BITHYNIA
It
can be easily said that one of the most important city is Istanbul in Anatolia
mainly in border of Bithynia. This largest city having today around 20 million
population which is 16% of Turkey's population. And the 3rd largest
metropolitan area in Europe. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and
encricles the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn, locating on the
northwest of the country. It extends both on the European and on the Asian
sides of the Bosphorus thereby it is the only metropolis in the world that is
situated on two continents.
The history begins around 660 BC when the settlers from Megara under the command of King Byzas established on the European side of the Bosphorus. The city experienced a brief period of Persian rule around 5th century BC. Byzantium officially became a part of the Roman Empire in AD 73. Finally in 330 AD it was officially declared the capital of the Roman Empire. Although the city was initially called the Second Rome or New Rome, these names were soon forgotten to be replaced by "Byzantium" and in later ages by "Constantinopolis".
The Latin invasion was a dark page in the history of Istanbul. It started with the invasion of the city by the armies of the Fourth Crusade in 1204. increasing threats of the expanding Ottoman Empire finally came to an climax when, following a siege of fifty-three days in 1453, the city was captured by the Turks. The Imperial Topkapi Palace built on the site of the old acropolis commands an extraordinarily beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. As a result of closer contacts with the West, mosques and palaces in European style were built along the shores of the Bosphorus by the 19th century. Till Republic Era it was capital city of Ottoman Empire.
After
having some information about İstanbul we can start our trip. Almost from any
country there is a direct flight to İstanbul. It would be offered to arrive at
night so you refresh yourself for morning program. Be ready to spend whole day
in Sarayburnu. Sarayburnu is a promontory separating the Golden Horn and the
Sea of Marmara in Istanbul. The area is where the renowned Hippodrome, Topkapı
Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Cistern locate.
The
Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social
centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square
named Sultan Ahmet Square in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with only a few
components of the original structure surviving. Let’s see them.
The German
Fountain is located in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul across from the
Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to commemorate the second
anniversary of the German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898. It
was officially opened January 27, 1901, on the birthday of German Emperor
Wilhelm II. built in Germany, then transported piece by piece. The
Neo-Renaissance style of fountain's octagonal dome features eight marble
columns, and the interior is covered with golden mosaics. The Neo-Renaissance
style of the octagonal fountain stands on a high floor with a staircase of
eight stairs, seven brass faucets and covering its reservoir. The exterior
bronze green dome which stands these over eight porphyry columns and the dome's interior surface are decorated
with golden mosaics as well as with Abdülhamid II's tughra and Wilhelm II's
symbol.
The
Serpent Column is one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul. The heads of the
three intertwined serpents used to form the legs of a gold cauldron. The
thirty-one Greek cities, which defeated the Persians in 5th century, BC melted
the bronze items they had captured to create this unique monument. The 8-meter
high column originally stood before the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. It was
brought to Istanbul in 324 by Constantine and erected in the middle of the
Hippodrome. The heads of the serpents, intact until 1700, disappeared at that
time. One of the missing heads was later found and it is now on display at the
Archeological Museum.
Walled
Obelisk; in the 10th century the Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus built
another obelisk at the other end of the Hippodrome. The 32 meter-high obelisk
was originally covered with gilded bronze plaques, but they were sacked by
Latin troops in the Fourth Crusade. The stone core of this monument also
survives, known as the Walled Obelisk.
Exterior;
The court is about as large as the mosque itself and is surrounded by a
continuous vaulted arcade. It has ablution facilities on both sides. The
central hexagonal fountain is rather small in contrast with the sizes of the
courtyard. The monumental but narrow gateway to the courtyard stands out
architecturally from the arcade. Its semi-dome has a fine stalactite structure,
crowned by a small ribbed dome on a tall tholobate.
Interior; At its lower levels and at every pier, the interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, made at Iznik in more than fifty different tulip designs. The tiles at lower levels are traditional in design, while at gallery level their design becomes flamboyant with representations of flowers, fruit and cypresses.The upper levels of the interior are dominated by blue paint. More than 200 stained glass windows with intricate designs admit natural light, today assisted by chandeliers. On the chandeliers, ostrich eggs are found that were meant to avoid cobwebs inside the mosque by repelling spiders.
The most important element in the interior of the mosque is the mihrab, which is made of finely carved and sculptured marble, with a stalactite niche and a double inscriptive panel above it. To the right of the mihrab is the richly decorated or pulpit, where the Imam stands when he is delivering his sermon at the time of noon prayer on Fridays or on holy days.
The
mosque has been designed so that even when it is at its most crowded, everyone
in the mosque can see and hear the Imam. The many lamps inside the mosque were
once covered with gold and gems. Among the glass bowls one could find ostrich
eggs and crystal balls. All these decorations have been removed or pillaged for
museums. The great tablets on the walls are inscribed with the names of the
caliphs and verses from the Quran, originally by the great 17th-century
calligrapher Ametli Kasım Gubarım, but they have frequently been restored.
Now
it is time to visit Topkapı Palace.
The
Topkapı Palace is among the monuments contained within the "Historic Areas
of Istanbul", which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Construction
started in 1459, order of Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Byzantine
Constantinople. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many
smaller buildings. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people
and covered a large area with a long shoreline.
The
palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers but only the most important
are accessible to the public today. The palace includes many fine examples of
Ottoman architecture. It contains large collections of porcelain, robes,
weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts
and murals, as well as a display of Ottoman treasures and jewelry.
PALACE’S
VISITING PLAN
The
palace compound, seen from above is a rough rectangle, divided into four main
courtyards and the harem.
1- The First Courtyard of the Topkapi
Palace
The
Imperial Gate or Bab-i-Humayun; The main entrance to the first courtyard, known
as the "Courtyard of the Regiments" is through the Imperial gate
known as Bab-i-Humayun. The portal of Bab-i-Humayun is flanked by two towers
built during the time of Sultan Mehmet II.
Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III; The fountain just outside the gate is the fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, which is the most striking sample of 18th century.
The
Service Buildings, The Tiled Pavilion, The Archaeological Museum, Haghia Eirene
Church; Around the periphery of the first courtyard were the service buildings,
which included a hospital, bakery, mint, accommodation for palace servants and
guards and the firewood depots. .
A
building of significance in this courtyard was the Cinili Kosk, the first
building constructed in the Topkapi Palace complex and which is now a ceramics
museum, exhibiting Turkish ceramics from the 12th century to the present day.
Next to the tiled pavilion is the
Archaeological Museum which houses one of the most outstanding collections in
the world and consists of archeological exhibits dating from ancient Byzantine
period.
2- The Second Courtyard
Babus-selam or the Gate of Salutation; From the first courtyard to the second courtyard is through the gate known as the Orta Kapi or Babusselam meaning "the gate of greeting" or the "peace gate."
The Chamber of State Buildings; The administrative center of the state and the government, the "Chamber of State" are placed in this courtyard, on the left as one enters through the Babusselam. The "Council of State" met four days in a week under the chairmanship of the Grand Vizier. Other participants at the meetings were the Viziers and their secretaries.
The State Treasury Buildings, a Display House for Old Weapons; The large eight-domed building adjoining the "Council of State" buildings were the state treasury. Today this building houses an exhibition of a rich collection of old weapons.
The Palace Kitchens, Display Area for The
World's Largest Collection of Porcelain Ware; On the right periphery of the
second courtyard is the row of palace kitchens, with twenty chimneys. It is
said that during the period of rule of the Sultans, the palace kitchens
employed over a thousand cooks and assistants who cooked and served meals to
the different sections of the palace.
Today
the restored palace kitchens have been altered to an exhibition hall that
displaying about 2,500 pieces out of a total of 12,000 pieces, the largest
collection of porcelain ware, glassware and silverware in the world.
The
sultan's mother was the sole ruler of the harem and there was no title in the
empire as the "Empress" normally found in western monarchies. The
harem consists of long narrow hallways, with about 400 rooms scattered around
small courtyards.
3- The Third Courtyard
Entry to the third courtyard from the second
is through the "Babus-sade" or the "Gate of Felicity,"
which was guarded by the white soldiers. The third courtyard was the private
place of the sultan and therefore entry was restricted to the sultan, who
normally passed through "Babus-sade" on horseback and only a favored
handful of statesmen. Important
buildings in this courtyard were the throne room, the sultan's treasury, the
sacred relics chambers, the imperial university and the library of Ahmet III.
The Throne Room or the Audience Chamber; The
throne room or the audience chamber which was situated very close to the
"Babus-sade" was the place
where the sultan met high government officials and received foreign
ambassadors.
The Library of Ahmet III; Just after the
audience chamber almost at the center of the courtyard is the library built by
Ahmed III in the early 18th century. This building is a typical example of a
structure that blends harmoniously the baroque and Turkish architectural
styles.
The
Imperial University; The buildings on the right side of the audience room were
the classrooms and of the Imperial University where was a training school for
growing up civil servants who after graduation were posted to positions of
responsibility in the government.
The
Imperial Costume Collection; Today these buildings that served as the Imperial
school, houses the Imperial costume section of the Topkapi Palace. These
imperial costumes were made of fabric that were woven in the palace looms, and
embroidered with silk. gold and silver thread.
The Treasury; The former treasury of the sultan has been changed today to the treasury of the Topkapi Museum which including jewels and jewelry, jewel-encrusted thrones, jewel-encrusted daggers and other objects, enameled objects. There are main four rooms, portrait and miniature room, clock room, the sacred relics chamber.
4- The Fourth Courtyard
One
pavilion in this courtyard is the "Revan Pavilion" which is the only wooden pavilion in the
palace complex, and built by architect Koca Kasim in 1635.
The
"Baghdad Pavilion" also built by Koca Kasim in 1639 is an
octagonal-shaped pavilion much bigger than the "Revan Pavilion."
Between
the "Revan pavilion" and the "Baghdad Pavilion" is the
circumcision room and the place where the Sultans normally broke their daily
fasting at sunset during the month of fasting (Ramazan).
The
Mecidiye Pavilion at the right extreme corner of the courtyard was the last
addition to the palace.
After
unforgottable moments in Topkapı, it is recommended to visit Hagia Sophia
Mosque next to Topkapı Palace.
Hagia Sophia is known as the “Great Church” or “Magna Ecclesia” in Latin, the first church was built at the same location where there had been a pagan temple before. It was Constantius II who inaugurated Hagia Sophia on 15 February 360. From the chronicles of Socrates of Constantinople, we know that the church was built by the orders of Constantine the Great. This first church was a wooden-roofed basilica with a nave flanked by two or four aisles, each carrying a gallery storey. It was foregone by an atrium. This church was largely burned down in 404.
After
the first church’s being destroyed, Theodosius II ordered it to be repaired and
inaugurated the second church on 10 October 405. Only a short time after the
destruction of the second church, Justinian the Great suppressed the rebellions
and set about rebuilding what was damaged and destroyed. More than ten thousand
people worked for the construction and the third church was inaugurated by the
emperor on 27 December 537. The mosaics were finished later on during the reign
of Justin II (565-578).
The
prophet of God in Muslim religion, Muhammad, had prophesied that the first
Muslim to pray in Hagia Sophia would go to paradise. Since then, it was a great
ambition for Muslim leaders to get Hagia Sophia.
The
church has a rectangular shape, and vast square nave measuring 31m is covered
with a central dome that is carried on four pendentives. The arcade around the
dome is unbroken with 40 arched windows to bring the light inside. Excluding
the two narthexes and the large atrium, the basilica measures 70 x 75 m (229 x
245 ft). The atrium measures 48 x 32 m (157 x 106 ft) and the total length of
the construction measures 135 m (442 ft). The narthex outside at the eastern
part of atrium is enclosed, and the inner narthex is entered by 5 doors and
from this inner narthex there are 9 doors to the nave.The accesses to upper
galleries are provided by ramps, which are traditional feature of
Constantinopolitan church planning. Hagia Sophia was beautifully decorated with
mosaics within the centuries during Byzantine period. These mosaics depicted
Virgin Mary, Jesus, saints and emperors or empresses. The history of the
earliest mosaics is unknown as many of them were destroyed or covered during
Iconoclasm. 
Built
by Justinian after 532, the Basilica
Cistern stored water for the Great Palace and nearby buildings. Lost to memory,
it was rediscovered by Petrus Gyllius, who came to Constantinople in search of
Byzantine monuments. Gyllius, who noticed that local people got their water by
lowering buckets through holes in the floors of their houses, found an entrance
and thus put it back on the map. The Ottomans used it to supply Topkapı Palace.
For second day, it is suggested to have
Bosphorus Boat Tour which starts mainly Eminönü, Kadıköy, Yenikapı.
One
of the best activities in Istanbul without doubt cruise between Europe and Asia
continents. We are going to see all attractive buildings by cruise taking 3
hours starting in Eminonu from south to north side.
There
is a restaurant and café on its upper floors which command a magnificent view
of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Also located on the upper floors is a night club
which hosts a Turkish show. There are two operating elevators that carry
visitors from the lower level to the upper levels. The upper section of the
tower with the conical cap was slightly modified in several restorations during
the Ottoman period when it was used as an observation tower for spotting fires.
Then Dolmabahce Palace can be seen. The
Dolmabahçe Palace located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, on the
European coastline of the Bosphorus strait, served as the main administrative
center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922, apart from a 22-year interval
(1887–1909) in which Yıldız Palace was used. Dolmabahçe Palace was ordered by
the Empire's 31st Sultan, Abdülmecid I, and built between the years 1843 and
1856. The construction cost five million Ottoman mecidiye gold coins, the equivalent
of 35 tonnes of gold. Fourteen tonnes of gold in the form of gold leaf were
used to gild the ceilings of the 45,000 square metre monoblock palace, which
stands on an area of 110,000 m².
Dolmabahçe
Palace was home to six Sultans from 1856, when it was first inhabited, up until
the abolition of the Caliphate in 1924: The last royal to live here was Caliph
Abdülmecid Efendi. A law that went into effect on March 3, 1924 transferred the
ownership of the palace to the national heritage of the new Turkish Republic.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of
Turkey, used the palace as a presidential residence during the summers and
enacted some of his most important works here. Atatürk spent the last days of
his medical treatment in this palace, where he died on November 10, 1938.
The
world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is in the center hall. The
chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tonnes.
Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal
chandeliers in the world, and one of the great staircases has bannisters of
Baccarat crystal.
A
visit to the Dolmabahce Palace begins at the Medhal Hall. Rooms leading off the
Medhal are towards the sea and the land. The rooms facing the sea were used by
the leading Ottoman officials, the Grand Vizier and the other state ministers,
while the rooms facing the land were used by various administrators of the
palace and the state, such as the Palace Marshall, Şeyhülislam, and members of
the House of Representatives, Meclis-i Mebusan and the SenateM, Meclis-i Ayan.
The
palace is connected with a beautiful marble bridge to the Yıldız Palace on the
hill behind. A very high garden wall protects the palace from the outer
world.The construction and the interior decoration of the palace continued
until 1872. After he moved in, Sultan Abdülâziz was, however, not able to live
long in his magnificent palace. He was found dead in the palace on May 30,
1876, shortly after he was dethroned. His successor, his nephew Sultan Murad V,
moved into Çırağan Palace, but reigned after only 93 days. He, who was deposed
by his brother Abdülhamid II due to alleged mental illness, lived here under
house arrest until his death on August 29, 1904.
During
the Second Constitutional Monarchy, Sultan Mehmet V Reşat allowed the
parliament to hold their meetings in this building. Only two months after, on
January 19, 1910, a great fire destroyed the palace, leaving only the outer
walls intact. Called "Şeref Stadı", the place served for many years
as a football stadium for the club Beşiktaş J.K. In 1989, the ruined palace was
bought by a Japanese corporation, which restored the palace and added a modern
hotel complex next to it in its garden. Today, it serves as luxury suites for
the five-star Kempinski hotel along with two restaurants that cater to guests.
The Palace was renovated again during the first quarter of 2007, now resembling
the authentic palace with the baroque style and soft colors.
Previously,
there was a little mosque built by Mahmut Ağa, the son-in law of the Vizier
Ibrahim Paşa, on the former site of the mosque. The little mosque built in 1721
but was destroyed during the revolt of Patrona Halil in 1730. The current
mosque, which was erected in its place, was greatly damaged during the
earthquake of 1894, and the spire of the minaret needed to be rearranged. When
it was understood that the building was in danger of collapsing in 1960, ground
reinforcement efforts were carried out. After the conflagration in 1984, it was
completely restored and reattained its previous magnificence.
The last building on Europe side is Rumeli Fortress. The Rumelihisarı is a fortress located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, Turkey, on a hill at the European side of the Bosphorus. It gives the name of the quarter around it. It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II between 1451 and 1452, before he conquered Constantinople. The three great towers were named after three of Mehmed II's viziers, Sadrazam Çandarlı Halil Pasha, who built the big tower next to the gate, Zağanos Pasha, who built the south tower, and Sarıca Pasha, who built the north tower.
Rumeli
hisarı is situated at the narrowest point with 660 meters of the Bosphorus
strait, just opposite of Anadoluhisarı on the Anatolian side. The Rumelihisarı
was built by Sultan Mehmed II between 1451 and 1452 in order to control the sea
traffic on the Bosphorus strait and prevent aid from the Black Sea to reach
Constantinople during the Turkish siege of the city in 1453, particularly from
the Genoese colonies such as Caffa, Sinop and Amasra.
Just
opposite of it Anadolu Fortress can be seen while we are turning to Asia Side.
The Anadoluhisarı, Anatolian Castle is a fortress located in Istanbul, Turkey
on the Anatolian (Asian) side of the Bosporus, which also gives its name to the
quarter around it. It was built between 1393 and 1394 by the Ottoman sultan
Bayezid I "The Thunderbolt" as part of his preparations for the
Second Ottoman Siege of Constantinople, which took place in 1395.
Anadoluhisarı, constructed on an area of 7,000 m², is situated at the narrowest
point with 660 m of the Bosporus strait and next to a creek named The Fatih
Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second bridge spanning Bosporus, is located just
north of the fortress. Another fortress, Rumelihisarı, was built between 1451
and 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II opposite of Anadoluhisarı on the European side in
order to obtain absolute control over the sea traffic of the Bosporus Strait,
which was especially vital for the Genoese in Galata, who were allied with the
Byzantines and had colonies in the Black Sea such as Caffa, Sinop and Amasra.
After
the conquest of the city, Sultan Mehmet II used the structure as a watch tower.
The tower, mistakenly known as Leander's Tower after the legend of Hero and
Leander (which took place in the Dardanelles), was destroyed during the
earthquake of 1509, and burned in 1721. Since then it was used as a lighthouse,
and the surrounding walls were repaired in 1731 and 1734, until in 1763 it was
erected using stone. From 1829 the tower was used as a quarantine station, and
in 1832 was restored by Sultan Mahmud II.
Restored again by the harbour authority in 1945, the most recent
restoration took place in 1998, when steel supports were added around the
ancient tower as a precaution after the 17 August 1999 earthquake.
The
interior of the tower has been transformed into a popular café and restaurant,
with an excellent view of the former Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman capital.
Private boats make trips to the tower several times a day.
There
are many legends about the construction of the tower and its location.
According to the most popular Turkish legend, a sultan had a much beloved
daughter. One day, an oracle prophesied that she would be killed by a venomous
snake on her 18th birthday. The sultan, in an effort to thwart his daughter's
early demise by placing her away from land so as to keep her away from any
snakes, had the tower built in the middle of the Bosphorus to protect his
daughter until her 18th birthday. The princess was placed in the tower, where
she was frequently visited only by her father. On the 18th birthday of the
princess, the sultan brought her a basket of exotic sumptuous fruits as a
birthday gift, delighted that he was able to prevent the prophecy. Upon
reaching into the basket, however, an asp that had been hiding among the fruit
bit the young princess and she died in her father's arms, just as the oracle
had predicted. Hence the name Maiden's Tower.
The
last part of that name, Chora, referring to its location originally outside of
the walls, became the shortened name of the church. The original church on this
site was built in the early 5th century, and stood outside of the 4th century
walls of Constantine the Great. However, when Theodosius II built his
formidable land walls in 413–414, the church became incorporated within the
city's defences, but retained the name Chora.
The
majority of the fabric of the current building dates from 1077–1081, when Maria
Dukaina, the mother-in-law of Alexius I Comnenus, rebuilt the Chora Church as
an inscribed cross or quincunx: a popular architectural style of the time.
Early in the 12th century, the church suffered a partial collapse, perhaps due
to an earthquake.
The
church was rebuilt by Isaac Comnenus, Alexius's third son. However, it was only
after the third phase of building, two centuries after, that the church as it
stands today was completed. The powerful Byzantine statesman Theodore
Metochites endowed the church with much of its fine mosaics and frescos.
Theodore's impressive decoration of the interior was carried out between 1315
and 1321. The mosaic-work is the finest example of the Palaeologian
Renaissance. The artists remain unknown. In 1328, Theodore was sent into exile
by the usurper Andronicus III Palaeologus. However, he was allowed to return to
the city two years later, and lived out the last two years of his life as a
monk in his Chora Church.
Around
fifty years after the fall of the city to the Ottomans, Atık Ali Paşa, the
Grand Vizier of Sultan Bayezid II, ordered the Chora Church to be converted
into a mosque , Kariye Camii. Due to the prohibition against iconic images in
Islam, the mosaics and frescoes were covered behind a layer of plaster. This
and frequent earthquakes in the region have taken their toll on the artwork.
Interior;
The Chora Church is not as large as some of the other Byzantine churches of
Istanbul (it covers 742.5 m²), but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in
the beauty of its interior. The building divides into three main areas: the
entrance hall or narthex, the main body of the church or naos, and the side
chapel. The building has six domes: two in the esonarthex, one in the
parecclesion and three in the naos.
Narthex;
The main, west door of the Chora Church opens into the narthex. It divides
north-south into the exonarthex and esonarthex. Mosaics of the enrollment for
taxation before Governor Quirinius.
The
exonarthex is the first part of the
church that one enters. It is a transverse corridor, 4 m wide and 23 m long,
which is partially open on its eastern length into the parallel esonarthex. The
southern end of the exonarthex opens out through the esonarthex forming a
western ante-chamber to the parecclesion.
For
the rest of day, providing that you want to prolong your vacation you can visit
other historical places such as Istanbul Archaeology Museum in Sultan Ahmet,
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Sultan Ahmet, Grand Bazaar in Beyazit,
Suleymaniye Mosque in Suleymaniye, Pierre Loti Hill in Halic.
After visiting marvellous İstanbul, it is suggested to visit either Edirne Province where you will be able to see one of the most important historical monument Selimiye Mosque or Bursa Province where it is suggested to visit The Green Mosque, symbol of Bursa, Trilye village in Mudanya and Cumalıkızık Village where the old Turkish houses to be seen. After experiencing unforgettable moments in both cities, route is turned to Çanakkale where legendary Troy, Assos and great Pergamon lie. Below information is already prepared for you.
BURSA
Known
as "Green Bursa", this province lies on the lower slopes of Uludag 2543 m. where is 262 km.far from
İstanbul by road or you can choose to go there by ferry from İstanbul Yenikapı
to Bursa in 1.5 hr. And it can be recommended to visit Bursa daily during your
vacation in İstanbul.
gardens and parks and of course from its being in the middle of an important fruit cultiviting region. In Bursa there are things you should not miss. First of all you are suggested to taste of the delicious "Iskender Kebap". The candied chestnuts are a specialty and have an unforgettable taste. The peaches of Bursa are unique. Bursa is a center of the silk trade and towel manufacturing in Turkey. It is also the home of the very famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagoz and Hacivat. Because of its being the first Ottoman capital, Bursa is very rich in religious monuments, mosques and tombs, baths.
Something
you will enjoy in Bursa are the warm, mineral-rich springs; indeed most of the
hotels in this province have thermal bath facilities. The Turkish baths
"hamam" are great places which should be visited in Bursa. As for
souvenirs you should visit the Covered Bazaar, "Bedesten", or the
Koza Han a selective building and also a center of silk trade. It is certain
that Bursa will take some of time for you to see and add some more delightful
experiences to your memories.
Uludag
is the largest and most celebrated winter-sports center in Turkey. It is 36 kms
from Bursa and easily accessible by car or cable-car. The area is also a
national park and is worth a visit at any time of the year. The accommodation
is high quality offering the opportunity to enjoy with a variety of
entertainment and sports activities.
Iznik
(Nicaea) lies 85 km northeast of Bursa, at the eastern tip of Lake Iznik where
the Iznik tiles were the basic decorative element of Seljuk and Ottoman
architecture. The turquoise-tiled Yesil Mosque and Nilufer Hatun imareti are
among the Islamic works in the town.
THE
GREEN MOSQUE
The
architectural style known as Bursa Style begins with Yeşil Cami. The mosque is
based on a reverse T-plan with a vestibule at the entrance leading to a central
hall flanked by eyvans on the east and west and a larger eyvan with mihrab
niche on the south. Two small eyvans flank the entryway above which the royal
box is located. There are four rooms with fireplaces to the north and south of
side eyvans accessed through the vestibule and the central hall respectively.
Stairs on both sides of the vestibule lead to the upper floor where the royal
lodge and two adjacentt rooms for the royal women are located. Here a passage
opens to the balconies on the northern facade where the minaret steps begin.
Beneath
the central dome, the sculted white marble fountain within an octagonal pool
adds to the beauty of the mosque. On one's left and right side are two large
eyvans. The walls of the inner vestibule are covered with dark green tiles and
on each side, a great circle filled with blue, white and golden-yellow
arabesques of tendrils and flowers.
The
interior of the mosque is decorated with a mosaic of blue-green tiles on the
walls and ceiling of the eyvans from which it gets its name. One ascends from the
vestibule to prayer hall via three steps. This stair is flanked on each side by
three cubby-holes (papuçluk) for slippers. This shows the vestibule was paved
and not carpeted as nowadays. Opposite stands the mihrab, the gate to paradise,
with its moulded tile frame. Its niche is crowned by twelve rows of mocárabe,
coming together in a six-ribbed shell on top. The intricate pattern of the
tiles, full of flowers and entwining stems, was achieved through the cuerda
seca technique, followed by ingenious gilding patterns.
CUMALIKIZIK
VILLAGE
A
group of similar villages which are placed close together between the foot of
mount Uludağ and the valleys have been called Kızık in Turkish. The name stands
for one of the twenty-four clans of the Oghuz Turks and the people from the
villages also called Kızık. Similar villages, less well preserved, are
Değirmenlikızık, Derekızık, and Hamamlıkızık was the village of the local baths
(hamam), and Cumalıkızık was named because people gathered there on Friday
(Cuma, in Turkish) for worship.
The
Cumalıkızık ethnography museum in the village's square displays historical
objects from the village. Every June there is a raspberry festival. The famous
Cumalıkızık houses are made out of wood, adobe, rubblestones. Most of them are
triplex houses. The windows upstairs are generally latticed and with a bay
window. The handles and knockers on the main entry doors are made of wrought iron.
Cobblestone streets are very narrow with no sidewalks, but a typical medieval
gutter in the center for rain and waste water.
Cumalıkızık
holds 270 historical houses. Some of these houses are in process of restoration
and maintenance, and 180 of them are still being used as dwellings.
EDIRNE,
GATE OF THRACE
If
you woud like to go Troy over Thrace first you are suggested to visit Edirne,
243 km. west of İstanbul. Edirne is lying in the curve generale bay the River
Tunca just before merging with the River Meriç in the South-East of Balkan
Peninsula called Thrace which is 243 km.far from İstanbul taking 2.5 hr.
via Europa high-way. Edirne, always is a
significant center due to its location in the main route connecting Anatolia to
Europe showed its major development in the era of Ottoman predominance. It can
be thought that the development of the city was influenced negatively because
of gaining a location of border city after the invasions faced since 19th
century.
As
widely admitted, the oldest settlement, in the area in which Edirne is situated
now, was established by Odris/Odrisia-one of the Trak tribes in the part where
Meriç and Tunca Rivers merge and it is known that Macedonians transformed it
into a colony of Orestias. The name Hadrianopolis was given in honour of Roman
Emperor Hadrianopolis (117-138) when he refounded the city in the 2nd century,
was used as “Edrenos” and “Edrenaboli” in Islamic resources and “Edrene” form
was generated during the reign of Sultan Murat I and probably has been used as
“Edirne” since 18th century.
During
your vaction it is suggested to visit Selimiye Mosque, Old Quarter, Macedonian
Tower and Edirne Taşköprü.
SELIMIYE
MOSQUE
The
Selimiye mosque is now on the Unesco World heritage list and pretty much the
main focus of many visitors to Edirne. The Selimiye mosque is now on the Unesco
World heritage list and pretty much the main focus of many visitors to Edirne.
This
mosque consists of a rectangular, nearly square prayer hall and on the north
side, a courtyard with porticoes. There are three entrances to the courtyard:
north, east and west. In the centre of the courtyard is a 12-sided fountain.
Each corner of the prayer hall features a minaret nearly 71 m high with three
balconies. The balconies of the minarets on the northeast and northwest corners
are accessed by three separate staircases.
Inside, the spaces between the walls and the pillars are adorned with galleries; main portal, the mihrab, and the minbar are covered with marble. The walls of the domed space for the mihrab, the walls of the sultan's loge, the tympana of the windows and the spandrels of the women's gallery are decorated with underglaze-painted Iznik tiles.
ÇANAKKALE
After
Edirne city program you can drive to Çanakkale where one of the prominant
ancient site Troy lies, 262 km. south of Edirne. The city of Canakkale with territories
on both sides of the straits called 'Hellespontos' and 'Dardanelles' all
through the history, one of the two important sea routes between Asia and
Europe, has always possessed a strategic importance in the history of
civilization. In Otoman times Canakkale was known as 'Kale-i Sultaniye' or
'Sultaniye Castle' after a massive fort was constructed here in mid 15th
Century by Sultan Mehmed II. The name 'Canakkale' used today is most probably
from its clay soil very suitable for pottery which means 'canak' in Turkish.
This ancient tradition of pottery was always famous in the region and it's
still carried on today.
Canakkale,
with its natural wonder and historical wealth is one of the unmatched cities of
the world. The many times destroyed and rebuilt antique city of Troy, Alxandria
Troas, the biggest antique city of Anatolia, which was considered by Empreror
Konstantin as the capital of his empire.
Assos where Aristotle one of the most prominent philosopher of the
history spent some part of his life, the forts of Babakale, Cimenlik and
Kilitbahir, the biggest Turkish island Gökçeada naturally beautiful Bayramic
Ayazma and the authentic Bozcaada with its crystal waters, medieval castle and
delicious wine.
The
first settlement here was around the fort after it was completed. The Romanies
first and then the Greeks and Armenians who had worked for the construction and
established their quarters around it. After the economical growth in the
following centuries the city started becoming an important port and eventually
consular and trading-attached offices were established which amounted up to 20
at its peak time.
ANCIENT
TROY
In 1865, English archaeologist Frank Calvert excavated trial trenches in a field he had bought from a local farmer at Hisarlık and in 1868, Heinrich Schliemann, wealthy German businessman and archaeologist, also began excavating in the area after a chance meeting with Calvert in Çanakkale.
These
excavations revealed several cities built in succession. Schliemann was at
first skeptical about the identification of Hissarlik with Troy, but was
persuaded by Calvert and took over Calvert's excavations on the eastern half of
the Hissarlik site, which was on Calvert's property. Troy VII has been
identified with the Hittite Wilusa, the probable origin of the Greek Troy and
is identified with Homeric Troy.
Troia
was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998.
TROJAN
WAR LEGEND
The classical legends of the Trojan War developed continuously throughout Greek and Latin literature. In Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, the earliest literary evidence available, the chief stories have already taken shape and individual themes were elaborated later, especially in Greek drama. The story of the Trojan origin, through Aeneas, of Rome helped to inspire Roman interest; book II of Virgil's Aeneid contains the best-known account of the sack of Troy. Finally there are the pseudo-chronicles that go under the names of Dictys Cretensis and Dares Phrygius.
The
Trojan War fought between the Greeks and Troy originated in the following
manner. King Priam of Troy was wealthy and powerful; by his wife Hecuba and by
concubines he had 50 sons and 12 daughters. But his son Paris was invited to
judge which of the goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and Athena was entitled to receive
the golden apple marked by the goddess Eris "for the most beautiful."
Aphrodite promised Paris the most beautiful woman in the world: he therefore
awarded her the apple and went to Greece, where he won the love of and eloped
with, Helen, wife of Menelaus, the king of Sparta.
To
recover Helen, the Greeks launched a great expedition under the overall command
of Menelaus' brother, Agamemnon, king of Argos. The Trojans refused to return
Helen. The Greeks sacked small towns in or near the Troad, but Troy, assisted
by allies from Asia Minor and Thrace, withstood a Greek siege for 10 years. The
gods also took sides, notably Hera, Athena, and Poseidon for the Greeks, Apollo
and Ares for the Trojans. The Iliad, which is set in the 10th year of the war,
tells of the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles, who was the finest Greek
warrior, and the consequent deaths in battle of (among others) Achilles' friend
Patroclus and Priam's eldest son, Hector.
After
Hector's death the Trojans were joined by two exotic allies, Penthesilea, queen
of the Amazons, and Memnon, king of the Ethiopians and son of the dawn-goddess
Eos. Achilles killed both of these, but Paris then managed to kill Achilles
with an arrow. Before they could take Troy, the Greeks had to steal from the
citadel the wooden image of Pallas Athena (the Palladium) and fetch the arrows
of Heracles and the sick archer Philoctetes from Lemnos and Achilles' son
Neoptolemus (Pyrrhus) from Skyros; Odysseus and Diomedes achieved all these.
Finally, with Athena's help, Epeius built a huge wooden horse. Several Greek
warriors hid inside it; the rest of the Greek army sailed away to Tenedos, a
nearby island, pretending to abandon the siege. Despite the warnings of Priam's
daughter Cassandra, the Trojans were persuaded by Sinon, a Greek who feigned
desertion, to take the horse inside the walls of Troy as an offering to Athena;
the priest Laocoon, who tried to have the horse destroyed, was killed by sea
serpents. At night the Greek fleet returned, and the Greeks from the horse
opened the gates of Troy. In the total sack that followed, Priam and his
remaining sons were slaughtered; the Trojan women passed into slavery in
various cities of Greece. The adventurous homeward voyages of the Greek leaders
were told in two epics, the Returns and Homer's Odyssey.
RUINS
OF TROY
There
are ruins of walls from a number of different periods scattered throughout the
site, some include a gate or tower. Part of the foundation of the Greco-Roman
Temple of Athena still exists. The best preserved ruin is probably the Roman
Odeon where concerts were held, there is also a Bouleterion or senate building.
From the period Troy II (2600–2250 BCE) there are the ruins of some houses that
belonged to the upper-classes and a great stone ramp that is believed to have
led into the city. From Troy VI (17th–15th centuries BCE) there are traces of
an ancient sanctuary and a Palace Complex. There are also remains of what is
supposedly the Skaean Gate, where Hector and Achilles dueled. On the grounds, a
wooden replica of the Trojan horse is on display.
Compared
to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities on the Mediterranean, the
ruins of Troy are a disappointment, but for any fan of Homer or lover of
mythology, the trip is well worth your time.
ASSOS
Visting ruins of Troy, it is suggested to drive around 75 km. to the south through to the Behramköy, where Assos ancient city lies.
After leaving the Platonic Academy in Athens, Aristotle went to Assos, where he was welcomed by King Hermias and opened an Academy in this city. Aristotle also married Pythias, the adopted daughter of Hermias. In the Academy of Assos, Aristotle became a chief to a group of philosophers, and together with them, he made innovative observations on zoology and biology. When the Persians attacked Assos, King Hermias was caught and put to death. Aristotle fled to Macedonia, which was ruled by his friend King Philip II of Macedon. There he tutored Philip's son, Alexander the Great.
The
city was founded from 1000-900 BC by Aeolian colonists from Lesbos who
specifically are said to have come from Methymna. The settlers built a Doric
Temple to Athena on top of the crag in 530 BC. From this temple Hermias of
Atarneus, a student of Plato, ruled Assos, the Troad and Lesbos for a period of
time, under which the city experienced its greatest prosperity. Strangely,
Hermias was actually the slave of the ruler of Atarneus. Under his rule, he
encouraged philosophers to move to the city. As part of this, in 348 BC
Aristotle came here and married King Hermeias's niece, Pythia, before leaving
for Lesbos three years later in 345 BC. This 'golden period' of Assos ended
several years later when the Persians arrived, and subsequently tortured
Hermias to death.
The
Persians were driven out by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. Between 241 and 133
BC, the city was ruled by the Kings of Pergamon. However, in 133 BC, the
Pergamons lost control of the city as it was absorbed by the Roman empire. St.
Paul also visited the city during his third missionary journey through Asia
Minor, which was between 53-57 AD, on his way to Lesbos. From this period
onwards, Assos shrunk to a small village, as it has remained ever since. Ruins
around Assos continue to be excavated. The pillars from the ancient port lay in
the harbor for over a millennia. Eventually they were probably sold.
In
the early 1900s an attempt was made to move the contents of the Temple of
Athena. Much of the art has been moved to museums like the Louvre.The art found
includes pictures both of mythical creatures and heraldic events. Many of the
old buildings of Assos are in ruins today, but is still active. It still serves
as a port for Troad. Temple ruins remain. Down the steep seaward side of the
hill at the water's edge is the hamlet called Iskele with old stone houses now
serving as inns, pensions and restaurants.
There
is a small pebbly beach. There are boat tours and tours of the hamlet itself.
Although the one lane road to the hamlet is steep with sheer drops, the sea
front has a constant stream of cars and minibuses arriving from dawn to dusk.
RUINS
OF ASSOS
Acropolis
& Temple of Athena: A top the acropolis is the temple of Athena, which was
built around 530 B.C. The temple is unusual because some elements are of Doric
style but its decorative frieze is characteristic of the Ionic order. The
reliefs from the frieze, which depict centaurs, animals, and human figures are
in museums in Istanbul, Çanakkale, Paris and Boston.
Assos'
spectacular layout is apparent from the acropolis and the view in every
direction is stunning. On the east, traces of ancient walls appear above dense
shrubs and trees. To the north are the red-tiled roofs of the houses of
Behramkale. West and south, the ancient ruins are exposed on a series of
terraces below the acropolis. In the distance is the Aegean and the island of
Lesbos.
Northwest
Wall & Polygonal Wall Continuing the exploration of Assos, descend back
through Behramkale and head toward the west gate. The modern road passes a
prominent section of the fourth-century wall with several square towers. The
wall is discontinuous here but farther along one section incorporates part of
an earlier, sixth-century B.C. wall, the polygonal masonry of which stands out
in contrast to the rectangular blocks of the later one. Remains of this early
polygonal wall have been documented throughout the site. Different masonry
types can be used to identify different periods and show how structures are
re-used throughout the centuries. More recent recycling is seen in the removal
of ancient stone blocks to build houses in Behramkale during the nineteenth and
early
The
Western Necropolis & the Tomb of Publius Varius The main street on the west
side of Assos was lined by burials, and because of this was given the name
"Street of Tombs" by the American excavators. Visitors today can walk
along its length to the Western gate, through which you'd enter the city in
antiquity. Family burial precincts are marked by clusters of andesite
sarcophagi. In addition there are a few burials in large ceramic jars or
pithoi. Immediately to the left of the gate is the monumental tomb of Publius
Varius.
West
Wall & Gate Built around the fourth century B.C., the city's strong
fortification walls are among its most impressive remains. In the western
section, the great walls can be seen clearly from both the acropolis and as you
walk up the Street of Tombs. The west gate is a magnificent sight, with the
left tower still standing more than 14 m.
Civic
Center After entering the west gate, the street passes through the civic center
of ancient Assos, which was set on a broad terrace below the acropolis and
above the theater. Immediately to the left of the west gate was the gymnasium,
where the upper class youths exercised and were taught. Little remains here
from a second-century B.C. gymnasium that was possibly an alteration of an
older gym where Aristotle once taught. Beyond the gymnasium was a shrine
commemorating an unknown hero, the agora and the bouleuterion, dated to the
second and third century B.C. The agora at Assos was demarcated by stoas--long,
colonnaded buildings that would have held shops and offices--on its north and
south sides. To the east, are the foundations of the bouleuterion. The view
from the agora of the Aegean and the island of Lesbos is stunning. Below, one
sees the theater, which also reaps the benefit of this magnificent vista.
Theater
The theater of Assos has a spectacular view of the Aegean and Lesbos. Directly
below the south stoa of the agora and perched above the harbor, it could hold
some 5,000 spectators. Well-preserved in part, sections of the theater have
been reconstructed with concrete blocks.
The
Harbor During their excavations in the 1880s, the American crew stayed at the
harbor. Francis Bacon wrote of the camels bringing loads of acorns (used for
dye) and of making the long hike up to the acropolis several times each day.
The harbor today has several small guesthouses and restaurants.
PERGAMON
After
having perfect time in Assos with its beautiful view, the route will take you
to the one of the well-preserved ancient city Pergamon, famous for its libabry
and health center called Asklepion. You can prefer to use coastline way or way
to taking 2.5 hr.
When you arrive at Pergamon province you can easily find the way to Pergamon ancient city locating at the top of hill beside city center. By cable car people are taken to top lşke I tried.
Pergamum,
was an ancient Greek city in Mysia, today located 26 km from the Aegean Sea
became the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon during the Hellenistic period,
under the Attalid reign, 281–133 BC. In the era following the death of
Alexander the Great (323 BC), Lysimachus, one of Alexander’s generals, chose
Pergamum as the depository for his vast wealth, placing here 9,000 talents of
gold under the guardianship of his lieutenant, Philetaerus. King Attalus III
bequeathed (133 BC) his domains to the Romans, under whom the city retained its
position as the prominent artistic and intellectual center of Anatolia but
declined in political and economic importance. The city went through the Arab,
Byzantine and finally the Turkish period in the 14C.
Pergamum
attained a high culture in the Hellenistic era, boasting an outstanding library
that rivaled in importance that of Alexandria, a famous school of sculpture and
excellent public buildings and monuments of which the Zeus Altar is the best
example. In the Roman period, Pergamum played an important role in the early
history of Christianity. It was also numbered among the Seven Churches of
Revelation.
RUINS
OF PERGAMON
German engineer Carl Humann, who was engaged in building a road in Bergama in 1875 was told that a great quantity of loose stone was available among the ruins at the top of the hill behind the city. That which started as the need for road construction resulted in Humann’s archeological studies and the uncovering of many beautiful pieces including the Zeus Altar and Gateway to the Sanctuary of Athena which were subsequently taken to the Pergamum Museum in Berlin.
Upper
Acropolis
As
you ascend the hill, note the remains of ancient aqueducts in the valleys to
the west and north.
The
most prominent building here is the Traianeum, or Temple of Trajan, a huge
marble temple that has been partially reconstructed from ruins found on the
site. The Trajan temple which was erected on a terrace measuring 68 by 58 m.
carved from the hill was reflecting the characteristics of the Roman
architectural styles. Due to space limitations on the hill top, the south part
of the terrace was built on arched vaults and surrounded by a collonaded
portico. The temple was built by Emperor Hadrian and dedicated to Emperor
Trajan in the 2nd century AD.
Beside
it is the Temple of Athena, also partially reconstructed. Between the Traianeum
and Athena temple was Pergamum's famous library of 200,000 volumes. The remains
of the temple are located on a large terrace above the thratre and Zeus altar.
It was built during the reign of Philetairos in 4th C BC. Athena was the major deith
traditionally worshiped in the western Anatolia.
However
the Athena temple in Pergamum was directly related to the Parthenon. After the
triumphal battles against the Seleucids, Galatians (celts), and Macedonians,
Eumenes II adorned the temple with two-storeyed staoas along the east and north
sides. The temenos of the Athena temple that was filled with many offerings,
was entered through a monumental gate located on the east, Unfortunately only
traces of of the foundations are now to be seen on the original site. Some
fragments were restored and are now in the Berlin museum.
Behind
these to the east are the ruins of numerous dark stone palaces. West of them,
carved into the steep hillside, is the dramatic Hellenistic theater.
Theater
in the acropolis of Pergamum is the steepest Hellenistic theater in the world.
The cavea of the theater which consists of 80 rows of seats is divided into
three parts by two diazomas. The capacity was 10,000 people. The construction
material is andesite. Because it was originally a Hellenistic theater, there
was not a permanent stage building and people sitting on the cavea could see
outside and beyond the playing area. In the Hellenistic period, performances
were held in a festive atmosphere and took a long time. People spent a lot of
time in the theater, usually the minimum of a full day. Therefore, they never
wanted to block their view of outside and the stage building, being made of
wood, was portable. Square holes at the back of the orchestra were for the
portable stage building. The theater was also used during the Roman period with
some alterations.
The
highest point on the hilltop, now marked by a Turkish flag, was 3rd-century BC
arsenals.
Just
down the hill from the summit on its own terrace is the site of the Altar of
Zeus, now in Berlin. The great Altar, dedicated to Zeus and Athena, was erected
by Eumenes II for the commemoration of Pergamum's victory over the Celts by
Attalos I. The Altar was constructed on a terrace 25 m lower down the south of
Athena Temple and this plan provided a harmonious unity. The frieze of the
Altar was depicting the battle between the giants and the gods (Gigantomachy)
symbolising the glory of order over chaos. There were also the depictions of
Olympian gods and godesses like Leto, Artemis, Apollo, Helios, Poseidon,
Amphitrite, Athena and Zeus.
Today only the podium is remaining in situ and
hard to visualise the gorgeous altar since it was discovered during a railroad
construction around the region, by engineer, Carl Humann in 1871 taken to
Germany in pieces and reconstructed and now in exhibiton in Pergamum museum in
Berlin.
The
Heroon in general, is a shrine dedicated to a deified hero. The Heroon in the
Acropolis of Pergamum was the imperial cult or the shrine in which kings of
Pergamum, especially Attalus I and Eumenes II, were worshipped.It was a
peristyle building made of andesite from the Hellenistic period.
The
Sanctuary of Athena was entered through a propylon which was built by Eumenes
II. As written in its inscription, it was dedicated to victory-bringing Athena
by King Eumenes. The entrance opens into a courtyard surrounded by three stoas
of the Doric order. This also dates from the same period. At the corner near
the theater was the Athena Temple in Doric order which was built earlier, in the
3C BC. It was built of andesite and stood on a crepidoma with two steps.
Lower
Acropolis
The
lower part of the Acropolis has the following structures: Upper Gymnasium,
middle Gymnasium, lower Gymnasium, temple of Demeter, sanctuary of Hera, house
of Attalus, lower Agora and gate of Eumenes.
After
having perfect expreiences in Pergamon, it is time to explore the health center
Asklepion.
ASKLEPION
The
Asklepion, famed with the inscription “Death is forbidden to enter”, gained in
prominence under the Romans in the 2nd century AD, but a sacred site existed
here as early as the 4th century BC. Many of the treatments employed at
Pergamum, in complement with a sacred source of water that was later discovered
as having radioactive properties have been used for centuries and are once
again finding modern application. The treatments included psychotherapy,
massage, herbal remedies, mud and bathing treatments, the interpretation of
dreams, and the drinking of water. Quite unlike modern hospitals, everybody who
was anybody was dying to get in to the Asklepion: patients included Hadrian,
Marcus Aurelius, and Caracalla. But then again, the Asklepion was more like a
modern spa than a hospital: therapy included mud baths, music concerts, and
doses of water from the sacred fountain. Hours of therapy also probed the
meaning of the previous night's dreams, as patients believed dreams recounted a
visit by the god Asklepios, who held the key to curing illness. Galen, the
influential physician and philosopher who was born in Pergamum in 129 AD,
trained and then later became an attendant to the gladiators here.
RUINS
OF ASKLEPION
Access
to the Asklepeion is via the Sacred Way, which at 807 m. long and colonnaded,
originally connected the Asklepeion with the Acropolis. The sacred way becomes
the stately Via Tecta near the entrance to the site and leads to a courtyard
and fallen Propylaeum or Monumental Gate. Don't miss focusing on the first courtyard, an altar inscribed with
the emblem of modern medicine, the serpent. To the right of the courtyard is
the Emperor's Room, which was also used as a library.
The
circular domed Temple of Asklepios, with a diameter of 23m (78 ft.), recalls
the Pantheon in Rome, which was completed only 20 years earlier.
Reachable
through an underground tunnel is what is traditionally called the Temple of
Telesphorus, which served as both the treatment rooms and the sleeping
chambers, an indication that sleep was integral in the actual healing process.
At
various spots in the center of the complex are a total of three pools and
fountains, used for bathing, drinking, and various other forms of treatment.
The
northern colonnade, with 17 columns still in place, leads from the library to
the restored theater, set into the slope of the hill. The theater hosts
classical plays during the annual Bergama Festival. The semicircular Roman
Theatre flanks the colonnaded promenade on the northwest corner of the site.
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