Visitors find many reasons to visit the city of Fethiye. If the beautiful scenery, warm weather and sandy beaches are not enough reasons, the Fethiye history will surely leave you intrigued. The area dates back many centuries with evidence of several great civilizations decorating its landscape.

Ancient Times

Although there is no evidence documenting this claim, it is believed by many historians that Fethiye dates back to the Trojan War. It served as an important port city between Lycia and Karyan. It is also known that the city was actually born in the sixth century B.C., and its original name was Telmessos.

The Greek God Apollo

According to legend, the town of Fethiye owes its original name of Telmessos to the Greek God, Apollo. Apollo had fallen in love with the daughter of the King of Finke. Her name was Agenor and she was quite timid by nature. To attract her to him, Apollo disguised himself as a small lovable dog. Once Agenor had fallen in love with the dog, Apollo revealed his true appearance and seduced her into loving him. Out of their love a child was born named Telmessos, for whom the city was built.

The Lycian Civilization

Telmessos was attacked in 547 B.C. by the Persian King Harpagos. It was annexed and placed as a part of the Delian confederation like other cities in the Lycian region. However Telmessos, when it appeared on the tribute lists, was given independent status. The city remained so until the fourth century where it finally fell under compete Lycian sovereignty. The exact story isn't known. Some believe that Alexander The Great was responsible for capturing the city during his invasion of Anatolia. Others believe that the commander Nekros captured the city by disguising soldiers as musicians and slaves. Once inside the city, they allowed the citizens to celebrate and then laid siege.

Changing Hands

The city changed ownership several times over the next 2000 years. It fell under Roman control where it remained off and on until the fall of the Roman Empire. The Byzantines took control and gave the city some importance due to its location. However when the Arab invasions came in the seventh century all status was lost. The city remained under control of the Ottoman empire until the early 1900s, not earning its current name until 1934. Telmessos was re-named Fethiye in honor of the first Turkish pilot, Fethi Bey.