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Turkish attractions

— photo: sujay mehdudia

HISTORIC: At the Bascilica of St. John in Ephesus.

Izmir: Powered by a booming economy and deriving advantage from its proximity with Europe, Turkey has become a major world tourism destination. The country has also seen a growing number of tourists coming from India. And the focus of attention is the remains of ancient civilizations, and excavation efforts that have gone on for more than a century.

“The country has been witness to a heavy influx of tourists earning it revenue of $16.9 billion during 2006-07. The country is now ranked among the top 10 destinations of the world with a ninth rank witnessing inflow of 23.3 million tourists and continuing to rise at a rapid pace,” Alpaslam Korkmaz, president, Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey, told this correspondent during a recent visit.

A trip to the interior parts bordering Greece gives insights into Turkey’s rich cultural past. About an hour from the port city of Izmir is the ancient city of Ephesus on the southwestern coast. Its archaeological remains elegantly reconcile historic conservation efforts with visitor accessibility. Once a seaport, Ephesus is now 8 km from the coast. It has been called the greatest outdoor museum of Turkey and has the first church dedicated to Mary.

In 356 B.C., the Greeks built the Artemesium, a colossal Ionic temple dedicated to Artemis, the fertility goddess. One of the Seven Wonders, the temple is preserved to a large extent.

Adjoining the ancient city, near Selcuk, is what is believed to be the home of Virgin Mary, which Pope Benedict XVI visited in November 2006. The temple was burned down in the 4th century B.C., but rebuilding began before Alexander the Great took Ephesus in 334. The city continued to thrive during the wars of his successors. After it passed to the Romans it kept its dominant position and was the leading city of the province of Asia.

From circa 100 B.C. to c. A.D. 100, Ephesus was the world capital of the slave trade, and it was here, infamously, that the first brothel (public house) was set up. The city was sacked by the Goths in A.D. 262, and the temple was destroyed. Excavations done during 1869-1874 of the temple ruins brought to light many artefacts.

One of the most magnificent structures in Ephesus is the Great Theatre located on the slopes of the Panayir Hill. It was built first during the Hellenistic period, in the third century B.C. during the reign of Lysimachus. But during the Roman period, it was enlarged and acquired the style that is seen today.

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