*Nobody knew, and it was not announced until very late, but a very special event is taking place on 18 & 19 Aug “08 in the Bodrum Antique Amphitheater where the Ukraine State Opera & Ballet Company performs Carmen and Swan Lake.  Meanwhile, the Bodrum Ballet Festival continues with Los Vivancos Hermanos (19 Aug) and Güldestan (22 Aug). Also, August 22-25 is the time of the 4^th D-Marin Turgutreis Classic Music Festival with two different musical repertoires every day, afternoon and evening. The scheduled musical and visual treat are not to be missed! Just think: Bolshoi and Kremlin Ballet, Idil Biret, Swiss Chamber Orchestra, and other musical delights. Not enough space to give all details but: Sunset concerts start at 1930 and are free of charge; evening concerts begin at 2130. Info at tel: (+90)252-382-9200.

**Bodrum is honored to be the retirement home of one of Turkey’s great artists who celebrated her 90^th birthday last week: Müzeyyen Senar. The Diva of Turkish Art Music (Türk Sanat Müziği), living with her daughter and unable to leave the house due to advanced age, was remembered with an exhibition of a photo exhibition celebrating her artistic life which began in 1923. The exhibition was opened jointly by Ms. Senar’s daughter Feraye and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, with the participation of the provincial and regional governors.***If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss it: Bodrum Then and Now photograph exhibition in the Bodrum Castle, a 20^th anniversary celebration of BodrumAjans publications firm. A book containing 200 photos is on sale.****Despite vigorous denials from contacted marina staff, strong rumor persists that majority shares in the Port Bodrum Yalikavak Marina have been bought by an unnamed British firm.*****Good news for divers: Finally a qualified physician has been assigned to operate the decompression chamber transferred years ago to the Bodrum State Hospital from the defunct Marine Research Institute. It is estimated that the chamber will be operational in two months or so when the necessary maintenance/repairs are completed and a trained technician is assigned.