The Fisherman of Halicarnassus: A Mediterranean Exile Turned Into a Legacy
Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, better known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, is a name synonymous with Bodrum, a town on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Born in Crete in 1890 to an influential Ottoman family, Kabaağaçlı’s life was a tapestry of rich experiences that intertwined history, literature, and a profound connection to the sea. His love for Bodrum, which he discovered during his exile, was so deep that he spent his life promoting its beauty and culture, making it the iconic destination it is today.
Left: Father Mehmet Şakir Pasha, mother Sare İsmet Hanım and Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı.
Right: Mehmet Şakir Pasha and Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı
A Life Steeped in Controversy and Creativity
Cevat Şakir’s early life was marked by his academic brilliance and a deep love for the sea, which began during his childhood in Athens. Educated at Robert College in Istanbul and later at Oxford University, he was drawn to history and literature. However, his life took a dark turn in 1911 when he was convicted of killing his father during a heated argument. Despite the controversy surrounding this event, Kabaağaçlı was pardoned in 1918 after serving seven years in prison, setting the stage for his legendary exile in Bodrum.
The Exile That Shaped Bodrum’s Future
In 1925, Cevat Şakir was exiled to Bodrum, a small and relatively unknown fishing village at the time. What was intended as a punishment became a blessing for both him and the town. Kabaağaçlı quickly fell in love with Bodrum’s natural beauty, mild climate, and the warmth of its people. He rented a small house by the sea and began writing, drawing inspiration from the town’s rich history, which dates back to its ancient name, Halicarnassus.
During his exile, Kabaağaçlı not only wrote extensively but also initiated the famous mavi yolculuk or “blue voyage,” a boating route that highlighted the stunning Aegean coastline. His writings and efforts to promote Bodrum’s culture and history transformed the town into a beloved destination, attracting writers, artists, and travellers from around the world.
Bodrum: A Legacy of Blue Anatolian Humanism
Kabaağaçlı developed a personal ideology known as Blue Anatolian Humanism, which viewed Anatolia as the true cradle of Mediterranean civilisation. He believed that the people of Bodrum were the inheritors of this ancient culture, a perspective that permeated his work and made him a modern Homer for Bodrum. His passion for the region extended beyond literature; he actively worked to improve Bodrum’s agricultural practices and introduced new crops, such as citrus fruits, that would thrive in the area’s climate.
Today, the main street in Bodrum carries his name, and quotations from his work adorn billboards, such as the notorious one on the hill that welcomes visitors to Bodrum: “When you reach the top of the hill, you will see Bodrum. Don’t assume that you’ll leave as you came. The others before you were the same too. As they departed, they all left their souls behind.”
A Life of Love and Loss
The Fisherman of Halicarnassus’s personal life was as colorful as his professional one. He married three times, with his third wife, Hatice, playing a significant role in his life in Bodrum. Despite his deep love for the town, the couple eventually had to move to Izmir for the education of their children, a decision that Kabaağaçlı made with a heavy heart.
Final Days and Enduring Legacy
Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı passed away in 1973, but his spirit remains deeply embedded in Bodrum. His contributions to the town’s cultural and historical identity are still celebrated today, with his famous quote welcoming visitors as they arrive: “When you reach the top of the hill, you will see Bodrum. Don’t assume that you will leave as you came. Others before you were the same too. As they departed, they all left their souls behind.”
Explore the Works of Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı
While much of Kabaağaçlı’s writing remains untranslated, his works are considered treasures of Turkish literature. Some of his notable works include:
Aganta Burina Burinata (1946)
Uluc Reis (1962)
Blue Exile (Mavi Sürgün) (1961)
Anatolian Legends (1954)
The Fisherman of Halicarnassus’s life story is one of transformation, resilience, and deep cultural appreciation. His exile to Bodrum, far from being a punishment, became the foundation of a legacy that continues to define the town today. Through his works and efforts, Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı not only elevated Bodrum but also left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Turkey.
