Ephesus

Saturday, 4th June 2011

Ephesus ... eventually

After a bit of a mix up waiting for others, we were collected and formed part of a tour of 8 people. Just as well, as every other group seemed to be about 20-30. Also there were two cruise ships in the harbour so we were constantly one step ahead of other groups.

The group consisted of travellers from US, Japan, Indonesia and Jerusalem. A very diverse lot again.

First stop was the house of St Mary, where she is supposed to have spent her last days.

This is a very sacred place and no pictures could be taken inside the house. This is a shot of one of the photos showing the contents.

I have to say that I found this a most moving place, very peaceful and special.

The original house was mostly destroyed in a bushfire in 2008, but has since been reconstructed from about 18 inches from the ground.

When you leave the cottage, you walk through the grounds and come upon a wishing wall. People write notes on pieces of paper and tie them to the wall.

This wall really did "reach" me.

The notes are tied to one another with shopping bags, or handkerchiefs, really amazing.

A wonderful statue is on the side of the road.

Our next stop was the much awaited visit to Ephesus. 2.5 hours and 3 kms to talk through this amazing place. Only 20% of the ruins have been excavated, so this is a true work in progress.

Our tour guide, Nazim, was excellent. He is an official Turkish Tour Guide and his training shows. It is a good job to have apparently.

The remains here are breathtakingly beautiful and they are a constantly evolving discovery. Below is an example of a backgammon tablet.

These columns have been reconstructed using varying materials, as you can see

An example of an Ionic column

This was one of the two ampitheatres that have been unearthed here. This is the smaller of the two. It was designed to hold the Parliament - 500 people


There were two entry points to this theatre, one on each side. The first row of seats are original marble, the rest are made up of local stone.


Sitting ready for the spectacle in the ampitheatre


Yes, we needed a hat that had a bit more shade. It was 37 degrees in Ephesus today, but I will say there was a terrific breeze at most times.

This is coming out of one of the tunnels that leads into the ampitheatre. This is where the athletes came into the arena.


The streets of marble here are made up of excavated stone from across the city, that is why they are different patterns

The hole in this stone indicates that it is part of the Hospital for Ephesus.

Here is the medical symbol

This image is carved on the other side of the medical symbol.

This is a beautiful representation of the Goddess Nike.

This is a stunning piece of workmanship.

Andy inside a stone circle.


In the earthquake that covered Ephesus, it often left the roof laying below the columns.

Just when you think you have seen it all, there is another OMG moment. This is referred to as the LOVE HOUSE ... that's right The Brothel.

And Legend says that if you touch both sides of these columns, you will have absolute power ... hmmm!
A lot of the statues have lost their heads, because in an earthquake that it usually the first thing to go. But isn't the drapery magnificent in this one?

The top of this arch has multiple heads carved into it, with Medusa being favoured.

And here is the third largest library for its time in the known world. Said to have housed 160,000 books made from Papyrus imported from Egypt. When Egypt stopped the exportation of Papyrus, the Turks discovered Parchment made from sheep skin.


An example of advertising here - the footprint is giving directions to the Love House. Apparently there was a secret tunnel leading from the library to the Love House.


More of the marvelous marble streets.

They were quite slippery, image how dangerous they would be if it was raining.

Farewell to Ephesus and a quick visit to a carpet factory. The factory is run by the Government and the aim is to ensure that the art of hand woven carpets remains in the community. This woman is working on a wool carpet with 60 knots to the square inch. An 8 x 10 carpet takes about 6 months to make and was $2000 delivered to Australia. No we did not indulge, but gee I was tempted.

This woman was working on a silk carpet with 600 knots per inch, it was so delicate and a small carpet 3 x 5 to be used as a wall hanging was around $5,000. Again, no sale!


And then to have a look at a ceramic factory. Just like Aladdin's Cave in here.