The History of Sponge Diving in Bodrum Immortalized in a Book
The book “Research on the History of Sponge Diving in Bodrum,” published in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Cabotage Law, documents the history of sponge diving, which holds an important place in Bodrum's maritime culture, with archival studies, oral histories, and personal testimonies. The 528-page work, edited by researcher-author Cezmi Çoban, also includes the names and nicknames of 450 sponge divers from Bodrum.
Sponge diving, one of the significant parts of Bodrum's maritime culture, has been comprehensively presented to readers with the book “Research on the History of Sponge Diving in Bodrum.” Published in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Cabotage Law, the work sheds light on Bodrum's sponge diving past, while also aiming to pass on the memories of the sponge divers, the bearers of this culture, to future generations.
Edited by researcher-author Cezmi Çoban, the book was prepared through documents, archival studies, oral history narratives, and recordings of personal testimonies. One of the most notable sections of the work is the inclusion of the names and nicknames of 450 sponge divers who left their mark on Bodrum's sponge diving history.
Names of 450 Sponge Divers Recorded
With the records included in the book, the aim is for the names of those who contributed to Bodrum’s sponge diving culture not to be forgotten and to serve as a source for future research. Known for his work on Bodrum's local history, cultural heritage, and oral culture, Cezmi Çoban stated that he completed his first study in the field of maritime history with the 2015 book “Research on the Maritime History of Bodrum.”
Expressing happiness to have contributed this study on the history of sponge diving to Bodrum after 11 years, Çoban said his research continues. He added that the names of Bodrum's sponge divers he reached after the book's publication will be included in the second edition, and he will continue his work to ensure Bodrum's local values are not forgotten, the cultural heritage from the past is documented and carried forward, and the region's unique identity is preserved.
Will Serve as a Resource for Bodrum’s Maritime Culture
The 528-page book “Research on the History of Sponge Diving in Bodrum” is expected to serve as a scientific and documentary resource for efforts aimed at sustaining the sponge diving culture in Bodrum.
The work is also expected to serve as a historical resource for projects intended to sustain Bodrum’s maritime culture, such as the Bodrum Sponge Diving Museum, Bodrum Peksimet Festival, Bodrum-İstanköy Swimming Races, and the Bodrum Maritime Encyclopedia.
The book’s printing sponsorship was undertaken by Volkan Karabulut, Founder of 3 Energy Electricity Company, Pelin Lale, General Manager of Peleks Consultancy Ltd., Lawyer Tahsin Lale, Founder of Çağan Law Office, Ercan Çoban, Chairman of Bodrum Çbn Construction & Building Board, Certified Public Accountant Erkan Özşeker, Gündüz Nalbantoğlu, and Engin Olcay.
Book Signing Event Program Announced
The book signing event program for “Research on the History of Sponge Diving in Bodrum” has also been announced. The first signing event will be held on July 1, 2026, at the Bodrum Mariners Association.
The book signing event program is as follows:
- July 1, 2026: Bodrum Mariners Association, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- July 3, 2026: Turgutreis Atatürk Square, 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- July 8, 2026: Bodrum Municipality Culture, Arts and Social Affairs Directorate Umurça Nazım Hikmet Library, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- July 11, 2026: Bodrum Oasis Shopping Mall, 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
- July 13, 2026: Turgutreis Atatürk Square, 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- July 14, 2026: Turgutreis Atatürk Square, 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Reporter: Mukaddes Yelin
