Our last day in Turkey

The last full day in Smyrna (Izmir) was a beautiful day, with bright sunlight weaving shades between the many high-rise apartment buildings, and the Aegean Sea port waters very calm. At 12:45 we were on our way to our last of the four churches of Revelation we will visit of the seven. After nearly two hours we came to the town of Bergama (Pergamum) and at least 3,000 feet high on the far side of the city were the established ruins of the ancient city that John wrote to in Revelation 4. Jeeps are not known to be smooth riding, and many of the roads including the climb to the top of the mountain verified that claim. Again all the one time luxurious and amazing ruins were still above us as we trudged up the rocky paths to various sights. The 10,000 seat outdoor amphitheater was the steepest and most well preserved (but overgrown) of all four that we saw. Entering at the top we sat and rested before descending the preserved stairs to the stage area. Following the pretty narrow trails we again began our climb back up to the top area for more sights. Some of the marble ruins here are among the most beautiful we have seen, but there is little evidence of current restoration activity. Getting machinery up to the top of this mountain would be a challenge because there is no way manual labor could make much of a difference. The most amazing feat to all of us was, how these multi-ton carved stones and multiple giant columns got to the top of the mountain in those ancient times. Seems like a major impossible task. The sun was hot and we were all sweating or glowing before we finished our two hour self-led tour. No mention of any church or even a Basilica at this sight so you had to again use your imagination. Down the mountain after being accosted by the many souvenir hawkers at the sight, with a mad dash for home as our company was due at 7:00 P.M. and we had a one hour baking time after arrival. Rush hour traffic doesn’t provide for a shortened travel time and our best estimate for getting back to the apartment was to engage the car ferry across the bay (1/2 hour ride).

First site of ruins before driving up the mountain

Gate to entrance of the City

Climb to the Amphitheater

Amphitheater

Temple ruins

Remains of temple columns

Streets along the temple

Pergamum city wall

New city Bergama overlook

Car ferry ride home

Yellow Jeep transportation for the two weeks!

Monday Stroll Thru Izmir

There are more obvious ruins here in Izmir (Smyrna) but with a city of 4 million surrounding and growing ever them, they are scattered and difficult to find. We did got a good picture of the ancient aqueduct (see blog) on the way home on Sunday. Water is life giving, so many cities used these aqueducts as the supply line to the cities.

Aqueduct in Izmir (Smyrna)

Massive City of Izmir

Typical Parking at Night

Sunset Monday evening over the Aegean Sea

Easter Sunday - Day 12 in Istanbul, Turkey

He is RISEN – The Lord has really risen! (Luke 24:34) Encourage one another with the joy and miracle of a resurrected Savior. What a blessed assurance that death has been conquered for those alive in Christ.
  Easter Sunday is like any other day of the week here in Istanbul, with the numerous calls to prayers
sounding forth from minarets all around us.
 We celebrated the Resurrection with the great throngs of fresh Tulips (10,000’s) and purple Hyacinths (10,000’s) all in full bloom and radiating their fragrance and beauty of spring. These beautiful symbols of new life will be our Easter gifts to you as a reminder of the New Life in the Risen Christ. Wish the pictures could convey the true beauty of spring we experienced here on Easter morning.

Blooming Tulips

Blue Mosque

Hagie Sophia

One last walk through the Topkapi Palace