In the South West of Turkey sits a popular ghost town. The Kayakoy OR Rock Village, lies just a short distance from the crowded and famous beaches and resorts in the Fethiye. Populated with Greek-styled architecture the town was occupted by Muslim and Christian communities who coexisted peacefully until the early 1920’s. During that time Muslims farmed the land and the Christian community were skilled artisans and but both communities were closely linked and co-dependent on the others skills. The Kayakoy was largely
abandoned after the Greco-Turkish War after the population exchange agreement in 1923, which was signed by Greek and Turkish Government. The hillside village was further destroyed in 1957, by a massive 7.1 earthquake that shook the valley and destroyed most of the structures. Houses that were not destroyed were left untouched and remain today.
Today, the Kayakoy village has been preserved as a museum village and tourists can view the skeletons of the buildings in Kayakoy. Although the remaining structures have no rooftops, doors or walls it is easy to imagine the history and the peaceful ives that the villagers had during its and churches with no rooftops but it is easy to imagine the happy and peaceful life’s of the villagers during its peak. The kayakoy village is called as the symbol of “Peace and Harmony”. It shows the delicacy of harmony between the cultures.
The Kayakoy ghost town is rich in history and a wonderful display of 19th century society.
Cover photo courtesy of Sarah Murray, CreativeCommons.
In ancient times, the city of Ephesus was one of the greatest Greek settlements on the Ionian coast. It obtained incredible wealth and much influence as a seaport city. Some of its most beautiful and historically relevant monuments and attractions can still be admired. Legend says that Androclos, the son of the king of Athens, was searching for a good place to establish a new colony. The oracles predicted that a fish and a boar will show him the place for his new colony. As it happened, the place where Androclos killed a boar was the location chosen for the new Ephesus. This happened over 2 millennia ago and through the ages, many have ruled over the city, from Greeks and Persians to Romans and Seljuks. The city became a model for Turkey’s culture and art and has remained one of the most famous cities of the ancient world.
Today, Ephesus still bears the marks of its former glory, although many of its wonders still lie undiscovered. The most famous monument of the city used to be the Temple of Artemis–one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus is also famous as one of the seven churches of Asia because while several Christian Councils where held there. There are surely many wonders to be discovered in Ephesus and a visit of the ancient settlement is a unique experience, walking around magnificent monuments. The most interesting and impressive attractions of the site include the Library of Celsus, the Basilica of St. John, the Gate of Augustus, the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, the Theater, the Fountain of Pollio and many others. The site of Ephesus is considered the biggest and most important of Roman origin in the eastern Mediterranean and experts say that only about 15% of the vestiges have been uncovered. One could only imagine the magnificence of the city in ancient times.
Jordan also offers some exotic experiences like a glimpse into the Bedouin culture. Feynan, which is situated in the midst of Wadi Araba desert, allows a chance to interact with local Bedouins and even share a cup of coffee with them. The lodges are lit by candles so at night the stars are alive and very visible in the sky. For Bedouins, stargazing or talking long walks in the quiet wilderness are favorite pasttimes. Not many places in the world offer such experience!
