Turkish History

To see Ephesus' ancient city ruins in Turkey is to see one of the world's largest Roman archaeological sites. The colourful timeline of Turkey's history means the country is awash with historical sites dating from many civilizations. But Ephesus is the most well-known on the western shores of the Aegean coast, attracting thousands of visitors daily. Ephesus ancient city is to … [Read more...] about The Majestic Ephesus Ancient City and Ruins

I’d drove past the sign for Magnesia ancient city ruins many times. Hardly talked about or featured in guidebooks, I figured there was not much to see, yet curiosity still made me want to visit. So last month, our hobby photography group piled into the cars and made our way there. Sitting in the Aydin region of Aegean Turkey, it was just an hour’s drive away from my home, and … [Read more...] about The Impressive Stadium of Magnesia on the Meander

Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk is one of those places that still intrigues me, long after my visit. Actually, if you are a Christian, the whole district is worth visiting because the nearby grand theatre of Ephesus is where Paul the Apostle faced the wrath of the silversmith crowds, who were angry that he questioned the validity of the goddess Artemis. Also, the suspected last … [Read more...] about Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk : Was He Really Buried There?

Finding the Isa Bey Mosque was easier than expected. I had geared myself up for a bus ride or long trek, but felt quite the fool when the hotel receptionist said, “leave the hotel, turn left, walk 50 metres and it’s there.” Situated in the heart of Selcuk town at the bottom of a hill, Isa Bey Mosque was originally built in 1375 in honour of the ruler of the Selcuk region … [Read more...] about The Isa Bey Mosque of Selcuk

Visiting the cave of the seven sleepers near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, (one of the biggest cities of the Roman Empire) was a disappointment. I had previously read many websites describing graves, a church and ancient inscriptions on the wall, yet I was stood looking at three walls of rusty colored bricks that could resemble an old village house. My guide with an “I told … [Read more...] about Cave of the Seven Sleepers at Ephesus

Walking the sacred path of Miletus was an immense physical achievement for me. Not only did I do it with a raging hangover, garnered from a heavy night before, but as well as the long distance of 14 kilometers, the rugged path is a winding route of grass and stones, going up and down hills through the country land. My walking partner that I met for the first time was Pat … [Read more...] about Walking the Sacred Path of Miletus

According to history books, Priene ancient city in Aegean, Turkey is important for two reasons: the Priene Inscription and Calendar, two informative scripts passed down for future generations. Although no city could ever leave behind a more significant legacy like that, for me, strolling around the ancient ruins provoked a state of joyful excitement, even though they are not as … [Read more...] about Priene Ancient City in Aegean Turkey and the Historical Wonders

For fame and glory, Iasos in Bodrum is one of Turkey’s humble historical sites. Iasos receives typically no more than a paragraph mention by websites and guidebooks, and the excavation team has officially recognized this problem. Yet to Bodrum peninsula locals, Iasos is a small, cherished historical landmark. I had first attempted to visit in 2010, and staying true to … [Read more...] about Iasos: The Forgotten City of Bodrum in Turkey

The Celsus library in Ephesus is probably Turkey’s most photographed historical structure of Turkey. It belongs to the ancient city on the Aegean coast, near Kusadasi holiday resort and Selcuk in the Izmir province. One of my interests while living here is Turkey’s history, so naturally, I have tremendous respect for excavated ruins and their magnificent architecture. However, … [Read more...] about The Celsus Library in Ephesus – Turkey and Majestic Architecture

Along with my guide, I arrived at Aphrodisias in Turkey, the city of sculptures, creativity, ancient ruins, and a story of how the ruins dominated one man’s life nearly 500 years after the city fell into oblivion. Sitting near current-day Aydin city, in Aegean, Turkey, Aphrodisias centred itself around the goddess Aphrodite, who represented love. However, because of small … [Read more...] about Aphrodisias in Turkey: Ruins of the Ancient City of Sculptures

To be truthful, the Ephesus theatre is not my favourite place. I feel detest for this prominent ruined structure of the ancient Greco-Roman city, because it was also the scene for gladiator and animal fights. I don’t want to pay homage to a place, where unnecessary death and pain reigned simply for the pointless pleasure of human beings. Having said that, the natural course … [Read more...] about The Ruins of Ephesus Theatre

When the Roman terrace houses of Ephesus opened up to the public, I was absolutely thrilled.  I had listened with jealousy as other people described the extensive finds of pain-staking excavations and read with envy as other bloggers wrote about how much they enjoyed their visit to the new attraction and significant landmark of the ancient city. Often postponing planned … [Read more...] about The Roman Terrace Houses of Ephesus

Laodicea was one place that I wanted to visit in Aegean, Turkey. The city was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. In its prime, Laodicea was an extremely profitable trade centre that did exceptionally well in wool because nearby plains provided sheep with ample grazing food. Turkey has a solid Biblical history that any … [Read more...] about Laodicea & the Seven Churches of Revelation

The Antipater of Sidon, a famous Greek poet lived during the latter half of the 2nd century BC. During his travels, he visited landmarks belonging to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This included the Temple of Artemis that now stands near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, in Selcuk on the Aegean coast of Turkey. The Greek Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana, was … [Read more...] about Why You Shouldn’t Visit the Temple of Artemis, One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Temple of Apollo in Didim is a major Aegean landmark for surrounding touristic resorts. The temple receives thousands of travellers and tourists every year, and in historical times was referred to as Didyma. Even today, signs of Greek history are everywhere. This is not the only Apollo Temple. There are four ruined temples dedicated to Apollo in Greece, three in Italy … [Read more...] about Visiting the Temple of Apollo in Didim – Turkey

Last month, on impulse, I stayed in the town of Selcuk, near the ruins of Ephesus. Due to my hasty decision, I did no research but despite my lack of planning, the trip was fantastic. I made new Turkish friends, explored recommended attractions, ate good food, and drank lots of beer! However, I was seriously disappointed by a travel scam, targeting foreign tourists. Infact, the … [Read more...] about Travel Scam Alert : Fake Antique Coins in Selcuk

The house of the Virgin Mary near Selcuk is close to Ephesus ancient city ruins in Turkey's Izmir province. Yet despite immense popularity, many people do not take a detour to visit the suspected mountain house where Mother Mary lived and died. Although the Catholic Church never confirmed the Virgin Mary's house to be the place of her assumption, three popes have visited. The … [Read more...] about The Serene House of the Virgin Mary

Miletus is just one of many ancient ruin sites that I explored lately on the Aegean Coast of Turkey. After viewing the magnificent Ephesus ruin, all other ancient-ruin sites pale in comparison, but Miletus impressed me. The aura surrounding Miletus open-air museum leaves tourists wondering about the many hidden secrets from the past. These days, many tour agencies operate … [Read more...] about Visit the Miletus Ancient Ruins and Museum in Turkey

Today's post is by Ash Clark, a writer from Australia, who traveled to Turkey to take part in the Gallipoli and Anzac Cove remembrance day, a poignant reminder of the innocent casualties of war. Brighton Beach, found on the coast of the Turkish Dardanelles, is a humble beach with no stand out land features within its immediate surroundings. Put simply, it is ‘flat’ from the … [Read more...] about Gallipoli Battle & Anzac Cove : A Poignant Reminder in Photos

I love walking around historical monuments and after a friend mentioned Euromos I decided to head there on a day trip. I was told it was old ruins that were definitely worth a look in. Now, let's get straight to the point here. If you are passing by the Euromos ruins while on the Bodrum / Milas road then do stop off to take a look. Take a couple of photos and get back in your … [Read more...] about The Euromos Ruins of Turkey