1. Ephesus: Walking Through the Ancient Ruins
Ephesus, around contemporary Selçuk town in western Turkey, was a busy port city and trade and culture center in the ancient times. Started by the Greeks in the 10th century BC, Ephesus prospered under Roman rule and grew into the largest city in the Roman Empire.
Library of Celsus: The Library of Celsus, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ephesus, is a reminder of the intellectual and architectural wealth of the city. The library was constructed in the 2nd century AD and it contained thousands of scrolls and was considered a center of learning and scholarship. Its ornate front, decorated with carvings and sculptures, illustrates the grandeur of the Greek and Roman architecture.
Great Theater: The Great Theater of Ephesus, which had a seating capacity of more than twenty-five thousand spectators was the largest open air theater in the ancient world. Here, the spectators assembled to watch theatrical plays, gladiatorial contests and public meetings. Its acoustics were amazing so that even a whisper could be heard all over the auditorium and this showed the genius of the Ephesian architects.
Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis or one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was a once sacred sanctuary that was dedicated to the Greek goddess of hunting and wilderness. Even though only a handful of columns survive today, the temple’s incredible remains serve as a reminder of its magnificence and impact on the history of the ancient world.
House of the Virgin Mary: Outside the walls of the ancient city Ephesus lies the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a place of pilgrimage believed to be the last residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The house is situated in a picturesque environment, with a lot of greenery and tranquility, and brings in visitors from around the globe seeking peace and reflection.
2. Hagia Sophia: The Pantheon was the initial reason.
Hagia Sophia, located in the very center of Istanbul, is a monument to engineering ambition and a national treasure of rich cultural legacy of Turkey. The construction of the Hagia Sophia was started in the 6th century AD by Emperor Justinian I and it was completed in the later part of the 6th century. It was used as the center for Orthodox Christianity from the 6th century till the middle part of the 15th century.
Architectural Marvel: The architectural design of Hagia Sophia is like the Byzantine constructors. Indeed, it is a living proof that innovation and engineering exist in the humans. The gigantic central part, filled by the arches and pendentives, creates the feeling of grandeur and space that was hard to be reached with any other design in that time. The interior is rich in Byzantine, Roman, Islam influences, noticeable in the gorgeous mosaics, marbled columns, and other details.
Spiritual Center: Over the ages Hagia Sophia has been a church, mosque and museum during the throes of empires and religions. Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and covered with Arabic inscription, minarets, and ornamental styles after Ottomans captured Istanbul in 1453. In 1935, the Republic of Turkey diverted Hagia Sophia from its original purpose as a mosque to a museum, a symbol of the secularization process and cultural heritage conservation in the country.
Cultural Symbol: The significance of Hagia Sophia surpasses religious cultures and draws on secular systems as its fundaments form the common legacy of humanity. In the eyes of artists, scholars and pilgrims from different places, this magnificent dome and its superb beauty become a source of inspiration. Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO heritage site and an epitome of Istanbul’s multich cultural identity, which reflects the delicate balance of east and west in a beautiful mix of civilizations and cultures.
Renovation and Restoration: In July 2020, Hagia Sophia following the presidential decree became a mosque again, having undergone a considerable change.
Certainly, let’s delve further into the captivating allure of Cappadocia:
3. Cappadocia: Land of Fairy Chimneys
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is a geological wonderland characterized by its surreal landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and Byzantine rock-cut churches. Shaped by volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years, Cappadocia’s unique topography is unlike anywhere else on Earth, earning it a well-deserved spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
– Fairy Chimneys: The hallmark of Cappadocia’s landscape is its fairy chimneys, tall, cone-shaped rock formations that dot the valleys and canyons. Carved by wind and water over millennia, these natural wonders serve as a testament to the forces of nature and the passage of time. Visitors can marvel at the intricate formations, explore hidden caves, and imagine the lives of ancient inhabitants who once called these rocky outcrops home.
– Historic Cave Dwellings: Cappadocia’s rocky terrain is riddled with underground cities and cave complexes dating back thousands of years. These subterranean dwellings provided shelter and sanctuary to early Christians fleeing persecution and invaders. Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a remarkable collection of rock-cut churches, monasteries, and frescoes dating from the Byzantine era. Visitors can wander through labyrinthine tunnels, admire vibrant frescoes, and gain insight into the region’s rich religious heritage.
– Hot Air Ballooning: Perhaps the most iconic way to experience Cappadocia’s otherworldly beauty is from the sky aboard a hot air balloon. At dawn, as the sun rises over the horizon, dozens of colorful balloons take to the air, offering passengers panoramic views of Cappadocia’s lunar-like landscapes and ethereal beauty. Drifting serenely over fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations, travelers are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the magic and magnificence of Cappadocia from above.
– Hiking and Exploration: Cappadocia’s rugged terrain beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its hidden trails, scenic viewpoints, and remote villages. From the dramatic landscapes of Love Valley to the ancient rock-cut churches of Zelve Open-Air Museum, Cappadocia offers endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and adventure. Travelers can wander through picturesque valleys, encounter local wildlife, and immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Turkey’s heartland.
Cappadocia’s enchanting landscapes, rich history, and sense of adventure make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to experience the wonders of nature and the mysteries of the past. Whether soaring above the clouds in a hot air balloon or exploring ancient cave dwellings on foot, Cappadocia invites visitors on a journey of discovery and wonder, where every turn reveals a new chapter in Turkey’s extraordinary story.
4. Troy: Myth and Legend
The famous archaeological site in Turkey is Troy (Troy depicted in the Iliad of Homer). Troy, Cradle of Civilization, is the present-day village of Hisarlik in northwestern Anatolia (Turkey). The town is one of the places that strikes a chord with myth, legend and mysterious past events, leaving the minds of the visitors with memories of ancient ruins and exhilarating stories of heroism and tragedy.
Legendary Background: As per Greek mythology, it was the prince Paris who established Troy and instigated the Trojan War by abducting the queen of Sparta, Helen, which led to a decade of inveterate strife between the Greeks and Trojans. The romantic duel between love, treachery, and war was the inspiration of numerous artists, writers, and scholars during the ages; thus, becoming deep-rooted in human consciousness and a symbol of the struggle for immortality.
Archaeological Discoveries: The excavations in Troy conducted at the site have revealed many layers as being evidence of over 4,000 years of its history. The half-destroyed Troy shows an intricate settlement with defensive walls, residential complexes and administrative buildings, knowledge of the city’s everyday life. Visitors have the opportunity to roam around the ruins of city gates, ramparts during war times, and the famous Wooden Horse, which include the mythological story of use by Greeks to penetrate through the city walls during Trojan War.
Trojan War and Homer’s Iliad: The myth of Troy and the Trojan War attracted good deal of attention of scholars and historians to this day. The 8th century BC composition, Homer’s Iliad, a poem that lasts for centuries, lifts human warriors to the level of legendary heroes such as Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus, whose deeds on the battlefield are among the immortal ones. The epic story delves into eternal issues such as honors, glory and the intricacies of the human being, revealing deep views about war and the utmost of the human relations.
5. Olympos
Located along the dazzling Turkish Mediterranean Sea, Olympos in Antalya province calls to the adventurer with unspoiled beaches, verdant nature and legendary sites shrouded in myths and legends. This wonderful coastal town offers the best of both worlds – natural beauty combined with a rich historical background and relaxing atmosphere – and is a must-visit place for anyone looking for something different and unforgettable.
A Coastal Paradise:
Olympos mesmerizes visitors with its nature preserved beaches, crystal clear waters, and wild coast. Either you are basking on the sun-drenched beach, swimming in the transparent sea or sailing out to hidden coves by boat, Olympos constantly inspires you with its natural beauty and serenity. The village`s natural setting is simply ideal for rest, recreation, and spiritual renewal since it is surrounded by the beauty of nature.
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One of Olympos’ impressive components is its ancient ruins, which date back to Hellenistic period and before. At Olympos’s ruins you can see the region’s history and its mythical past. Tradition says that Olympos was sanctified by the Lycian hero Bellerophon, who tamed the flying horse Pegasus and killed the fire-breathing dragon Chimera. The visitors can delve into the ruins of ancient theaters, temples and baths, the remains of defensive walls and necropolis, which give us the idea that the city was once a very busy harbor.
