From Pamukkale, we took an overnight coach to the desert region of Cappadocia, with remnants of culture dating back to the Hittite period. The coach ride was probably my worst experience in Turkey. It was uncomfortable, extremely warm, and confusing. … Continued
The modern Turkish town of Pammukkale sits at the base of the acropolis where Hierapolis, an ancient resort town once ruled. The hill with the ruins has a façade of white calcium deposits, which is one reason for the modern … Continued
Ephesus Theater One of the key features of Ephesus is the “largest theater in antiquity” with capacity of 25,000 souls. Used for dramas and performances when first built and expanded to gladiatorial exhibitions in the Roman times, the Ephesus theater … Continued
Ephesus is magnificent! This ancient city was one of the most important cities in the ancient world, and one of its largest. Ephesus was a major sea port and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It … Continued
When most people think of the ancient city of Troy from the legends of Odysseus and Achilles, they think of a big wooden horse and ancient Greece. However, most people don’t know where Troy really was, and they don’t know … Continued
Istanbul spans two continents. The division is the Bosphorus Strait a body of water that connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea. Like many visitors, we took a Bosphorus Cruise on this division. Three bridges span the strait connecting … Continued
To Ottoman sultans and their courts Topkapi Palace was home in Istanbul. This large palace complex includes royal living quarters, meeting and consultation rooms, libraries, a harem, and much more. In the Ottoman tradition, the rooms are all spectacularly decorated. … Continued
Blue Mosque Facing Hagia Sophia and built in part of the hippodrome is Istanbul’s most spectacular mosque. The Blue Mosque isn’t the largest, but perhaps the most significant in Istanbul. Built in the first two decades of the 17th century, … Continued
Many years ago, in my historic furnishings and architecture class I was introduced to Hagia Sophia. This Byzantine architecture of a massive building that still survived and was used 1,500 years later intrigued me more than any of the Gothic … Continued
