Right by the Bay
Kusadasi is a small town serving as a gateway to the ancient site of Ephesus.
The next night, we arrived in Kuşadası. While primarily a gateway to ancient sites, the coastal town had its own charm.
The following morning, we embarked on an hour's journey to Ephesus, an ancient metropolis near Selçuk. The city's rich history, which I later explored in detail at the Ephesus Experience Museum, begins with its legendary founding. According to ancient texts, Androclos, guided by the Oracle of Delphi's prophecy, founded the city where he encountered a prophetic sign involving a fish and a boar. This divine omen legitimized the city's location. Artemis, the goddess of wilderness and fertility, became the city's guardian, overseeing the cycle of life and death. Her temple became the spiritual epicenter of the settlement. A fascinating legend tells that when a merchant attempted to burn down the reconstructed Temple of Artemis, the goddess was absent, attending the birth of Alexander the Great. From the temple's ashes, the Ephesians built an even more magnificent structure, earning its place among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus flourished as a central hub of the ancient world, passing through the hands of various empires - from the Persians to the Delian League and ultimately the Romans.
The archaeological site preserves remarkable remains of the original city, featuring fountains, temples, and ceremonial gates. The Library of Celsus stands as the most iconic structure, becoming synonymous with Ephesus itself. In its heyday, the library housed an exceptional collection of manuscripts and served as a de facto university. Other notable structures include Hadrian's Gate and various agoras (ancient marketplaces). The Ephesus Experience Museum brilliantly brings this history to life through innovative visual presentations.
Our journey continued to Şirince, a picturesque hillside town near Ephesus. Its tranquility, charming cafés, extensive vineyards, and harmoniously colored buildings create a distinctive atmosphere. The town's gardens overflow with fresh pomegranates, wild strawberries, and lemons growing alongside outdoor seating areas. I met a dog who being very affectionate towards me. I had no choice sfter a couple of minutes to walk away. That sweetheart was one of my most beautiful interactions with nature. This marked the end of my Kuşadası adventure.
Side note: I got to try some of the flavours of the Ottoman cuisine here in Turkiye. The best dish I had here was Turkish stuffed peppers (biber dolması).