Dalaman
Dalaman is a district, as well as the central town of that district, situated on the southwestern coast of Turkey, in the Mugla Province. Dalaman is known for its international airport (Dalaman Airport) which serves as a gateway to the tourists who visit this part of Turkey every year, heading especially to seaside resorts to the west and east of Dalaman such as Marmaris, Fethiye, Köycegiz, Dalyan, Ölüdeniz and Hisarönü.
Dalaman is an area of natural beauty, located between the sea and the mountains and benefiting from its proximity to many areas of interest both historical and geographic. The town is ideally situated close to many resort areas such as Dalyan, Gocek, Sarigerme. Unlike Fethiye and other vibrant holiday resorts Dalaman is still very much a quiet region with unspoilt beaches, ancient ruins and parks. Dalaman is now rapidly becoming an investment area for many Europeans purchasing properties for investment in Turkey. This is due to many recent investments such as the airport enlargement, plans for a new marina and a golf course in Dalaman and near Dalaman there is a very popular Marina Resort, Gocek and in Sarigerme there is an 18 hole golf course on construction due to be completed in 2009.
The airport is small in comparison to other airports in Turkey, has parking spaces for 14 jet aircraft and is served by many operators. Turkish Airlines offer daily flights to Turkey's commercial and financial capital Istanbul and serves as a seasonal base for other airlines notably Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines and Free Bird Airlines. A new international airport terminal has been opened.
Apart from aviation activities, Dalaman plays host to one of Turkey's biggest open prisons where less dangerous prisoners are sent as part of their rehabilitation programme. Yet another vast farm establishment is a state farm. Agriculture, particularly citrus fruits, plays an important role in the local economy, since it is situated in a fertile plain at sea level.
Alexandria train station and the Sudanese in Dalaman
In 1906, Alexandria train station was built by mistake in Dalaman. The building still exists and serves today as the headquarters of the state farm. The year before the construction (in 1905) the then Khedive of Egypt Abbas Hilmi Pasha had acquired a large part of the fertile plain and had decided to set up a plantation in the region. He had ordered the plans and the material for his projected residence here to his architects in France, at the same as the plans and the material for a train station for Alexandria in Egypt. Unfortunately, the two simultaneous shipments were misdirected, the materials for his residence heading towards Egypt, and the Alexandria train station ending up in Dalaman. Since it was going to be too costly to re-ship everything to the right destination, the station was built in Dalaman anyway, with even a few miles of purposeless railway track.
The Khedive is also the perpetrator of the settlement in Dalaman of Afro-Turks of Sudanese origin, whose descendants are still easily distinguishable among the population.
Activities
White water rafting in Dalaman River the best rafting river in southern Turkey!
Diving in the clearest waters of Turkey. Underwater caves and rock walls, all teeming with beautiful sea life.
Sailing gape at the jaw dropping beauty of the islands, the, azure sea and ancient coastal ruins.
Horse Riding feel totally free while riding on the back of a horse through the cotton fields just near by the gorgeous Koycegiz Lake.
Beaches There are two main beaches in the area: the protected Iztuzu Beach, the world's 6th most famous beach and the blue flagged Sarigerme Beach.
Golf Turkish Government has plans to build 4 golf courses in Dalaman and Sarigerme. The first one is due to be completed in 2009
Why buy in Dalaman?
- Easyjet starting 4 weekly flights from Gatwick in March
- 18-hole golf course to be completed at the end of the year
- 70,000 new hotel beds being created under government-led development plans for the area
- A stunningly beautiful area, ideal for holidays or retirement
- The local beaches are some of best on the entire Turkish coast
- 20% capital appreciation expected in the next 12 months
"Dalaman has been designated a Tourism Development Area by the Turkish government and is experiencing unprecedented investment in its infrastructure and tourism facilities," says Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey guide. "The arrival of budget airlines is also big news."
"A recent Europe-wide study by Savills found a property price premium of 37% in an area served by a budget airline"
