Pearl of the Aegean

Built in the 10th century B.C., Ephesus was the largest ancient city in the Mediterranean. With its strategic location, it played a vital role as a commercial center throughout 9000 years, from the Hellenistic period to the Ottoman Empire, reflecting the glory of Rome in the meantime.

Strolling around Arcadian Street, you will come across Temple of Hadrian, and Temple of Artemis, which is dedicated to the protector goddess and considered as Seven Wonders of the world. Take a closer look at the Goddess of Victory, which inspired the logo of Nike.

The Library of Celsius was constructed in 117 A.D. by Galius Julius Aquila, in the honor of his governor father. The two-stories building looked greater in size due to an optical trick, where the Corinthian column in the center was larger than in both sides.

As a repository of over 12,000 scrolls, it is the third largest library among the empire. The virtues of Celsus were symbolized by the four statues. Sophia, Episteme, Ennoia and Arete represent wisdom, knowledge, intelligence and valor respectively, at the entrance.

The Great Theater was built in the Hellenistic era, yet remodeled during the Roman era. It took 60 years to transform the theater from hill-leaning style to free-standing-wall style. With the capacity of 25,000 spectators. Today, it is the largest theater in Asia Minor.

It is believed that the mother of Jesus, Saint Mary, spent her life until her death at the age of 101 in the House of the Virgin Mary. The prolonged tradition of worshiping female god, with Kybele and Artemis in particular, has echoed in the worship of her in this holy site.

On the other side, Pamukkale is situated in Denizli. It takes a three-hour bus journey from Kusadasi, yet the Castle of Cotton attracts two million tourists annually. The bizarre landscape stretched over 2.7km long and over 1.6m tall, which earned it a world heritage in 1988.

The spectacular stone-white limestone makes you fall in love at first sight. The thermal spring has been flowing for over two millennia. Frozen in stone, the calcium carbonate adhered to the soil and formed this cotton castle. Shoes and sandals are prohibited to prevent staining.

To be honest, Izmir wasn't the reason we visited Turkey. It turned out to be surprising. We spent three evenings enjoying the luxurious sunset. Human intelligence may overcome the natural power, yet we can never portrait the beauty of sunset as brilliant as nature does.

In the Konak Square, an iconic clock tower was built to commemorate Sultan Abdul Hamid II accessing the throne 25 years ago. Cruising. Fishing. Snapshot. You can even cycle along the pier, watch the street performance and visit the artistic market Çuha Bedesteni.