Story of the Blue Journey
An amazing Mediterranean adventure lasting since 1945
The nights of the Mediterranean are darker and deeper than the other nights.
The stars are close enough to be held when the hand is stretched out.
THE FISHERMAN OF HALICARNASSUS [Author - Researcher, 1945]
On the Mediterranean, the sea that Homer calls violet or wine color,
you will see the indigo blue where dark blue is mixed with purple.
AZRA ERHAT [Author - Archaeologist, 1962]
In the spring of 1945, a letter came to Sabahattin Eyuboglu, the Director of the Translation Department, Department of World Classics at Ministry of National Education in Ankara. This historic letter is an invitation to the first Blue Journey.
Cevat Sakir, a Turkish author and researcher calls his friends to Bodrum, the ancient Halicarnassus, the home of Tomb of Mausolos, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, where he lives exile, to show the beauty, historical and archeological sites of the region, and also tell them the local legends which are the heritage of the ancient times.
All right, but how to get Bodrum, a small town at the end of south-west coastline of Turkey, a place with no carriagedrive connecting to the mainland?
Cevat Sakir’s friend Paluko, who is a sponger and octopus hunter, finds the remedy. They set up the Gulet boat of Macera (Adventure), which used to transport cargo and sponge fishing, and come to Izmir. They embark the first Blue Journey passengers, who are Turkish intellectuals; Sabahattin Eyuboglu, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, Erol Guney, Fuad Omer Keskinoglu and Necati Cumali, and they set off from Izmir to Bodrum.
This unordinary expedition, which started in 1945, gradually turned into a ritual, crossing that narrow environment and opening up to other sections, introduces Turkish intellectuals to marine culture and directs them to think about the historical and archeological background of Anatolia...
After that, this amazing journey has been called as The Blue Journey, and Cevat Sakir named as The Fisherman of Halicarnassus.
And now; following the steps of The Fisherman of Halicarnassus, we have learned how to create your perfect All-inclusive Blue Journey vacation. Just call us, and let's do the rest.
Cevat Sakir, Exil Years in Bodrum
The first adventure | Cevat Sakir & Captain Paluko
Azra Erhat and Cevat Sakir in Bodrum
Turkish Gulet Yacht
The singular design of the Gulet, Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies the Blue Journey. Over the years Gulets have evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of a broad beam and wide deck.
Constructed mainly in the shipyards of Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Istanbul, these boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging. The number of passengers a Gulet carries depends on the boat's size, although most of them accommodate between four and twelve passengers.
These vessels have separate accommodation for passengers and chartering one will also include services and entertainment. Modern Gulets are comfortably equipped with most home comforts and encourages a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all the passengers with a friendly relationship with the crew.
BATTINI CHARTERS | Journey-intoBlue arranges charter vacations and fixed routes for private groups or individuals on an All-inclusive, Full-board and Yacht+Crew+Fuel+Housekeeping Only basis. Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, a Gulet can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbors and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships simply cannot. In many ways a Gulet is like a full-service hotel where every room has a sea view and the scenery changes constantly.
Our guests find the overall Gulet experience extremely positive, addictive and unforgettable, the food is prepared fresh on board and can go from pretty basic to absolute gourmet cuisine. Turkish crews are attentive and efficient. Charterers however should be aware that there are several type of Gulet in various categories setting off from the main yachting ports of Marmaris, Gocek and Bodrum.