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On The Road

Archive for the ‘Turkey’ tag

Pergamum

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The current day city of Bergama is next to the famous, ancient, hill side city of Pergamum or Pergamon. The Altar of Zeus was excavated by Germans a long time ago and they built the Pergamon museum in Berlin for it. Ever since I was a little kid I have been fascinated by this museum and I don’t think I have ever been to Berlin without going into the Pergamon museum. Thus I was especially looking forward to see the actual site and I had planned a full day for the visit. I wasn’t disappointed.

The reconstructed Temple of Trajan is certainly impressive.

Temple of Trajan

This is all that is left on site of the famous Altar of Zeus. The original is in Berlin’s Pergamon museum.

This is all that is left on site of the famous Altar of Zeus. The original is in Berlin's Pergamon museum.

With 10,000 seats the amphitheater is massive

With 10,000 seats the amphitheater is massive

A relief fragment

relief fragment

The Middle City is huge and can be explored without any barriers

Middle city

Floor mosaic in a roman period house

Floor mosaic in a roman period house

A beautiful tree on a hill overlooking the Temple of Trajan.

A beautiful tree on a hill overlooking the Temple of Trajan.

Modern Bergama is a pleasant city. I found this old bridge in the city

Old bridge in Bergama

The ever present carpet dealer

Carpet dealer in Bergama

The Red Basilica. It was originally a temple to Egyptian goods and later had a basilica built inside. St John has singled this one out as the throne of the devil. All seemed quiet though.

Red Basilica

One of many donkeys on the side of the road. Considering the record fuel prices here it makes sense.

One of many donkeys on the side of the road. Considering the record fuel prices here it makes sense.

Written by Steffen

April 28th, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Bergama to Selcuk

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A leisurely ride on twisty country roads took me from Bergama to Selcuk.

Bergama to Secuk 1

Bergama to Secuk 2

It’s a nice little town with a pleasant park and a pedestrian area and a castle towering over it

Castle towering over Selcuk

Selcuk has a sizable stork population right in the city center that can be heard and seen.

Stork nest

Stork over Selcuk

A horse was grasing in the middle of the city park

Horse in the middle of the city park

Written by Steffen

April 29th, 2009 at 9:55 pm

Posted in Iran 2009

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Ephesus

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Ephesus, said to be the best-preserved classical site in the Mediterranean, didn’t disappoint. I arrived early enough in Selcuk to catch a ride to the upper gate of the site. The most impressive sight for me was the re-erected facade of the Library of Celsus, which can be seen as you come down Curetes Way.

Reconstructed facade of the Celsus library

Statue representing one of the virtues, Sophia (wisdom)

Statue representing one of the virtues, Sophia (wisdom)

The large amphitheater is also impressive

Amphitheater

The Roman communal bathroom is very popular and everyone wants their picture taken. Seems like it used to be a nice chance for a chat. Just hope that nobody double scoops from the cleaning water channel in front of the seats.

Roman communal bathroom. Nice chance for a chat. Just hope that  nobody double scoops from the cleaning water channel in front of the seats

Sarcophagi can be found around the site

Fragment of a sarcophagus

The terraced houses allow a glimpse at Roman luxury living. The fancy Roman plumbing always amazes me.

Roman plumbing always amazes me.

Roman floor mosaics

Roman mosaic

Roman mosaic

Roman mosaic

Roman mosaic

The restoration is ongoing. If you like big puzzles this might be the job for you.

Ongoing restoration. If you like big puzzles this might be the  job for you.

Duct tape is an approved restoration tool in Turkey

Duct tape is an approved restoration tool in Turkey

Written by Steffen

April 29th, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Posted in Iran 2009

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