Geomyths of Muğla (SW Türkiye)

Abstract Muğla Province in southwestern Türkiye home to numerous geomyths. This study covers official and private organisation websites, historical books, and articles related to legends. Geomyths about rocks, geographical evolution, and geological processes have been specifically identified and analyzed from those sources. According to study’s findings, Muğla’s geomyhts may have originated during the Hellenistic period or during the Turkish migration to Anatolia. Muğla’s geomyths primarily relate to the sea, coasts, lakes, and rivers, reflecting the province’s extensive coastline. Additionally, several tales about petrification have been discovered, but fewer legends are related with mountains, and earthquakes. It is hypothesized that some geomyths have multiple narratives, with older versions, particularly those from the Hellenistic period, being adapted and modified to recent times. According to this study, geomyths related with tourist destinations are better preserved, but those confined to local areas are at risk of being forgotten.