At the end of 13th century, the area came under Turkish administration. Caria became Menteşe (the name of the region during the Turkish times). In these times one called the region in which Akyaka is situated, COVA (Cova çukuru, Gökova, Gökabad). At first pantheism, after Christianity, with the Turks Islamic faith came into the area. At first Carian language, later Greek, with the Turks, Turkish language became prevailing and exclusive. In the area at first Menteşe Principality (Menteşe Beyliği) was found. The capital of this principality was Milas. In the year 1420, it became part of Ottoman Empire. Muğla became capital of the province and Ula as sub-province center.
The highlight in the Ottoman times was the crossing of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (reg.1520-1566) with his army in order to conquer Rhodos. In July 1522 the Ottoman Army came to the region and returned back to Istanbul in 1523. Rhodos was defeated and attached to the Ottoman Empire.
Although the occupation of Rhodos brought well fare for the region again, it should take until the recent times around the year 1950, to partly dry out the wetlands and fight malaria. The road Muğla-Marmaris was built around the year 1970 and with coming of tourism to Akyaka, brought new life and economic boom. |
