maussollos’ Migration Route project highlights the deep cultural roots of the Bodrum Peninsula and the Milas region, blending history, archaeology, and nature into an unforgettable experience.
By retracing the ancient path between Mylasa and Halikarnassos, participants not only rediscover the rich legacy of Caria but also help preserve it for the future.
With its collaborative spirit, historical depth, and focus on sustainability, the Maussollos’ Migration Route stands as a model for cultural tourism in Turkey—inviting everyone to walk, learn, and share the timeless story of an ancient civilization.
