The Secret History of Gocek: From Ancient Kalimche to the Present Day

Behind the tranquil and elegant atmosphere of modern-day Göcek lie the whispers of a history stretching back thousands of years. Beyond its stunning bays and contemporary marinas, this land bears the traces of ancient civilizations, forgotten cities, and immortal legends. Discovering the history of Göcek is like being an archaeologist, slowly uncovering layers and encountering a new secret with each one.

The Mysterious Settlement of Antiquity: Kalimche

In the past, Göcek, situated between the two significant Lycian cities of Telmessos (Fethiye) and Kaunos (Dalyan), was known as a Lycian settlement called Kalimche. Unfortunately, very few tangible structures from ancient Kalimche have survived to the present day. The inability to precisely identify the main settlement area and the lack of sufficient information in the works of ancient writers make the history of this settlement largely mysterious.

However, these secrets are not entirely lost. With a careful eye, it is possible to encounter rock tombs reflecting the elegant craftsmanship of the Lycians, remnants of monumental tombs, and bath ruins on the slopes along the Göcek bays and the road to Fethiye. Tersane Island, in particular, is like an open-air museum with its ruins from both ancient and recent periods. The ancient cities of Krya, Lisai, and İydai on the Kapıdağ Peninsula, accessible by boat tours, are proof of how rich a history this region holds, even though they have not been excavated.

Myths and Legends: The Waters Where Icarus Fell

Göcek's geography is so impressive that it is believed to have been the setting for one of the most famous legends of the ancient world.

The Legend of the First Flying Man: Daedalus and Icarus

According to mythology, the master craftsman Daedalus and his son Icarus fashion wings for themselves from feathers and wax to escape the wrath of King Minos of Crete. Before taking flight, Daedalus warns his son not to fly too low or too high, and especially not to get too close to the sun. However, overcome by the exhilaration and pride of flying, Icarus forgets his father's words and soars higher and higher. When the sun's heat melts the wax on his wings, he falls into the blue waters of the Aegean Sea and perishes.

Although this legend is attributed to the entire Aegean, a strong local narrative claims that the waters where Icarus fell are precisely in the gulf off Göcek. This belief gains more meaning with the existence of the ancient city of Daidala to the east of Göcek. According to legend, this city was named after the master craftsman Daedalus, who came to the region after losing his son Icarus.

The Daedalus Mosaic and the Tale of the Minotaur

One of the most important myths illustrating what a master craftsman Daedalus was is the legend of the Minotaur. For King Minos's wife Pasiphae, who was cursed with a passion for a bull, Daedalus builds a life-like wooden cow. To imprison the Minotaur-a monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull born from this union-it is Daedalus who constructs the complex Labyrinth, from which no one who entered could ever escape. All the characters of this legend are depicted in ancient mosaics that have survived to this day.

One Name, Four Stories: Where Does the Name Göcek Come From?

The origin of Göcek's name is as mysterious as its history and is based on four different theories passed down through generations.

• Köçeks and Entertainment:

  In the old days, male dancers called "Köçek" were brought from Rhodes to liven up local weddings. After a while, the region became known among neighboring settlements as "Köçekli" (the place with Köçeks). However, as the locals began to find this name strange and pejorative, it was softened to "Göcek."

• The Yörüks' "Göç-ek" Time:

  This is the most common and beloved theory among the people. The local

  Yörüks

  (nomads) would gather every spring before migrating to the highlands. When the migration preparations were complete, they would call out to each other, "Haydi, GÖÇEK!" (Time to migrate, let's go!). It is believed that this call eventually became the name of the village.

• Crops and Geography:

  In agricultural terms, a fresh crop that has grown to a hand's span is called a "Göcek." This could be a reference to the region's fertile lands. Another geographical theory is that indented, hidden harbors where the sea penetrates deep into the land are called "Göcek." This perfectly describes Göcek's geography.

• The Legacy of the Fisherman of Halicarnassus:

  The famous author, the

  Fisherman of Halicarnassus

  , frequently referred to this region as "Fethiye Göcek'i" in his works. Thanks to him, this name became established in the worlds of literature and sailing.

Whatever the reason, what matters is that this exquisite place has taken its rightful place in Turkey and the world with the name "Göcek"; and it has succeeded in doing so.