Peninsula People: Ahmet Ertegün
Co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, Ertegün discovered many leading musicians of the 20th Century. He was also a pioneer in placing Bodrum firmly on the map for international superstars.
Ahmet Ertegün, the iconic co-founder of the legendary Atlantic Records, is celebrated for his endless contributions to the world of music. From his role in introducing rhythm and blues to a broader audience to signing groundbreaking artists such as Ray Charles and Led Zeppelin, Ertegün's impact on the industry is immeasurable. He founded the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and contributed significantly to the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Ertegün also showed his love for his native country, Türkiye, through various philanthropic efforts. However, beyond his legendary career, he had a deep connection to Bodrum that added to his mystique.
While Ertegün undeniably made his mark on the American music scene, his connection to Bodrum provided an escape from the fast-paced world of entertainment. For Ertegün, Bodrum represented a tranquil sanctuary where he could recharge, find inspiration, and nurture his deep appreciation for his Turkish culture.
The allure of Bodrum lay in its idyllic setting, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage. Ertegün first set foot in Bodrum in the 1960s, instantly falling in love with its remarkable beauty, whitewashed houses, and the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Drawn to its bohemian atmosphere, Ertegün established a deep connection with Bodrum and often referred to it as his "second home."
Accompanied by his enchanting wife Mica, they constructed their holiday residence on what is now the main road alongside the marina in Bodrum town. Using ancient stones sourced from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, they created a home adorned with breathtaking works by Matisse, Magritte, Hockney, and Picasso. The mansion soon became a haven for famous individuals, affectionately deemed "the cat pack" by the media. Ertegün himself playfully referred to his esteemed guests as "some very nice jerks."
The Bodrum house, a graceful blend of old and new, was not just a building but a statement. The old stone building with narrow windows beautifully contrasts with the new wing made of round concrete columns, with wood infill walls, doors, and adjustable oak shutters. The architectural harmony allowed interior spaces to flow freely between the old and the new.
Ertegün’s home became home to lavish parties frequented by Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret. With the help of his star-studded gatherings, Bodrum was transformed into Turkey’s St Tropez, an Aegean Ibiza.
Although his legacy lives on in town, the house is no longer owned by the Ertegün family. According to the Turkish newspaper Sabah, the property was sold for 13 million euros to an anonymous buyer in 2013. It remains a landmark on the bustling Bodrum shore road, a symbol of the man who managed to change the social profile of Bodrum forever.
The house can be found in Bodrum Merkez on 118 Neyzen Tevfik Cd., between Optmar Optik and the local primary school Cumhuriyet Ortaokulu.