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SELÇUK - EPHESUS; A city, a history
Located in the midst ofİzmir, Selçuk is home to the antique city of Ephesus, a very important archeological site. Austria's Archeology İnstitute started excavations in 1954 and currently the Ephesus Museum and the Ministry of Culture are continuing with the restoration and reconstruction.
During the formation of the city of Ephesus, in a quick period of time the city was able to establish itself as a trade, culture and power center. Due to the quick growth Ephesus soon became known as the Western Mediterranean's cradle. During the initial establishment of the city of Ephesus in 6,000 BC, the power of the city continued throughout the Neolitic Period. As the ancient Greek's began to migrate to Ephesus in 1050 BC, there settlements was near the port of the city. Later in 560 BC the Shrine of Artemis was moved to the city, through its fame Ephesus rapidly growth.
Today's Ephesus was established around 300 BC by Lysimachos, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. Living through its most glorious years at Hellenistic and Roman eras, Ephesus was the capitol of Asia province, with a population of 200,000. The greatest temple built by the Artemis based on Anatolia's old Mother Goddess (Kybele) tradition is also located at Ephesus. This temple is accepted among the 7 wonders of the world (Artemission).
The list of important places at Ephesus is a long one. Listed below are an only a small part of them: Vedius Gymnasium, Stadion (60 AD), Port Baths (between 1st and 2nd centuries AD), Arkadiane, The theater of Ephesus with a capacity of 24,000, Library of Celsus which was completely overhauled during 1980's (110 AD), Commercial Agora, Scholastic Baths, Temple of Serapis, Trajan Fountain, Hadrian Temple, Temple of Domitian, State Agora and Odeon.
Another specialty of Ephesus is the hillside houses which belong to Roman Era. These houses, famous by their frescoes and mosaics, reflect the housing texture and architecture of their time in full detail. A part of the hillside houses have been put under a modern protective cover designed by Austrian experts towards the end of 1990's.
The Antique theater leaning on Panayır Hill during the Hellenic Period includes marble streets and holds a capacity of 20.000 to 24.000 people. Later it was developed by Emperor Claudius and completed during the time of the Trajan. With a magnificent view during the Roman period, this structure still presents this view.
To this day, the theater still houses various domestic and international organizations.From Joan Baez, Sting, Elton John to Jethro Tull many have given unforgettable performances in the antique theater. If you got the chance to join a concert in the Antique theater at your Ephesus visit, you can call yourself "lucky".
Also a very important place in the history and for the Christians is “The house of Virgin Mary”, the holy mother of Christianity, located at Bülbül hill. A must see for many Ephesus visitors.
ŞİRİNCE
Şirince is an old Greek village located at the hillside of a bowl at the hills of Selçuk, covered with vine-yards and peach gardens. The historical texture of the village has been preserved fairly well.
The debonair and hospitable villagers earn their living through homemade wines, lacework, olive oil, and goat cheese.
The natural atmosphere of the village is preserved despite the effects of tourism in the recent years.
You can visit Ephesus Museum, Seven Sleepers Church, House of Virgin Mary, İsa Bey Mosque, St. John Basilica, Goat Fortress, and Selçuk Castle.
You Must
Start with the Selçuk Museum, if you visit Ephesus. Displayed in this museum are many findings that were discovered and unearthed after World War II. Among them are 37 Artemis statues, two Ephesian statues and a bronze statue of Eros riding a dolphin.
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