Seas, oceans, mermaids, sirens, sea creatures… these are incredibly mysterious, extremely impressive, and fascinating things that will never leave my routine for the rest of my life. I decided to go to the university again this year due to my sensitive interest in mythology. It seems like it will be incredibly enjoyable to combine Mythology, Archeology, and Art History.
Something that caught my attention in Mythology class last week took me to Foça at the end of the class. The first thing I did after the class was to find the Siren Rocks on Google Map. I knew they were in Foça, but I caught some details in the shape of the rocks that I had not noticed before. I will not go into those details now, but I intend to convey information that will draw your attention and perhaps interest to these rocks. And I know that I will be going to Foça very soon. (Foça is a town in İzmir Province, Turkey)
Siren Rocks created after the volcanic eruptions and which took the actual shape by the effect of the wind and water are enriched with a legend reported in Odysseia by Homeros: The ships coming from the open sea in the Antique age had likened the zigzags of the rocks playing with the sea to the seals and because of this illusion, many of them had crashed into the rocks and sunk…
The first stop, Orak Island, gets its name because, when viewed from the top, it resembles a sickle. It has a long pebbled beach and is part of the Foça islands. Here, you can swim in the uniquely colored sea and come ashore to explore the small island. Siren Rocks are located at the tip of Orak Island off the coast of Foça. The rocks, which resemble a large statue, have gained sharp lines thanks to the wind and waves. The island is the largest of the islands off the coast of Foça. Mediterranean seals, a rare mammal species, live in the caves here. Mediterranean seals are under protection because they are an endangered species. Homer's famous epic, Odyssey, also mentions that Sirens lived here. According to legend, Sirens are creatures with the bodies of women and the wings of birds who enchant and call those who pass near the rocks they live on with their beautiful voices and enslave them. Today, it is forbidden to go to Siren Rocks, swim and hunt. You can only pass very close to it when you take a boat tour. These islands can be reached by boats departing from the town.
The Siren Rocks will leave you mesmerized. Often referred to as "fairy chimneys of the sea" by many, the rocks got their name because, in windy weather, the sounds from the rocks resemble the mythical sirens' calls. Sirens are mythical creatures from ancient times. According to legend, sirens had enchanting voices and appeared as half-human, half-sea creatures. Sailors, bewitched by their songs, would steer their ships toward the rocks and eventually fall prey to the sirens. According to the legend of the Odyssey, as they approached the Siren Rocks, Odysseus had his crew plug their ears with beeswax and had himself tied to the mast with ropes. As they sailed past the rocks, Odysseus alone heard the sirens' enchanting voices, became captivated, and wanted to stay. However, thanks to his crew’s fast rowing, they managed to escape and return home safely.
Odysseus listened to the Sirens to gain their knowledge of the Trojan War and the foresight of what was to come. If you listened to their song, The Sirens would sing so beautifully and seductively that you would be steered off course and crash on the rocks.
If we join the boat tours in Foça, will we be able to hear their voices again? Will at least those who come from the same lineage but are condemned to live on land hear them?
I know I'll be there to find out it very soon.
" . . . listen closely to what I tell you now
and god himself will bring it back to mind.
First you will raise the island of the Sirens,
those creatures who spellbind any man alive,
whoever comes their way. Whoever draws too close,
off guard, and catches the Sirens’ voices in the air —"
"I alone was to hear their voices, so she said,
but you must bind me with tight chafing ropes
so I cannot move a muscle, bound to the spot,
erect at the mast-block, lashed by ropes to the mast.
And if I plead, commanding you to set me free,
then lash me faster, rope on pressing rope."
(The Odyssey, Book 12, lines 44-52.)