m.tolgakbaba
Wed, 18/10/2023 - 14:20

 

The History of Pamukkale

Pamukkale is the hearth of Denizli. It’s meaning is “cotton castle”. The area is famous for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing of thermal spring water. this extraordinary landscape was a focus of interest for visitors to the nearby Hellenistic spa town of Hierapolis, founded by the Attalid kings of Pergamom at the end of the 2nd century B.C., at the site of an ancient cult. Hierapolis flourished, reaching its peak of importance in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., having been destroyed by an earthquake in 60 A.D. and rebuilt. Remains of the Greco-Roman period include baths, temple ruins, a monumental arch, a nymphaeum, a necropolis and a theatre. Following the acceptance of Christianity by the emperor Constantine and his establishment of Constantinople as the ‘new Rome’ in 330 A.D., the town was made a bishopric

Additional Information

The Christian monuments of Hierapolis, erected between the 4th and the 6th centuries, constitute an outstanding example of an Early Christian architectural group with a cathedral, baptistery and churches. The most important monument, situated outside the north-west wall of the city, is the Martyrium of St. Philip.

         

Did you know?

  • Travertines of Pamukkale have warm water inside and it is free to walk.
  • The travertines has sand at the bottom. (You can easily find sand in the further travertines not in the beginning)
  • It is known that the thermal waters here are especially good for cardiovascular disease.
  • Pamukkale was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 along with Hierapolis.
  • Between Pamukkale and Hierapolis there is a private pool called “Cleopatra Pool” which is also natural (But since it is private you need to pay to enter).

 

Special Info

  • There are hot balloons in Pamukkale as well like in Kapadokya (You can see them in the early of the mornings 5-6 AM).

 

History of Ephesus

Around 80 kilometers south of Izmir, Turkey, Ephesus is situated close to the western beaches of present-day Turkey, where the Aegean Sea meets the old delta of the River Kaystros. As archaelogical digs continue and evidence suggests that Ephesus' history existed prior to the Roman era, Ephesus city begins to expose its secret historical tales. Lelegians and Carians, two native Anatolian tribes, were the city's original inhabitants. Around 1050 BC, Ionians tribes led by Androclous, conquered the city. Greek and native Anatolian cultures interacted and impacted one another over time. During Roman rule, Ephesus thrived, with an estimated population of over 250,000, making it the fourth-largest city of its time after Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch. This era saw the construction of Roman-style buildings and economic prosperity. In 29 BC, Ephesus replaced Pergamum as the capital of the Roman Empire's Asia province.

Did You Know?

Ephesus's connection to the Library of Celsus, one of the greatest libraries of ancient times, is a fascinating fact. This library was a work of art in terms of architecture in addition to being an archive for numerous manuscripts and volumes. In honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, an ancient Greek who reigned as the governor of the province of Asia, the library was constructed in the second century AD. The library was a magnificent building with elaborate carvings and statues gracing its exterior. The rebuilt facade of the Library of Celsus is one of Ephesus' most recognizable and photographed monuments today, drawing tourists from all over the world.

A Little Tip to Make the Most of Your Trip

Outside of the walls of Ephesus, Selçuk has a number of attractions that are well worth visiting. The most striking and satisfying is arguably the immense Ayasoluk Castle on Ayasoluk Hill. It provides unmatched perspectives on the city and the surrounding area. The admittance ticket also grants access to the Basilica of St. John, which is thought to be the location of John the Apostle's grave. The serene Isa Bey Mosque, with its lush grounds and fountain court, is close by. The Temple of Artemis, the first wonder of the world, is another option. Since the majority of the original temple's artifacts have been placed in the British Museum in London, only one lone column with a stork's nest atop is still standing. The original location is still fascinating to visit, even if just to imagine the building in its previous glory. The House of the Virgin Mary, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, and the Çamlık Railway Museum are further nearby attractions.