Bodrum's liberal spirit a perfect home for Jack and Pierre

A new wind of liberal change is blowing through Bodrum as the traditional resort town becomes one of the hippest - and wealthiest - places on the coast.

Free-thinking Bodrum has always been a haven for outsiders, especially artists, who came here for solitude. Political dissidents were once exiled here. The legacy of these free, bohemian thinkers, combined with the flow of money to the area, has resulted in an attractive blend of hedonism and an easy tolerance.

But it’s not just Bodrum. In recent years wider Turkish society has undergone a seismic shift. A strong economy has meant better living standards, a growing middle class, a strong political voice and a modern outlook. These changes have inevitably meant a change in how minority groups like gay and lesbian populations are viewed. Although Turkey is an Islamic country its government is secular, keeping tight controls on religious practice. For a lot of Turks, being a Muslim is part of a cultural identity, not a religious one, and you will find your average educated Turk to be fairly liberal.

Jack and Pierre Bourne relocated to Bodrum around a year ago. Attracted by the sunshine and the Mediterranean lifestyle, they were at first nervous as to how they’d be received.

“We have had holidays here before but moving was a huge step,” said music producer Jack. “We wondered how we might be viewed and if we’d cause any ructions within our new community.”

The pair were pleasantly surprised. “We bought a villa in Bodrum Town and felt at home almost straight away,” said Pierre. “Bodrum has a very cosmopolitan, modern feel, and it’s a very international place. Our neighbours include a Russian artist, and a German couple - we’re all outsiders in a way which makes for a nice and pretty cohesive community.”

“We’ve spent a year here now and haven’t had any problems,” Pierre said. “It’s a very relaxed place, it’s got that holiday feel all year round.”

The couple are watching Bodrum’s evolution with interest. “The money is pouring into Bodrum,” Jack said. “There are investments being made in the marinas, the town centre looks like it’s come straight out of Rodeo Drive and you can bump into Jade Jagger in the street. The clubs are some of the best on the coast and the crowds that you meet are extremely cosmopolitan, not like the Bodrum I first visited in the 80s.”

Pierre, an architect, was drawn to the mix of modern and traditional architecture that is found around the peninsula. “Properties like the Exploded House are at the forefront of design. There are some really bold ideas being played out here in Bodrum, it’s a really interesting time for architecture, and I think the buildings being built right now reflect Turkey’s transition into modernity, in a really positive way.”

Pierre is currently designing the couple’s “dream home” which will be built in the hills overlooking Yalikavak. “We originally planned to stay a couple of years only, but we feel so comfortable here. We hope to stay forever,” he said.