Selcuk, at first, didn’t feel like the the historic place I’ve read about. It seemed like any other tourist city with its streets lined with guesthouses, hotels, shops, and restaurants. However, I didn’t come here to stay in the city but to visit its ancient sites. After I checked in, I was eager and ready to explore Selcuk.
Travel back in time in Ephesus
Attic and Ionian Greek colonists had Ephesus built sometime in the 10th century. The site was also the setting of the Council of Ephesus. The sprawling complex has well-preserved ruins ancient ruins that are constant reminders of its great past. I walked past columns, remains of doors, walls, temples, and statues. I went to the theatre that once was able to accommodate more than 20,000 spectators. I went up to the highest seats and looked down at the auditorium where tourists lingered, and I could hear the voice of the guide. I looked around and saw an overlooking view of the ruins. I wondered what life was like during those ancient times, when crowds cheered, jeered, or eagerly listened to an oration or a play.
I followed the groups of people that made their way to the Library of Celsus. Along the way were vestiges of towering columns and walls, and broken pieces of statues and structures. Among these ruins was the façade of the once great library. Built sometime in the 2nd century AD, the Library of Celsus used to contain thousands of scrolls. What’s left of this great structure is its striking façade. After taking multiple photos, I walked up to the ruins of the ancient library and saw statues with no heads or missing limbs and broken columns. What used to be a repository of ancient knowledge is now just a repository of ancient memories. I used my imagination to see scholars poring through scrolls and exchanging ideas.
I didn’t leave the complex after seeing its main attractions, I then decided to enter the Terrace Houses. The latter, like many things in the complex, is in a state of ruin and reconstruction. The archaeological site contained luxurious residential villas of the rich and some houses that belonged to the middle class of ancient times. It also contained mundane things like tables, furniture, and lists of necessities. I let my eyes linger on the graffiti on the walls; there were drawings of animals and people, and poems and declarations of love written on the walls (as described by the captions along the railings). Everything I saw in the Terrace Houses was just like a typical home in today’s time juxtaposed with the past. I let these thoughts wander in my mind as I left the complex.
The ruins of a Christian past
I had an extra few days in Selcuk so I decided to see the other ruins in town. I walked up to Ayasuluk Hill to explore the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. It was one of the Christian relics in a predominantly Muslim country. Experts state that St. John spent his last years in Ephesus and was buried in the area. Centuries after his death, Byzantine Emperor Justinian had a basilica built on the hill to honor St. John. The ruins are now a famous pilgrimage site for Christians. The hill where the ruins stand provides visitors with an elevated view of the town below. It seemed like the ideal place to write and contemplate.
Turkey has an interesting history that has taken its people through different cultures, religions, and histories. The country has drawn influences from the Greeks, Muslims, and Christians. All of these have come together in Selcuk as seen in the reconstructed ruins I found in town. History buffs will love this destination. There’s a lot to see in such a small town. The attractions are easily accessible by public transportation, taxi, or simply by walking.
Image credits: Joshua Berida