Return to The Aegean Coast
Return to Cities and Towns in Turkey
Return to Turkey
|
Ephesus |
|
|
Ephesus is one of my favorite ancient ruins. This place is wonderful to
visit. Especially for those of us who are students of the Bible.
A visit to Ephesus, once the commercial center of the ancient world, is a
highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported
its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous
temple, once considered on of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
and rebuilt several times, in its latest form dates from the third century B.C.
The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora
(or marketplace), a state agora (a place for
business, not for commerce) and baths as well as the
Library of Celsus. I love wandering along the ancient streets and wondering if
my feet are in the footsteps of Saint Paul.
I have been here several times and, since the first time I came here (As you
can see by the photo at the right, I was a lot younger then.), the only
thing that has changed is my increasing appreciation for this magnificent
area. The nearby town of Selcuk is dominated by a Byzantine citadel
which stands close to the forth-century basilica of St. John, supposedly built
on the site of the apostle’s tomb. The 14th century Isa Bey Mosque,
next to the basilica accessed through its typical Seljuk portal. The
Archeological Museum houses an impressive collection of statues and other finds
recovered during the excavations at Ephesus. Tradition has it that, after the death of Christ, John
brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus where she is said to have spent her last days
in a small house built for her on Mt. Koressos. Now a place of pilgrimage for
Roman Catholics and a popular tourist site for all, the house has received the
official sanction of the Vatican, and a commemoration ceremony is held every
year on August 15th. |
|
For a greater appreciation of this wonderful place, click on the links below and the links located throughout the text for additional information and lots of photos.
A Short History of Ephesus
|
The Agora
|
The Temple of Hadrian
|
The Brothel |
The Fountain of Pollio
The Fountain of Trajan
|
The Public Baths
| The Latrine |
The Library of Celsus |
Nike, the Goddess of Victory
The Odeum | The Gate of Herakles
|
The Street of the Curetes |
The Marble Way
|
The Temple of Domitian
The Temple of Serapis |
The Terrace Houses |
The Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates
Ephesus - Architectural Details |
Ephesus - Additional Photos
for additional photos of
Ephesus
The archaeological remains of Ephesus are clearly
shown in the satellite image above.
Both images are from
Google Maps.
and
HERE for photos of some of the
intricate detail work to be found in Ephesus.
| It is best to visit Ephesus with a good
guide - especially if it is your first visit. Although there are many licensed,
official tour guides, I believe that Can (John) Yigit is one of the best. One of
the main reasons is, not only does he love this place, but he worked here beside
the archeologists when he was in college. And, is very personable. His English
is excellent and he makes the place come alive with his narrative. Contact
information is as follows: Can Yigit Gsm +90 532. 426 63 35 Tel +90 256. 612 83 30 email: guidecan68@yahoo.com P.O. Box 152 09400 Kusadasi / Aydin / Turkey Here
are a couple of comments about John. |
|
