"Un viaggio in Anatolia": visita a Kusadasi con Medes Tour Travel

Sulla costa occidentale del paese, a sud di Izmir, Kusadasi è una delle scelte più popolari per le vacanze in Turchia. In realtà, è considerata una delle città più belle del Mar Egeo. Anticamente  villaggio di pescatori, si trasforma negl anni Sessanta in un incantevole resort. Fino a non molto tempo fa, Kusadasi era pieno di turisti in crociera provenienti da tutto il mondo. La recente crisi internazionale dovuta al terrorismo, ha in gran parte modificato la situazione.

Sono arrivato in autobus proveniente da Selcuk, Izmir. Ho impiegato circa un'ora per raggiungerla. Il trasporto pubblico è buono, frequente ed economico. Hanno piccoli autobus in Turchia, con circa 25 posti a sedere, non di più. È possibile acquistare il biglietto sul bus. Il posto sembrava accogliente e disordinato. La mia guida mi ha spiegato che si trattava di un Venerdì, dimodoché era come fosse di domenica nel mondo cristiano: la gente qui si reca in moschea, oppure esce con la famiglia a fare un po 'di shopping.

Il centro storico è pieno di bazaar, ma vendono merci a basso costo. Io sono una donna europea viziata, sono abituata a fare shopping in città come Milano o Bologna o Milano Marittima (nei pressi di Ravenna) e la differenza è davvero grande. Quello che ho apprezzato di più sono i prodotti fatti a mano, venduti da giovani nelle piccole boutique lontano dal centro della città, nelle stradine secondarie. Vorrei suggerire di acquistare sapone profumato a base di olio d'oliva, se siete alla ricerca di un regalo da portare a casa.

Ho apprezzato molto anche il design esterno di alcune coffee houses. Così colorato, mi ha fatto pensare alla non lontana Grecia. Uno di questi locali pubblici era vicino al vecchio porto, dove piccole imbarcazioni attendono i turisti per portarli fuori per le escursioni in mare.

Più volte dominata dai Bizantini, i Veneziani e Genovesi, oggi la città deve la sua fortuna alle bellissime spiagge, al mare limpido, alle adeguate e moderne strutture turistiche e ai numerosi locali notturni aperti fino all'alba. Non ho fatto esperienza della vita notturna, quindi non posso dirvi nulla in merito, ma mi sono goduta una passeggiata sulla Pigeon Island.

Nel 1834 Kusadasi ha subito una grande opera di ricostruzione da parte dei Veneziani e degli Ottomani ed è stata costruita la famosa fortezza. Il nome in uso "Kusadasi" (Bird Island) deriva dalla fortezza. Kuşadası, Sotto la protezione di Izmir fino al 1954, Kusadasi è poi diventata parte del distretto di Aydın. Negli anni Sessanta, quando si è capito che, grazie alla sua invidiabile posizione, avrebbe avuto un grande potenziale turistico, a Kusadasi sono stati costruiti innumerevoli alberghi, motel, campeggi, villaggi turistici e ville al mare. Inoltre è stato costruito un porto turistico, e sono state ampliate le strutture e i servizi del porto stesso. Quando si è sulla sommità di Pigeon Island si può ammirare una fantastica veduta. 

Il castello è ben conservato ed è arricchito da un ampio giardino, ben manutenuto. All'interno si possono osservare i resti paleontologici di una balena. L'atmosfera del luogo è ideale per una passeggiata romantica, nel caso voi siate in una buona compagnia. La bandiera turca domina la baia e il paesaggio merita una visita. Il mio viaggio in Anatolia è stato organizzato da Medes Tour Travel che mi sento di consigliarvi.

"My trip to Anatolia": Kusadasi with Medes Tour Travel

On the country’s west coast, south of Izmir, Kusadasi is one of the most popular choices for holidays to Turkey. In fact, it is considered one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean. With a classic story of a fishing village turning into an attractive resort, Kusadasi was packed with tourists on cruises coming from all over the world, at least till a few years ago. The recent crisis due to terrorism, has largely changed the situation.  

I arrived there by bus coming from Selcuk, Izmir. It took me about one hour to reach it. The public transport is good, frequent and cheap. They have small buses in Turkey, with about 25 seats, not more. You can buy your ticket on the bus. The place looked cosy and messy to me. My guide explained to me that it was Friday, so that it was like Sundays in the Christian world: people here go the Mosque, or else they go out with their family to do some shopping. 

The old town is full of bazaars, but they sell cheap goods. I am a spoiled European woman, i am used to make shopping in cities like Milan or Bologna or Milano Marittima (near Ravenna) and the difference is really great. What I appreciated most were handcrafted products sold by young people in small boutiques far from the city centre, in the secondary allies. I would suggest you scented soap made of olive oil if you are looking for a present to take back home. 

I also enjoyed the exterior design of some coffee houses. So colourful, they made me think of the not far Greece. One of them was near the old port, where small boats wait for tourists to take them out for excursions. 

Repeatedly dominated by the Byzantines, the Venetians and the Genoese, today the city owes its fortune to the beautiful beaches, cristal clear sea water, adequate and modern tourist facilities and numerous night clubs open until dawn. I did not experience the night life, so I can't tell you anything about it, but I did have a walk on Pigeon Island. 

In 1834 Kusadasi underwent a major reconstruction by the Venetians and the Ottomans and was built the famous fortress. The name in use "Kusadasi" (Bird Island) derives from the fortress. Kuşadası, subject to Izmir until 1954, then became the district of Aydın which followed a period of great evolution. In the Sixties, when it was realized that the location had a great tourism potential, they were built countless hotels, motels, camping sites, holiday villages and seaside villas. Also it was built a yacht harbor, and were expanded facilities of the port itself. When you are at the top of Pigeon Island you will admire a beutiful view.

The castle is well preserved and is enriched by a large, well mantained garden. Inside you can observe the paleontological remains of a whale. The atmosphere of the place is ideal for a romatic stroll, just in case you are in a good company. The Turkish flag dominates the bay and the landscape is worth a visit. 

"My trip to Anatolia": the ancient city of Ephesus with Medes Tour Travel

What did I enjoy best about my trip to Anatolia, on a press tour with Medes Tour Travel? I have no doubt: it was my excursion to Ephesus ancient city. The ruins attract thousands of tourists every day. Official data report that in 2014 about 3 millions people walked through the gates of the ancient city. But I was lucky enough to visit it in winter and found it not too crowded.

Such a wonderful place to be! Historians say first constructions go back to the 10th century BC. It then came under control of the Romans in 129 B. C. By this time, Ephesus was a  successful sea trading port and centre of excellence for politics and philosophers. It was also destineted to be historically known as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation as mentioned in the Bible.

As soon as I got in, I took a quick glimpse around. There was so much to fulfill the eyes. First thing I could see was the Basilca Stoa: really impressive. I noticed also the aqueduct. Ruins have special inhabitants that are cats. I took lot of pictures with them and I would like to show you at least one of them. I met a beautiful theatre on my way, but it is not the huge one, that will come afterwards. Walking step by step I arrived at the gate of the ancient city of Ephesus. It is where Curetes Street starts. 

The Curetes Street  does not follow the orthogonal street grid of the Hellenistic-Roman city, The 210 meters long main boulevard was prestigiously equipped with porticoes and marble paving in the early Imperial period. A sewer channel ran under the wide street. The shops lay behind the deep porticoes in which tradesmen, artisans and innkeepers offered their goods and services. Along the street, an inscribed base supporting a marble or bronze statue stood in front of each column; on these, the good deeds of citizens and benefactors were honoured. 

The steep street (with a difference in elevation of ca. 20 meters) was finally closed to the traffic through the “Heracles Gate” built in the late antique period. Maintenance repairs continued well into the 6^th /7^th centuries A.D. It is really magnificent and wil take you just in front of the Celsus Library. 

The Celsus Library, certainly the most well-known monument in Ephesus, was built between A.D. 100 and 110 by Gaius Iulius Aquila for his father the senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaenus The library can actually be interpreted as a herron which was built over the burial chamber of the deceased. A flight of nine steps at the façade, flanked by statue bases, led to a vestibule from which the actual library room could be entered.

The architecture of the impressive façade contrasts with the brick construction of the building’s interior, although the floors and walls were revetted with marble. The library was destroyed during the earthquake in ca. A.D. 270 and was rebuilt. In the late antique period the remnants of the splendid façade served as the rear wall of a street fountain.  The re-erection took place during the years 1970-1978 with the financial help of Anton Kallinger-Prskawetz.

Hundreds of selfies are taken here every day: I think it is one the most photographed monument in Turkey. 

Strolling around the ruins I noticed the Nike Goddess, the winged goddess of victory. Estimations say that about 24,000 people could sit in the Grand Theatre of Ephesus. It is such an impressive space! 

The Great Theatre goes back to a preceding structure of the Hellenistic period (3nd and 1^st century B.C). In the Roman period there was an extensive rebuilding under the Emperors Domitian (A.D. 81-96) and Trajan (A.D. 98-117) with at first a two-, and later a three-storeyed impressive façade. Historians report that, in addiction to theatre performances, assemblies also took place here.

In the later Imperial period, gladiatorial contests are also attested. Before the 7^th century the Grand Theatre was incorporated into the Byzantine city walls and remained as you can see it now. A man from the USA just started singing aloud while I was visiting the Grand Theatre, so I noticed the acoustics of the place is excellent. 

This is such a beautiful archeological site that I think I could visit it twice and don't get bored. I highly suggest to pay a visit. Please contact Medes Tour Travel if you need help planning your travel to Turkey.   

"My trip to Anatolia": 3rd day experience with Medes Tour Travel

I recently came back from a press tour in Anatolia, organized by Medes Tour Travel. I was staying at Nicea Hotel in Selcuk, located in a strategic position in order to visit the towns of Sirince, Ephesus, Pamukkahle and Kusadasi the following few days. As usual, early in the morning, I  had Turkish breakfast, made of cheese, vegetables, olives, hard boiled egg, oranges, bread with butter and marmelade, American coffee and/or Turkish tea. I stayed 4 days at Nicea Hotel and breakfast never changed: I think they could be more creative. I like changes (and think most Italians do).  

On the 3rd day of my stay, I woke up saying I wanted to visit a Mosque. I found Isa Bey Mosque not far from the hotel, in the heart of Selcuk city. Next to the entrance of the mosque there were shops selling souvenirs. It was my first time in a mosque and I did not know how to behave, so that I simply asked. I went into the main prayer area where standard rules say that men should wear trousers and women should cover their head and legs. I took pictures and looked around with a sense of curiosity.

Isa Bey Mosque was originally built in 1375 in honour of the ruler of the Selcuk region from 1360 to 1390. The architect is Ali Ibrn’el Dimiski. The site contains transversal rectangular praying places and also three sided colonnades courtyards in the northern part; thus 2 minarets are rising to the sky from both east and west sides where the courtyard and prayer places are all joint. 

Due to earthquake that occurred in 1653 and 1668, one of the minarets collapsed and the other one was particularly damaged up to its balcony. Apart from all these all colonnades of the courtyard collapsed too. The destroyed mosque was completely refurbished and was open for prayer to the public in 1975. Another restoration was held in 2005. In the garden of the mosque I noticed a place where men use to wash their feet before praying. 

Just a few meters from Isa Bey Mosque, I stopped observing Isa Bey Hamam. The bath consists of a rectangular core structure with a central domed room, the hot bathing room, which was surrounded by special bathing rooms. To the north are adjoined a lukewarm room without any bathing function, and side rooms with a toilet. To the south lay the warm water reservoir and the furnace room. The bath was entered from the north via a peristyle courtyard. To the east were shops, and in the west was a separate bathing area for women. 

Constructed in the second half of the 14^th century AD, the bath was only operational for 60-80 years. Already by the mid 15^th century it served as a cemetery. The bath is nowdays decadent and in my opinion that is a pity.

Once we left Isa Bey Hamam, we reached the Temple of Artemis by a ten minutes drive. It stands near the ancient ruins of Ephesus, in Selcuk, on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It is known to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

It now appears a poor thing compared to what had to be in ancient times.The Greek Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana, was built in honour of the goddess of fertility Artemis and was rebuilt two more times, until its final destruction in 401. Historians report that 800 years later, remains of the temple could not be found and locals knew nothing of its existence. History had forgotten it. In 1869, an expedition funded by the British museum, discovered the lost temple and excavations carried on until 1874. During that time, most artefacts were taken out the country and are now on display in the British Museum of London. 

I really think it is a shame. I could observe many cats around the ruins, and crows that nestled on the temple ruins, no controls, no turists. But it was winter and early in the morning and that is probably why. Our next stop will take us to the ancient city of Ephesus, that has entered the World Heritage List in 2015. But I will be writing a new post for that. You will find it here. 

"My trip to Anatolia": Pamukkale and Hierapolis with Medes Tour Travel

I took a trip to Anatolia last week, organized by Medes Tour Travel. It brought  me visiting Pamukkale and Hierapolis on my second day's trip. It was my first time visiting Turkey, a beautiful country rich of cultural contrasts and full of charm.

Pamukkale and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are listed as a site in the World Heritage List. Together they form one of the most attractive destinations in the world. Every year about 1500000 visitors reach it from all over the world. And now that I have seen it, I can understand why. Please have a look at this video I posted on my instagram profile. What a beauty!

We left Selcuk by train and it took us about 3 hours and a half to get to Pamukkale. Trains are comfortable and leave on time. On the train you can taste "ayran": this is a Turkish drink that is consumed by millions of Turks every day. What did I like so much about Ayran? Well, it is simply a great thirst quencher that  tastes good. Someone told me that you can make it yourself at home by simply mixing yogurt, water and salt in amounts to suit your own preference. I will try in the near future.

Seen from a distance the magnificent travertine terraces of Pamukkale look like the white clouds of heaven. As you approach, you realize that water is gently falling over the clouds of snow. Closer still, as you wade in deep thermal water, you realise that is unlike anything you have seen before and you are in for a once in a lifetime experience.

Everybody around me looked so relaxed. People from different ethnic goups were taking pics or making videos. They shared a face with a childlike expression, as if they were children on a playground. So gorgeous!

Pamukkale brings you in contact with the magical architecture of nature. Travertine is a sedimentary rock which is formed under specific conditions as a result of a chemical reaction, The terraces themselves, are the product of the process. There are about 17 thermal springs in the region, where the water temperature vary between 35 and 100 degrees. The thermal spring of Pamukkale has been used since antiquity. 

At the source, the temperature is about 35.6 and it contains a high concentration of calcium carbonate. When it comes in contact with the oxhigen in the air, it forms carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gases, which evaporate and leave deposits of calcium carbonate. Initially, the calcium carbonate deposits are like soft jelly. Over the time it hardens and form the travertine. People are not allowed to walk on the upper hills of Pamukkale, otherwise they would ruin it. Have a look at this video and you will understand why.

The place in winter is quite calm and the atmosphere is magic. I can imagine the difference in number of visitors during the summer time and I do not think I would appreciate it.

Once I reached the upper top of Pamukkale, a new enchanting adventure begun: I visited Hierapolis. The ancient city is known as "the sacred city", on account of its several temples and religious structures clustered in it. The name "Hierapolis" honours Hiera, the Queen of the Amazons, beloved wife of Telephos, the legendary founder of Pergamum. A great earthquake took place in 60 AD. After that, the city was completely renovated, assuming the appearance of a typical Roman city. The glorious city was captured by the Turks at the end of the 12th century. It has mantained its historical texture and the importance of its thermal water has never waned.

Strolling around Hierapolis is like taking a walk in the past. What can you admire? The streets, the gates, the Apollo Temple, the Theatre, the Necropolis, and so much more. The atmoshere is magic. The Theatre contains one of the best examples of original Roman theater decoration. The stage was decorated with various reliefs. A seat for distinguished spectators was located in the center of the seating area (cavea). Approximately thirty rows of seats are preserved. Really impressive!

The Apollo Temple was built in the 3rd century AD. Apollo was thought to be the city’s divine founder. The temple was built beside the plutonium, an underground cavern from which poisonous gases emerged. The city’s theater stands in the background.

And what can I tell you about the Necropolis? It is one of the largest and best-preserved cemeteries in all of Turkey. It contains sarcophagi, many different types of tombs and funeral monuments dating from the Hellenistic until the early Christian times. There are also numerous inscriptions here, more than 300 of which have been translated and published. A tour around antique times!

I am so glad I decided to visit Turkey. Medes Tour Travel made me discover it, and I feel comfortable inviting you to do the same. You can call them using this number +902328567213: they speak English and they will be glad to help you organize your trip.