Bodrum’s ancient theatre is one of the oldest surviving ancient theatres in Turkey. It was excavated between 1976-85 and later restored by Türkcell-Ericsson in 2002-2003. The excavation was led by Prof. Dr. Ümit Serdaroğlu. The theatre is very easy to access since it is right next to the main ring road of Bodrum.
The first construction of the theatre is dated to the 4th century BC, during the reign of Mausolus. It was built on the southern slope of Göktepe by carving into the soft bedrock in accordance with the ancient Greek tradition. Names are engraved onto the stones of a number of the seats. Several seats have round and square holes near them. These were most likely used to hold up the poles that allowed an awning to be stretched across some of the tops of the theatre, providing some protection against the sun. Small channels in the upper rows allowed rainwater to drain away.
Many ancient theatres (less so in the Roman period, unless they were restored from the Greek original) are built in places that have a stunning views. This is certainly the case here in Bodrum, it really is one of the most stunning views of Bodrum. Its current form includes the alterations made during the Roman period in the 2nd Century AD.

Since 2003, mostly during July and August, all sorts of concerts and shows have been held in this theatre.

Although it has the potential capacity of roughly 8,300 people, only a part of it has been restored, so, normally, between 3,150 -3,200 people can find a place to sit but it has been known to accommodate 3,500 people at its busiest times.

Summer Concerts and Performances at the Bodrum Antique Theatre
After the restoration of the ancient theatre, many popular concerts and shows began to be put on here. These performances have become extremely popular with both residents and visitors to Bodrum.

Bodrum Antik Tiyatrosu
1-Cavea (Oturma Yerleri) 2-Diazoma (ara yol) 3-Orchestra (Oyun yeri) 4-Skene (sahne binası) 5-Proskene (ön sahne) 6-Pinakes (resim panoları) 7- Paradoi (çıkış yolları) 8-Dionysos Altarı 9-Analemla (Arka Duvar)
Bodrum Antique Theatre
1-Cavea (Seating area) 2-Diazoma (gangway or aisle separating the upper and lower parts of the cavea) 3-Orchestra (the semi-circular space between the stage building and the audience. In Greek theatre, this is where the chorus would be and in Roman theatre, it was used for gladiatorial contests, wild animal fights and sometimes even mock sea battles) 4-Skene (stage building) 5-Proskene (front stage) 6-Pinakes (temporary painted boards for scenic decoration) 7- Paradoi (side entrances to the stage area and lower seating) 8 –Altar to Dionysus 9-Analemla (Retaining back Wall)

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This article is taken from the book
“Bodrum, All About Bodrum” by Necip Damar. 2023 ©
Translated into English by Jemma Reynolds.
It cannot be used without the permission of the author.