Sponge diver from renowned Bodrum embarks on symbolic 1,000-mile journey
Mehmet Baș, a renowned Turkish diver and the last known sponge diver of Bodrum, is set to make history next year. The 72-year-old diver, known as 'Aksona Mehmet,' aims to become the first Turkish diver to explore the shallow waters of Gibraltar.
Born in Bodrum in 1950, Mehmet Baș has spent over half a century in the sea, pursuing his passion for sponge diving. He started his diving career at the tender age of 15 and spent the next 22 years diving in many parts of the world, harvesting sponges.
Sponge diving, a traditional livelihood in the Aegean and Mediterranean, involves free-diving or using rudimentary gear to collect natural sea sponges from the seabed. Mehmet Baș plans to dive for sponges once more, not for commercial purposes, but as a tribute to generations of sponge divers.
In 1987, sponge populations were hit by disease, causing Mehmet Baș to shift his focus to running his own boat for blue cruises and diving tourism. However, his love for sponge diving never waned, and he is now embarking on a symbolic journey to Gibraltar.
Mehmet Baș hopes to sail as far as Gibraltar next year with his tirhandil, a traditional wooden boat. The journey is expected to last around 15 to 20 days, but the exact destination of this historic voyage is not specified in the available search results.
Before setting off, Mehmet Baș marked his departure with a zeybek, a traditional folk dance from western Türkiye. This dive is not just a personal milestone for Mehmet Baș, but a testament to the rich history and culture of sponge diving in Turkey.
The sponges he collects during this journey will be given as gifts to institutions. Mehmet Baș's symbolic journey in 2023 is a reminder of the importance of preserving our marine heritage and the traditional ways of life that have been passed down through generations.
Currently, Mehmet Baș is on a 1,000-mile journey along the Ayvalık-Enez line of the northern Aegean. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
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