Turkey Part 3

One of the main reasons that we travelled to Turkey was to celebrate my friend Seda and Andrew’s wedding (Yes, both of our significant others are coincidentally named Andrew). 

Before this trip, the only thing that I knew about Turkey or its people was through books and television. While it provides a glimpse into different places and cultures, experiencing it in person brings a whole new perspective. 

The Bay Area doesn't have a big Turkish community, and the largest concentrations of Turkish Americans are actually found in Northeast, mainly New York and New Jersey. Moving to Philadelphia gave me the opportunity to connect with many people from different parts of the world, and develop deep friendships such as mine with Seda. It's through these friendships which opened my eyes to the rich culture around me. 

With that being said, we continued our Turkey adventure towards the Turkish Aegean for Seda and Andrew's wedding. 

As soon as we arrived to their home in Çeşme, we were greeted by Seda and the rest of the Karamil Family with open arms. One of the most standout traits in Turkish culture is undoubtedly their hospitality, but there's something to be said about Karamil hospitality. There was already a layout of their finest wines, nuts, fruits, and desserts waiting for us. Additionally, we had a delicious Turkish Welcome Dinner consisting of all fresh locally grown ingredients. 

Welcome Dinner

Reunited with the bride and groom. 

And Toprak. 

Beautiful home. 

Make sure you come hungry!

Even with the stress of planning a wedding, the Karamils went above and beyond to ensure that their guests had a good time by arranging tours to many of the famous surrounding areas such as the House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus, and the Aegean Bay. Their compassion, understanding and generous nature knows no bounds. They say that once a Turk gets to know you that they will take you in forever, and I've never felt that more true with the Karamil Family. 

The magnificence that is Istanbul, and the wonderful time we had in Izmir and Çeşme makes Turkey one of my favorite countries in the world. If you get a chance, I highly recommend everyone visit this beautiful country.

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Karamil, Seda, Selda, and Alican for all of these wonderful memories, and for ending our Turkey Adventure on such a high note. Tekrar görüşeceğiz!

Turkey Adventure Part 3

1. House of the Virgin Mary
2. Ephesus
3. The Wedding
4. Çeşme Castle 
5. Çeşme Castle Military Museum
6. Orthodox Church of Ayios Haralambos
7. Yacht Tour - Aegean Bay, Eşek Adası (Donkey Island)

House of the Virgin Mary

Nap time for the boys. 

The House of the Virgin Mary is a Catholic and Muslim shrine located on Mt. Koressos near Ephesus. 

In 1881, French priest Julien Gouyet discovered the home based on the visions of a mystic, bedridden German Roman Catholic nun, Anne Catherina Emmerich. Legend states that St. John brought Mary to Ephesus where she lived until her Assumption. 

The place is considered to be the last home of the Virgin Mary based on two evidences: 1) The tomb of St. John was discovered nearby, 2) Oral tradition preserved by the Orthodox Christian villagers of Kirkince. The Vatican has not taken an official position on the authenticity of the house. 

Votive candles for the Virgin Mary.

The water fountain is said to have miraculous healing powers. 

The wishing wall below the chapel is covered in bits of rag, indicative of Turkic folk custom that visitors have imitated by tying their own bits of cloth, paper, or plastic and making a wish. 

"Health, happiness, and peace."

Ephesus

Ephesus was the capital of Roman Asia Minor with a population of 250,000 citizens. It remains the best preserved ancient city in Europe. Nearby is the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Upper Agora

The Upper Agora was a large square used for legislation and local political talk. The structure was originally flanked by grand columns and filled with polished marble. 

Odeon

The 5,000 seat theatre was decorated with marble seats and carved ornamentation.

It was primarily used for municipal meetings. Debates and deliberations were carried out by masters of oratory. 

Prytaneum

Two of the six original Doric columns mark the entrance to the ruined Prytaneum (town hall) and city treasury. Notice the difference in columns with the Ionian Greeks' single material and the Romans mortar cement.

The Prytaneium hosted the Temple of Hestia Boulaea. The sacred flame symbolized the heart of Ephesus, and it was kept constantly lit by vestal virgins. 

Memius Monument

This monument was constructed in the 1st century CE by Memmius, the grandson of Roman Dictator Sulla to celebrate Sulla's conquest of the Mithridates of the Pontic Empire on the Black Sea Coast.

Another indicator of Ephesian wealth are the many statues of deities, emperors and other luminaries with precious gemstones for their eyes.

Curetes Way

Curetes Way was named after the demigods who helped Lena give birth to Artemis and Apollo. It was Ephesus' grandest street, and this long marble length was once lined with statues, great buildings, and rows of shops. 

Hercules Gate

In these reliefs, Hercules is depicted with the skin of the Greek mythological creature, the Nemean Lion.

Trajan Fountain

The fountain was constructed in honor of Roman Emperor Trajan. It was originally fronted by a statue of the emperor, holding a pennant and standing on a globe with an inscription reading "I have conquered it all, and it's now under my foot." 

Temple of Hadrian

This architectural marvel is covered in intricate decorative details and patterns such as Tyche (goddess of chance) adorning the first arch, and Medusa warding of evil spirits on the second. 

Terraced Houses


These homes provide a window into wealthy ancient Ephesian life. There are six residential units dating from the 1st century BCE to 7th century BC.

The Peristyle Courtyard once had eight columns with floors and walls adorned in marble fittings. 

The Marble Hall was richly decorated with marble furnishings. It provided a luxurious setting for both private and official occasions, and presented the social status and prosperity to every guest.

Around 160 CE, the Basilica was constructed with an apse and a barrel vault. The main and lower parts of the walls bear traces of marble decor, while the upper parts were decorated with frescos. 

The several layers of wall paintings date from the early 2nd to the mid 3rd century. 

These hand scrawled images include everything from pictures of gladiators and animals to names and love poems.

This area comprises the largest complex of mosaic floors from the Roman Imperial period in Western Turkey. Most of the mosaics date from the 1st century to the 3rd century, and feature geometric patterns with small black and white stones.

Ascending the snaking stairs. 

View of Ephesus from Bulbul Mountain.

Celsus Library

The magnificent library was built in 117 CE for Roman Senator, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus.

The library stored more than 12,000 scrolls, and was the 3rd largest ancient library after the Alexandra and Pergamum.

The facade niches hold replica statues of the Greek Virtues: Wisdom (Sophia), Knowledge (Episteme), Intelligence (Ennoia), and Goodness (Arete).

The scrolls of the manuscripts were protected from temperature and humidity extremes by a 1 meter gap between the inner and outer walls. 

Menorah incised on the steps of the Celsus Library.  

Great Theatre

The theatre was built by Hellenistic King Lysimachos. It was the largest in Asia Minor with a capacity of 25,000 seats. Ephesians went here to enjoy concerts and plays, religious, political and philosophical discussions, and gladiator and animal fights.

Arcadian Way (Harbour Street)

From 395-408 CE, Byzantine Emperor Arcadius constructed this street. As traders and sailers entered, they were greeted with a lavish thoroughfare of 50 streetlights on its colonnades and water and sewerage channels beneath its marble flagstones.

The Wedding

I can't imagine a more perfect place to be for Seda and Andrew's wedding. 

Can you see Greece?

Getting pumped up.

The beautiful bride. 

The family.

Thank you Seda and Andrew for inviting us to share in this special day with you. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness!

Çeşme Castle

 The Çeşme Castle was built in 1508 by the Genoese, and later fortified by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II to defend the coast from attack by pirates. 

In front of the castle is a monument of Ottoman Naval Commander Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasha, and his famous pet lion.

Headstones along the ramparts.

Barbaros Tower

Andrew on the lookout.

Çakabey Tower


Stunning view of the Aegean Sea.

Beyazit II Tower

Perfect weather for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Çeşme. 

Umur Bey Tower (Marble Exhibition)


The exhibit displayed many intricate works made entirely from marble. 

Virgin Mary and Jesus. 1883. 

Genovese Tower (Art Gallery)

Oil lamps were painted or glazed in the late Byzantine and Islamic periods. The main oil lamp production workshops were in the Aegean Region (Crete, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and Knidos) and Mediterranean Region (Egypt, Cyprus, Tarsus, and North Africa). 

Terracotas were used as a sacrificial gift in ancient ages and generally symbolized the God or Goddess for who it was sacrificed. The tradition of sacrificing animals and humans for Gods changed with the production of those figurines. 

The first glass vessels appeared in northern Mesopotamia during 16th century BCE, and soon spread to other areas (particularly in Egypt) in the Late Bronze Age. 

Roman Gold Diadems. 

Byzantine coins consisted of mainly two types: the gold solidus and a variety of clearly valued bronze coins. Early coins had the image of the city's symbol on its main side (observe), and the mark of a punch on the other side (reverse). 

These ancient jars were used for storage and sometimes as a decanter for oil or wine. Some were made without a foot so that it could be stuck upright into sand or soft ground. 

Çeşme Castle Military Museum

The museum highlights the history of the area, and the Russo-Turkish War. 

This cannon was found from the sinked Russian naval ship, Yeustafiy. 

In 1768, the Ottoman Empire declared war on Russia. The Battle of Çeşme was the first of a number of disastrous fleet battles for the Ottomans against Russia. 


Catherine the Great made Russia the dominant power in Europe after her first Russo-Turkish War. She conquered Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Crimea, and obtained access to the long sought after Black Sea. 

Expansion of the Russian Empire during the 18th century. 

You know you've made it when you have your own coin.

Since the 15th century, the two headed eagle serves as the Russian Coat of Arms. 

Orthodox Church of Ayios Haralambos

The church was built in 1832 and dedicated to early Christian Bishop of Magnesia, St. Haralambos.

In the middle nave are depictions of Christ Pantocrator, St. John, and the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. 

During the summer months, the church serves as a temporary exhibition for arts and crafts. 

Eşek Adası (Donkey Island)

Eşek Adası is an one hour sail from Çeşme. The beautiful coves and inlets around this island make it an ideal spot for underwater activities and water sports. 

According to legend, locals retired old donkeys to this island after agricultural use. Over time, the donkeys reproduced and became the symbol of the island. 

There are around 50 wild donkeys living on the island, and all are protected and cared for.