Pigeon Island, pictured above is somewhat a symbol of Kusadasi. In the times of Ottomans, the name of the island was given to the town and the town was started to be called as "Kusadasi" (Bird Island). Since then, the name of the island was changed into Pigeon Island. The island was used for military purposes during the Ottoman Era and before, as the location of the island was strategic for securing the shores or preventing the attacks from the sea. The Byzantine castle standing on the rocks, used against pirates, is known as "Pirate Castle". The island is now connected to the land by a mote and advertised as a wonderful opportunity to relax.
Day 18 March 22: Ephesus via Kusadasi, Turkey - Mary's House
The Cats of Ephesus: For my cat-lover friends. I couldn't resist taking all these photos of cats. First one then another. They were tame and seem to like posing. I saw a man feeding the cats and asked why there were so many. He said, "Because I feed them." He said there were about 200 cats there. I suspect he supports himself this way. Donations were made for cat food.
THE RUINS OF EPHESUS: " The history of this area in Turkey, especially to an American, is mind boggling. While we were still dragging sticks as weapons and living in thatched huts, the Greek, Persian, and other nationalities of the Mediterranean [including Turkey] were building cities of marble." INTERNET: Transition Town Payson
The first Christian community in Ephesus was established by Saint John and developed by Saint Paul. Paul came in to the city to fulfill the promise that he had given on his brief visit when returning from Corinth and stayed for about three and a half years and also wrote his letters to Ephesians in captivity most probably here in Ephesus. When Paul came to Ephesus, first in the synagogues and then everywhere in the city, he preached the gospel and gained followers. The church of Ephesus which became the head of the Seven Churches in western Asia Minor was established by Paul. Ephesus became the third important city of Christianity after Jerusalem and Antioch. Christianity rapidly gained popularity in pagan Ephesus.
On the way back to the harbour at Kusadasi we stopped along the road to view the ruins of Artemis Temple thinking this would be our last stop before boarding the ship.
But wait, there's more. Soon the engine of our taxi driver's cab starts to pour out black smoke that was an assault to the lungs. The driver said he thought it was the turbo going out on the vehicle but continued driving until (coincidently) he was adjacent a well-established compound of a Turkish carpet dealer alongside the road. The driver took us inside for a tour while he called for another cab to pick up us. Turns out it was a fairly high pressure demonstration to purchase a carpet. We were tempted, but reason set in and I felt I needed more time to investigate before plunking down thousands of dollars, and more then the entire cost of the cruise and airfare. All in all, it was a marvelous opportunity to see firsthand how these heirloom carpets are made.
But wait, there's more. Soon the engine of our taxi driver's cab starts to pour out black smoke that was an assault to the lungs. The driver said he thought it was the turbo going out on the vehicle but continued driving until (coincidently) he was adjacent a well-established compound of a Turkish carpet dealer alongside the road. The driver took us inside for a tour while he called for another cab to pick up us. Turns out it was a fairly high pressure demonstration to purchase a carpet. We were tempted, but reason set in and I felt I needed more time to investigate before plunking down thousands of dollars, and more then the entire cost of the cruise and airfare. All in all, it was a marvelous opportunity to see firsthand how these heirloom carpets are made.
OUR MAGIC TURKISH CARPET RIDE
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