Island of Cleopatra
Sedir Island - Kedrai
Twenty four kilometres after the Marmaris turnoff on the Muğla-Marmaris road the road turns right and six kilometres later takes you to another spot on the Gulf of Gökova. This is the Çamlı İskelesi (Wharf). From here, as soon as they are full, boats take people to Sedir Island.
This island is the site of the ancient city of Cedreae (Kedrai), famous for its Cleopatra Beach. Surviving to this day from the ancient city we have the Temple of Apollon, the theatre and the remains of a necropolis.
The word Kedrai means cedars. Even though it was not known that the sturdy cedar tree, which can be used in ship building, was on the island this is what Kedrai means in ancient Greek. Surrounded by city walls Kedrai was an important residential area opposite the island of Rhodes. The remaining tower and walls are situated at the centre of the city. The Temple of Apollon was created in the Doric style. There is a north facing theatre in good condition on the northern part of the island. Without counting important cities like Knidos we can see ancient theatres dating back to the early ages in only three residential areas in the Marmaris-Bozburun district facing Rhodes.
During the Peloponnesian wars between Sparta and Athens, Kedrai was attacked and captured by the Spartan general Lysander for being on the side of Athens. All of the island’s inhabitants were enslaved. While historian Ksenophon tells of this incident in great detail he points out that the island inhabitants were semi-barbarians. Cleopatra’s having been inspired by the golden yellow sand of the island’s coast is just an exaggerated tale created to entice tourists. The most widespread tale is that Cleopatra brought the golden yellow sand from Egypt by ships to the island where she used to meet her lover, the Roman general Marc Antony. The sand found on the north of the island is specially formed calcified limestone droplets and can be found only in the Mediterranean at Sedir and on the island of Crete. Unfortunately, this sand is not well protected and is stolen. This sand, created by a very special geological phenomenon, is disappearing. Nevertheless the golden yellow sand of Cleopatra’s Beach and the sea with its many different tones of blue continue to attract visitors. The boats regularly return to the Çamlı wharf at around three to four in the afternoon.
Antique Theatre
A man singing opera songs at the
Antique theatre
Antique Church
Sand is under protection.
