Aspendos - Geometric architectural wonder

Every seat has a perfect view of the Gladiator battles with lions. Entertainment for the masses.

Built around the 11th century. Perfect geometric design.  Much is still standing today. Can you see the Gladiators? Can you see the lions?

Gladiator battles with Lions - Aspendos Collusium


More later.

Camels in Turkey on YouTube

You can ride a camel in Turkey. Note the traditional rug. We saw some camel rugs yesterday - like a horse saddle bag.

Camel in Turkey

More later.

7 ancient wonders of antiquity - Ephesus

 Doug and Dian at sunset overlooking Istanbul from atop one of the 7 hills of Istanbul.

 Dr. Williams at the pottery factory. We did not break anything. We kept our hands in our pockets! All pieces  are made by hand, and hand-painted with natural dyes, which make the pieces suitable for eating vessels. Also, microwave safe.

 Turkish fruit and vegetable stands on every corner. The tangerines are plentiful. The trees are loaded with ripe tangerines this time of year.

 If you ever considered wantig to be an  archeologist, this would convince you. Uncovered amongst the ruins, was the winged Goddess Nike.

 Calling all graphic designers! It is rumored Nike paid a college student $150 to design the "swoosh." The inspiration is the swoosh of the feather Goddess Nike clutches in her right hand.

This close up highlights the olive leaf laurel clutched in her left hand. Thus, the tradition of crowning athletic victors with a crown of olive leafs.

Calling all professors. It was only appropriate we took a group photo posing in front of the library remains at Ephesus. What books must they have read? Left to right: Dr Williams, Doug and Dian Werhane, Dr. Ewing, and Saba Ziyanek.

More later.

Is Anybody There? And then to the House of Virgin Mary

Is Anybody There? That is the English translation for a popular non-profit organization in Turkey. The organization was founded on the backs of a TV station. They were one of the first to arrive after the devasting earthquake in 1999. As they showed up, with cameras in hand, they heard cries from the rubble, "Is Anybody There. Help me."

They realized "they" were the somebody. People were in need, and they were able to help. The TV station went on to found a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) - which is what we refer to as non-profits in the US. They have gone past the earthquake in their own country of Turkey. They help people in countries throughout the world after disasters or other devasting events.

More later.

Unburied from hundreds of years, this is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary after she left Jurusalem. Located high atop a hill in the city of Ishmir, Turkey.

More later

Sultans of Swing - Ottoman Empire

2,500 years of history in 5 minutes.

YouTube videos of Turkey trip

After being awake for 2 days, we were a little goofy! We made it to our suite of rooms. Nice. Nice. We'll be adding text, photos,  and videos today.

Here's the Youtube - All Things Turkey intro.

Dian

Economy of Turkey

We leave shortly! Today we begin the adventure. My toothbrush is packed, and a few Turkish Lira. We will do our part to support the IMF decision to move Turkey up from 16th place to 15th place in the rankings of world economies. Movin' on up. Turkey ranked 15th in world economy.

Clearly, somebody has been shopping at the Bazaar.

More later,
Dian