It all began with the advent of Tourism into the area some 15 years ago, when the first few major hotels were erected. At that time, there was little between them except farmland, which reached from the Turkish quarter of Yenihisar (Newcastle), right down to the waters edge of recently-named Altinkum. Dotted along the waterfront were small lokantas, tea houses and fishing shacks, and at the harbour end of the beach, small fishing boats were moored, in readiness to go out before sunrise to haul in the daily catch. There was no promenade, no lawns, no lighting; just a rough shingle and mud track, which continued right along to the area we now know as 2nd beach.
Tourism brought rapid change, and another facet of Altinkum appeared ? tourists loved the slow, easy village-type lifestyle, with the added bonus of the sparkling clean Aegean sea, sandy shores, and the birth of nightlife along the seafront. As tourism progressed in the area, people became more aware of the amount of Historical sites there were in Altinkum and within its environs, and slowly, it found its way onto the maps. Altinkum is not only popular with foreign tourists; it attracts approx 4000 Turkish tourists every week throughout the months of June - September.
With the Apollo Temple just 2km from the seafront, Poseidon at the back of same, and Miletos and Priene just a short drive away, Altinkum truly had lots to offer everyone, and people started to wake up and become aware. As the foreign tourism sector grew, with the arrival of the large Tour Operators and their local Agents, so people started to look at the price of housing here, and in Turkey generally.
With shock and amazement, they realised that not only was the cost of living extremely low here compared to other European Countries, but the property prices also were rock bottom. As realisation dawned, simultaneously, the deeds laws in Turkey were amended, allowing foreign nationals to purchase property in their own names.
Altinkum has always been predominantly British, unlike other areas such as Antalya which attracts Germans more. The change in the deeds laws saw a massive shift in the whole layout of Altinkum and Didim, with British buyers snapping up properties, even before they had been built! This led to an influx of landowners, previously content to sit on their land for a later date. This WAS the later date. They came and they built, and are building still. It is estimated that now, to date, approximately 6000 properties have been sold to British buyers, and there are another 8000-10000 new properties for sale, or being constructed. Approximately 3500 buyers have emigrated from the UK and have taken settlement here. The difference in the surroundings is most noticeable away from the seafront, on both sides of the main road, and going back for 4 or 5 streets. Prior to the change of the century, there was a plethora of spare land, between sparsely dotted buildings. This has now completely reversed, with the buildings being in profusion, and the spare land plots few and far between.
Even 7 years ago, there were no major supermarkets in Altinkum. Gima (Carrefour), Tansas and Migros did not exist; there were only fields where those shops are now. Winter entertainment only really began in 2004, it being the very first time that the supermarkets offered Xmas trees and decorations for sale, and a large number of the bars and restaurants stayed open all year round. Prior to that, the few British who lived here summer and winter had to create their own social life in winter, mainly by visiting each others' homes. There was nowhere to actually go. Now there are Gyms, riding stables, tea gardens, restaurants, and bars. There are daily bus services to Bodrum and Izmir. The new Marina is due to be started in November 2005, and there is a now unconfirmed report of an impending cinema. To date, no McDonalds or Burger King, but that will surely come too!!
As far as the town is concerned it has wrought many changes too. Yet a fourth facet of Altinkum has emerged, its fabulous nightlife!! The seafront is now crowded with shops, restaurants and bars, and although at present there seems to be an Estate Agency between every two businesses; it somehow does not detract from the exhilarating evening atmosphere of Altinkum seafront. The array of coloured lighting at the harbour-end reflecting on the water, the lasers from Garden Bar at that end, and Medusa at the 2nd beach end, the beat of the music over the constant buzz of voices, ice cream sellers' bells ringing; all are set against a background of natural beauty, with the moon shining on the water's edge, gently lapping against the sand.
For the foreign contingent, it is still like an unbelievable dream come true. They can sell their properties in the UK, or other European country, come here and purchase a property 3 times larger for a third of the price, and even after furnishing and buying a new car, can bank a sizeable amount in a high interest account, which gives them a monthly income. Then, they can retire in an idyllic paradise, with all necessary amenities around them, but only a short drive away from mountains, or one of 30 secluded beaches. The cost of living is low, the summer is 8 months long, and there are ongoing plans by the local Mayor to assist foreign residents in any way possible.
Even for those who wish to simply own a holiday home, the climate and setting are perfect, and the property can only gain in value. As there have been so many changes already in the last 10 years, who knows what the next 10 years will bring? How many more hidden facets does Altinkum have??
