On our third full day, we headed from Ayvalik to the ancient site of Pergamon, near the city of Bergama. The Pergamon ruins are located on a the top of a high hill to the north of the city. Access to the ruins is either by walking or by means of cable car. As with many of the sites in Turkey, the ruins were caused by earthquakes and wars. There are several structures that have been reconstructed at Pergamon. This image shows part of the re-construction of the Temple of Trajan.
Temple Of Trajan, Pergamon
During ancient times, the library at Pergamon was reputed to be second in size after the Library in Alexandria. The library was estimated to contain 200,000 volumes. One of the other structures is the Hellenistic Theater. As with many Greek theaters, this one is built into the hillside. This theater is also one of the steepest in the ancient world.
Hellenistic Theater, Pergamon
Above the theater is a gallery that is in relatively good condition. After walking through the gallery, we arrived at the staircase that leads down to the theater.
Gallery Below Trajan Temple, Pergamon
This is the view across the theater. This steep theater has a spectacular view of the city of Bergama and the surrounding countryside. This theater has a seating capacity of 10,000. This gives an indication of the size of the city in ancient times, that was estimated at 100,000 people.
Hellenistic Theater
One of the structures that existed at Pergamon was the Pergamon Altar. During the late 1800’s, German archeologists dismantled the altar and shipped it to Berlin, where is was reassembled in the Pergamon Museum. The following image shows the site where this altar stood — just a pile of stones and three pine trees.
Site Of Pergamon Altar
Close by is a model of the altar. The temple has a relief around the base that shows the battles of the Olympian gods.
Model Of Pergamon Altar
After making our way down from the ruins, we headed for the small town of Sirince, that is located close the city of Selçuk. Here we visited the market, where we visited several vendors. I made this image of hats at one of the market stores.
Hats In Market, Sirince
Here I captured the bags hanging above the hats, with the hat vendor peering out from below the bags.
Hat And Bag Vendor, Sirince
We visited one of the coffee shops where we were served with Turkish coffee. The coffee is brewed on a bed of hot sand. Here our server added the ground coffee to the brewing pot.
Making Turkish Coffee, No 1
A bed of sand is used to buffer the heat to the coffee so that the boiling does not occur.
Making Turkish Coffee, No 2
When brewed, coffee is served in these small cups in elaborate silverware.
Making Turkish Coffee, No 3
We visited a winery, where we tasted some of the local Turkish wines, and then headed back to the bus. Here I passed this colorful scene, where the yellow chairs contrast against the blue table.
Table And Chairs, Sirince
Arriving in Selçuk, we settled into the hotel and had some free time before dinner. The hotel is located close to a Roman aqueduct that used to run through the city. This is an image looking down on the ruins of the aqueduct and the city.
Aqueduct In Selcuk
Our hotel, Akay Hotel, is located close the the Isa Bey Mosque, that is currently being renovated.
Isa Bey Mosque, Selcuk
After making this image, I headed for a dip in çthe swimming pool and then dinner!