A
visit to Efes (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 one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its
latest form from the third century B.C.
The ruins also include a theater,
gymnasium,
agora and baths, as well as
the Library of Celsus, The nearby town of Selcuk is dominated by a
Byzantine citadel which stands close to the 6th century basilica of St.
John built on the site of the Apostle's tomb. The 14th century Isa Bey
Mosque, next to the basilica is accessed through its typical Seljuk portal.
The Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of statues and
other finds recovered during the excavations of
Ephesus. The nearby
Turkish Bath Museum, built in the 16th century, shows Turkish life at the
hamam (bath). The Ephesus International Festival is held annually in May.
It is recorded that
St. John brought the Virgin Mary to
Ephesus after the death of Christ and
that she spent her last days in
a small house (Meryemana Evi) built for
her on Bulbuldagi (Mt. Koressos). Now a popular place of pilgrimage for
Christians and Muslims the house has received the official sanction of the
Vatican,and Christians observe a commemoration ceremony every year on
August 15th.
Interior, Virgin Mary's House
Near Selcuk in
Camlik is a TCDD Open-air Steam Locomotives Museum. 9 km east of Selcuk is
Sirince, known for its traditional 19th-century village houses, some of
which have been converted into guest-houses.Wine is produced in this small
hillside Turkish village,which itself resembles an open-air museum. 18 km
from Selcuk are wine-houses, for tasting the wines.
