Bodrum windmills, which were built in the 18th century and continued to work as if to say "I'm not broken, I'm standing" until the 1970s, are one of the symbols of Bodrum with their architecture, history and the visual feast they offer.
Bodrum windmills are located on the hills between Bodrum center and Gumbet and on the coastline in Yalikavak. Since Bodrum gets winds in all seasons of the year, it is very logical to benefit from the wind power in this region. The local people of Bodrum noticed this feature in the 18th century and built the mills and used them to grind flour until the 1970s, and even to extract water from the depths of the soil by wind power in some periods.
Like the windmills Don Quixote fought
The origins of the windmills in Bodrum date back to ancient times. The first windmill is known to have been seen in the Seistan region on the Iran-Afghanistan border in BC. 644. They were used to irrigate rice fields in China in 750-850 years. Windmills were later developed in the west and brought to a horizontal axis position. In the Mediterranean region, like the examples in Bodrum, tower type windmills were built and used. As a matter of fact, the windmills in which the Spanish nobleman Don Quixote of Manca, who is among the most famous novel heroes of the world, fought, are similar to the mills in Bodrum.
Mediterranean architecture
Bodrum windmills are an example of tower type windmills common in the Mediterranean region. These mills were built of cut or rubble stone. It has a cylindrical body, a wooden conical roof and is usually whitewashed. However, the main walls of some mills were left unpainted with their stone body. The architectural structure of the mills is quite impressive. While the entrance is entered through a simple round-arched door, the interior is illuminated with natural light thanks to the loophole windows on the walls. In addition, wooden floors were created inside and mechanisms that grind wheat with millstones were placed on the floor. In some examples, there are also flour warehouses next to or inside the mill.
Bodrum and its surroundings were fed by these mills
The amount of wheat milled in Bodrum windmills on days when the wind is strong reaches 2 tons. The flour obtained was loaded on donkeys, some of it was distributed to the surrounding villages, and some of it was taken to Bodrum Port, and the flour was sent to the surrounding centers and the opposite islands, and the needs of the ships docking at the port were met by making bread.
Gumbet mills
7 of the symbol mills of Bodrum are located on the hill between Bodrum center and Gumbet. It is very easy to reach by minibus or taxi from Bodrum center or Gumbet. They're also not far for walking, either. You can reach the hill where the mills are located with a short walk, accompanied by magnificent views from the Bodrum coast or the Gumbet coast. There is no entrance fee, but you cannot enter the mills. You can take pictures around it and watch the beauties of Bodrum and Gumbet bays from above.
Yalikavak mills
Similarly, most of the mills in Yalikavak are close to the coast, on hills that dominate the view. In fact, one of these mills is located on the Yalikavak Beach. Built in 1859, this mill and its surroundings were restored in 2005 and turned into a pleasant square. Another restored windmill is located on the Bodrum Yalikavak road. This mill, which has been converted into a restaurant with a view, is brimming with visitors thanks to the breakfasts and special delicacies it offers.
Bodrum windmills, in addition to being a historical and cultural heritage, also have magnificent views. From the mills, you can see Bodrum Castle, Gumbet Bay, Yalikavak Marina and the vast blues of the Aegean Sea. It is a pleasure to take photos and capture unique shots here, especially at sunset. Moreover, it is a great opportunity for hiking, trekking and cycling tours.
Be sure to visit these mills, which will fascinate you with their historical and natural beauties.