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THE FISHERMAN OF HALIKARNASSOS COMMEMORATED IN BODRUM

14.10.2025

Bodrum pays tribute to Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, the “Fisherman of Halikarnassos”, on the 52nd anniversary of his passing and the centenary of his arrival in the city

Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known by his pen name the Fisherman of Halikarnassos (Halikarnas Balıkçısı), one of the most influential figures in shaping Bodrum’s cultural identity, was honoured with a series of events marking the 52nd anniversary of his death and the 100th anniversary of his exile to Bodrum.

Organised by the municipality’s Directorate of Culture & Social Affairs, the remembrance ceremony took place on 13 October at his grave in Gümbet Gönültepe.

Representing Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, Municipal Council Member and General Coordinator Emel Çakaloğlu, Deputy Mayor Kanat Hasan Özsert, retired teachers Hatice Orman and Ali İhsan Yücel, archaeologist Ayşe Temiz, local students, members of the press and citizens attended the ceremony.

Speakers reflected on Kabaağaçlı’s literary legacy and his role in introducing Bodrum’s unique natural and cultural landscape to the world.

“Today, on the 52nd anniversary of his passing, we honour the Fisherman of Halikarnassos for the trees, flowers and plants he brought to Bodrum, his literary works, and his deep love for this city,” said Emel Çakaloğlu. “Preserving his cultural and literary heritage is a shared responsibility for all of us.”

The programme featured an oratorio, piano and flute performances by local students, followed by a flower-laying ceremony and a traditional aşure offering.

From Past to Future: “Botanical Heritage City Tour”

As part of the commemoration, Bodrum Maritime Museum organised a city tour titled “The Botanical Heritage of the Fisherman of Halikarnassos”, led by educator Hatice Orman. Participants traced Kabaağaçlı’s influence across the city, visiting the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, Bodrum Square and other sites where his botanical legacy endures.

Celebrating Maritime Culture: Book Launch “We, the Sponge Divers”

The remembrance events also included the launch of Bodrum Maritime Museum’s eighth publication, “We, the Sponge Divers: Our Lives and Memories”, at the Bodrum Seafarers’ Association.

Written by Dr. Meltem Ulu, the book stems from the museum’s oral history project and brings together the voices of sponge divers, women in maritime trades, archaeologists, lighthouse keepers, and boatbuilders, preserving the living memory of Bodrum’s deep connection to the sea.

The launch was attended by Emel Çakaloğlu, Museum Director Selen Cambazoğlu, entrepreneur Mustafa Cem, and author Meltem Ulu.