Turkey - 2011
In 2011, I took a 12 day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Venice. The ship made a stop in Istanbul and another in Kusadasi, which is close to the ruins of Ephesus. Istanbul is really incredible. The city straddles Europe and Asia. I visited Topkapi Palace where I saw the Church of Hagia Eirene, the Gate of Salvation, holy Muslim relics, and beautiful jewels. Then I visited the Blue Mosque with the incredible tiled walls and ceilings. From there I went to see the Hagia Sophia. which was first built as a church, then used as a mosque, and is now a museum. I saw the bridge over the Bosphorus Strait, that links Europe and Asia. I visited the Grand Bazaar, with the large number of shops all selling beautiful rugs, and painted pottery.
Ephesus was an ancient Greek city and later a major Roman city. The city was known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia, cited in the Book of Revelations. The Gospel of John may have been written here. I also saw the tomb of St John the Apostle, and the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years.
Click on the pictures below, to view the photos.
Istanbul
Ephesus
