The 502nd anniversary of the Rhodes expedition was held at the Bozüyük venue.

In Muğla, a panel titled “Bozüyük Menzili Paneli” was organized to commemorate the 502nd anniversary of the tent established by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent during his Rhodes Campaign in the Bozüyük neighborhood of the Yatağan district.

At the panel held on the 502nd anniversary of this historical event, attention was drawn to Sultan Suleiman’s arrival in Bozüyük with his army and the historical significance of the tent established there. Experts from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University and other universities made presentations at the panel. Among the panelists were Prof. Dr. Adnan Çevik, Prof. Dr. Namık Açıkgöz, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümral Deveci from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Prof. Dr. Bilal Söğüt, the Excavation President of the Ancient Cities of Stratonikeia and Lagina from Pamukkale University, and Prof. Dr. Kadir Pektaş from Medeniyet University.

In his speech during the panel program, Baki Gencel, the President of the Bozüyük Güzelköy Tourism Development Association, stated, “Sultan Suleiman has come to our Bozüyük village today, and our teachers know better that he established his tent here before proceeding towards Menteşe. We received great support from the Yatağan District Governor Mustafa Emre Kılıç and Yatağan Mayor Mesut Günay, which motivated us greatly. We, along with our village’s muhtarlık and our association, have taken an initiative in this matter. Our association has been established for 4 years, and we recently celebrated World Environment Day here. We have activities related to protecting our environment, forests, and water by distributing nearly 100 bags of rice to create a difference. We thank everyone who contributed.”

Yatağan Mayor Mesut Günay expressed, “I am very happy to be gathered here today for this historical commemoration ceremony. We proudly celebrate the 502nd anniversary of Sultan Suleiman’s arrival in Bozüyük with his army during the Rhodes campaign. The great sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Suleiman, is remembered not only for his military victories but also for his culture and justice. The armies under his leadership set out to spread justice and peace. The Rhodes campaign also progressed in line with this ideal. Throughout history, Bozüyük has been a passageway for many leaders and heroes. The arrival of Sultan Suleiman’s army in our city is one of the moments that enriches our historical heritage and makes our city more significant. While we commemorate this great day of our past today, we must also look toward our future. Our belief that Bozüyük will host a future of peace, justice, and tolerance is very important. We maintain our conviction that with the strength we draw from the past, we will reach more beautiful tomorrows in unity and solidarity. On this occasion, we once again commemorate Sultan Suleiman and his army with mercy and remember our responsibility to keep the legacy they left us alive.”

Muğla Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık stated, “I would like to express my happiness to be in our Bozüyük neighborhood where Suleiman came with his army and established his tent on this beautiful summer evening, to breathe the same air. With not only its sea, sand, and sun but also its cultural assets, Muğla is a corner of heaven in our country and the world. Millions of tourists visit Muğla every year. Last year, 3.5 million foreigners and 7 million tourists visited. Of course, the wealth is mostly in the seas and beaches. However, recently, with the support of our Presidency, the Ministry of Culture, and our Governorship, very beautiful archaeological excavations have been conducted under the leadership of our university professors. Stratonikeia, Beçin, and many of our historical places have been uncovered. Muğla is very rich in every aspect. Especially, we have incredible values and works from ancient times to the present, including Byzantine, Roman, Menteşe, Ottoman, and Republican periods. We want to present these to both our nation, the people of Muğla, and foreign visitors. Both as a state and as a governorship, we are making great efforts. Here in the village of Bozüyük, I saw the mansions and historical places earlier when I toured with the district governor and our mayor. It truly is a great value. As the Muğla governorship, we have seen it before. God willing, we will show the necessary support and effort for the beautification of our Bozüyük neighborhood and the revelation of our historical places. The Lycian Way and the Carian Way are very important, and we will provide the necessary support from the governorship for the parts that are lacking in the project.”