Back in Time

Our time machine, a white tour van, took us back in time today. Our first stop was to the Isa Bey Mosque. This is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey - building completed in 1375 AD. They are still using it for worship. I found it fascinating that the architect "recycled" pieces from older buildings in the construction.

These three column heads are examples of "recycling" - each is from a different period.

Back in our time machine for  Ephesus. Ephesus was built as a port. It's shear size is impressive. It was built by the Greeks and later inhabited by the Romans. We wandered through the streets of this ancient site seeing the Roman bath houses, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Trajan Fountain and the Great Theatre.

Originally shops lined the marble street (above)

The Celsus Library (below) was built in 117 A.D.

Below is the smaller of the two theatres - it servers as a place for meetings of the Senate and as as an Odeum - a concert hall for performances. Contruction was in the 2nd century AD.

The Great Theatre below is located on the slope of Panayir Hill, opposite the Harbor Street, and easily seen when entering from the south entrance to Ephesus. It is the largest in Anatolia and has the capacity of 25,000 seats. The theatre was used not only for concerts and plays, but also for religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights.

Harbour Street - leading down to the harbour. A gymnasium and baths were along side this street.

Back in our time machine and we are off up the Aladag mountain to the House of the Virgin Mary.This place of pilgrimage is visited by thousands of tourists every year by people of all faiths. We could feel peace and tranquility of this holy place. Only muffled voices could be heard as people filed through the building that is said to be the house of the Virgin Mary.

Leaving wishes on the Wishing Wall

Finally the time machine landed back in our century - we did the carpet tour - which I have told you about BUT we also went to a leather outlet for a fashion show. This was the end of a very HOT day - we were tired. We were offered tea and lead into a dark theatre with a fashion runway. Music with a beat started and the models came out with beautiful leather jackets on and then they requested participation and took three of our group away - Tracy - oh she was not impressed but as she was one of the three chosen she went along with it. I must say the jackets were fabulous and the leather was so soft. It was tempting but they were very expensive. Oh so beautiful.