Gemiler adasi

Gemiler (Ships) Adası (St.Nicholas) and Kalevazi bay
After you leave the Islands of Karacaören behind, you reach the Island of Ships which is opposite a small inlet lying in the shadow of pine and olive trees. The space between the island and the shore is a natural shelter for the yachts. The island is full of historical works of art and the church of St. Nicholas is here. Therefore, the island is also called the Island of St.Nicholas. Although it has been suggested recently that the tomb of Santa Claus might have been here, the accepted fact is that the tomb is in Myra. In the 5th. Century, St. Nikola Island (Gemiler) became to have an important position in the formation of settlements, especially of religious content. Eastern European and Mediterranean countries started trade by ships frequently and travel has become a place of pilgrimage. Religious schools were opened near the most of the churches and chapels. Surveys made by a Japanese team since 1990 around the island have found 11 churches. Four of these are on Gemiler island, one of them is in Karacaören Island, while others near the village of Oludeniz and Karaören. Gemiler Island and its neighborhood, is seen as an important center for Christianity. There are houses with kennels for working and living people besides the Religious structures. Because this is rocky island, the church and the foundations of the houses are carved into the rock. Ruins continue at the bottom of the sea. Early Christian and Byzantine churches, cistern is among the most important ruins. In particular tunnel running between the two churches, although some parts of the demolished, is one of the most interesting historic buildings on the island. 17 station are placed inside the tunnel between the stair inspired by the 17 rests of Jesus to be crucified Jesus the prophet
All of the remains in the Island of Ships belong to the Late Age. Owing to the fact that an earthquake caused the island to sink a little into the water in the year 240 AD, some of the remains lie underwater today. There are the remains of a palace ornamented with mosaics, on top of the island. This palace is connected to the church on the shore, by means of a tunnel 500 m in length. There are also many other remains of houses on the island.
Gemiler Island is filled with ruins. Among the medieval buildings on the island is a church and on the hill are the ruins of a palace decorated with mosaics. There are cisterns and wells on the island too. On the northern side are the remains of a quay and warehouse that are now partially submerged. The side of the island facing the mainland is suitable as an anchorage. Immediately opposite this is a restaurant and places where one may find accommodation. This place is also accessible by highway from Fethiye. Inland was the ancient city of Carmylessus.
Between here and Fethiye is the village of Kaya. Formerly inhabited by Greeks, the village was abandoned during the population exchanges that took place in 1922 and is now empty. There are plans to turn it into a holiday village. The actual, modern Turkish village of Kaya köyü is a lovely and peaceful place situated in the valley beneath the ancient Greek city.