I am very lucky to have a wonderfully artistic cousin, Ozlem, that I grew up with who is always on the lookout for interesting places, to spend our little, stolen moments together. We were fortunate to be in Bodrum at the same time this year and found one evening to runaway together, leaving behind our husbands and families to enjoy amusing and gratifying conversation amongst wonderful works of art and antiques at a fantasy palace...
Dibekli Han is on the way to Yalikavak from the Turgutreis road (turn right by Kipa); there is a small sign that says Yakakoy on the left close to the beginning of the road before the descdend into Yalikavak through the hills.
As far as I understand it, this has been the genius project of an architect couple from Izmir as a reaction to Bodrum being overrun by developers and the paparazzi culture. What a way to protest...
It consists of a series of buildings, which are on small alleys and streets named after famous Turkish artists, including several art galleries, a flea market, shops selling different handicrafts and even a little museum, all full of artifacts from all over Anatolia. The presentation of the artworks and the items for sale even the sidewalks are so creative that I tripped a couple of times from not looking where I was going. The works on view were just as amazing as the place itself and the accompanying musics were so perfect. My particular favorite was the sculpture exhibit on the open courtyard of Artist Erdinc Bakla - http://www.erdincbakla.com/English/
There is also a restaurant on premises Dibek Sofrasi that serves local Aegean and Anatolian dishes that seemed to be very popular. Tables were hard to get and we didn't have time to linger; the food presentation was worthy of the rest of the place and there was suppose to be live music two or three nights a week.
We had to leave before we could partake any of their offerings and be satisfied with feeding our souls but this place is on the top of my to-do list for next year.
Another exciting development is that my cousin's husband Mehmet of one of my favorite blogs http://mehmetuyargil.blogspot.com/ is suppose to have an exhibition of his photographs there next May; who knows maybe I will get a chance to catch that. I think I will put this on my wishlist right now.
An Amazing Village of Art that Satisfies All the Senses (check out their website)
DIBEKLIHAN
Yakakoy Cilek Caddesi,
Ortakent, BODRUM
Tel: 0532 527 7649
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