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Very close to Istanbul there are 9 islands known as Princes' Islands
Princes' Islands Ferry
Very close to Istanbul there are 9 islands. The largest ones are named as Burgazada, Heybeliada, Buyukada, Kinaliada or also known as Princes` islands. For travellers who are staying in Istanbul for more than 2 days, visiting the Princes` Islands on their own could be a good option.
During the Byzantine era of Istanbul princes were exiled to the islands and later some of members of the Ottoman Royal family. During the 19th century islands became quite popular. Many artists, writers and wealthy had their had cottoges built. There was a major population of Greek inhabitance in the islands. Still there are remains of some churches can be visited like Aya Yorgi Church and Monastry in Buyukada.
It is a popular destination not only by the tourists but by the locals. Our recommendation is to go there in a weekday since weekends could be very crowded. There are regular ferries departing from Kabatas to Princes` Islands. The largest and the most popular one is Buyukada whick means big island in Turkish.
There are no cars in the islands, so there the only way of transportation is horse carriages and bicycles. There are quite many places where you can rent a bike in Buyukada. Hourly rental charge is 10 Turkish Liras per bike. Be aware that the islands are quite hilly therefore you need to be fit enough to ride a bike. The other option is to take a horse carriage. The prices vary a lot for horse carriages. Bargaining is recommended. They offer two options as short tour and long tour. Approximate charge to take a horse carriage is 50 Turkish Liras. The last option is to wander on foot.
The ferry ride from Kabatas takes approximately an hour. If the weather is good, be sure to sit outside the boat to enjoy the great views of Istanbul, Bosphorus and sea of Marmara. Buyukada is the last stop for the ferry. Ferries depart Kabatas almost every 2 hour staring from 7am in the morning.
Below please find some of the pictures we have takes during our visit to Buyukada in April 2012.
During the Byzantine era of Istanbul princes were exiled to the islands and later some of members of the Ottoman Royal family. During the 19th century islands became quite popular. Many artists, writers and wealthy had their had cottoges built. There was a major population of Greek inhabitance in the islands. Still there are remains of some churches can be visited like Aya Yorgi Church and Monastry in Buyukada.
It is a popular destination not only by the tourists but by the locals. Our recommendation is to go there in a weekday since weekends could be very crowded. There are regular ferries departing from Kabatas to Princes` Islands. The largest and the most popular one is Buyukada whick means big island in Turkish.
There are no cars in the islands, so there the only way of transportation is horse carriages and bicycles. There are quite many places where you can rent a bike in Buyukada. Hourly rental charge is 10 Turkish Liras per bike. Be aware that the islands are quite hilly therefore you need to be fit enough to ride a bike. The other option is to take a horse carriage. The prices vary a lot for horse carriages. Bargaining is recommended. They offer two options as short tour and long tour. Approximate charge to take a horse carriage is 50 Turkish Liras. The last option is to wander on foot.
The ferry ride from Kabatas takes approximately an hour. If the weather is good, be sure to sit outside the boat to enjoy the great views of Istanbul, Bosphorus and sea of Marmara. Buyukada is the last stop for the ferry. Ferries depart Kabatas almost every 2 hour staring from 7am in the morning.
Below please find some of the pictures we have takes during our visit to Buyukada in April 2012.
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Pergamon in the third century BC was one of the most prosperous cities of the ancient world.
Known today as Bergama. Located 100 km. north of Izmir. Attalid Dynasty assigned the city as a capital for their kingdom named as Pergamon Kingdom. Pergamon has also a biblical importance. Mentioned in the book of revelation in the New Testament among the seven churches of Asia Minor. The city was known as the city where the throne of Satan is located.
Pergamon had a huge altar dedicated Zeus, had the second largest library of the ancient world after the library in Alexandria, a huge temple dedicated to Roman Emperor Trajan, the steepest theater of the ancient world, a huge famous ancient hospital where Doctor Galenos served.
Recently as a part of private project, acropolis of Pergamon is recreated by Clemens Poblotzki. This is a very successful one for travelers to visualize the size of this magnificent ancient site. For more information about this project, visit http://www.pergamon.secondpage.de/index_en.html
We organize private tours of Pergamon from Kusadasi and Izmir. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Pergamon had a huge altar dedicated Zeus, had the second largest library of the ancient world after the library in Alexandria, a huge temple dedicated to Roman Emperor Trajan, the steepest theater of the ancient world, a huge famous ancient hospital where Doctor Galenos served.
Recently as a part of private project, acropolis of Pergamon is recreated by Clemens Poblotzki. This is a very successful one for travelers to visualize the size of this magnificent ancient site. For more information about this project, visit http://www.pergamon.secondpage.de/index_en.html
We organize private tours of Pergamon from Kusadasi and Izmir. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Beyoglu is a district, located at the European side of Istanbul.
Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu (Pera)
Beyoglu is a district, located at the European side of Istanbul. In the older times, the area was named as Pera. Pera, the word is derived from Greek meaning `Across`. After the foundation of rebuplic of Turkey, the district was named oficially as Beyoglu.
Altough the word Beyoglu, means son of a lord, historians believe that the word is derived from the layin word Bailo. Bailo was a title of a Venetian diplomat who served as a mediator between Venetian and Ottoman trade and political relations. The first Bailo was sent to Istanbul in the time of Suleyman the Magnificent. Most probably the Bailo had a palace in this district, therefore this area is named after himself.
Altough the word Beyoglu, means son of a lord, historians believe that the word is derived from the layin word Bailo. Bailo was a title of a Venetian diplomat who served as a mediator between Venetian and Ottoman trade and political relations. The first Bailo was sent to Istanbul in the time of Suleyman the Magnificent. Most probably the Bailo had a palace in this district, therefore this area is named after himself.
First inhabitance of Beyoglu, dates back to the period of Christ. After the 4th crusade, a lot of Venetians settled in this area till 1261. In 1273, Pera was given to the Republic of Genoa and became an important trade colony. In 1348 the Genoese built the famous Galata Tower. After the Ottomans conquered the city of Constantinopolis, Genoese kept living in the area under the Turkish rule.
At this time, Venice established political and commercial ties with the Ottoman Empire, and a Venetian Bailo was sent to Pera as an ambassador, Most pobably it is the Venetian Bailo who suggested Leonardo da Vinci when the Sultan mentioned his intention to construct a bridge over the Golden Horn.
The Venetians were also the first Europeans to taste Ottoman delicacies such as coffee. Centuries before other Europeans saw coffee beans for the first time in their lives during the siege of Vienna in 1683.
During the 19th century Beyoglu was again home to many European traders, and housed many embassies, especially along the Rue de Péra (İstiklâl Street). The presence of such a prominent European population - commonly referred to as Levantines - made it the most Westernized part of İstanbul, especially when compared to the Old City at the other side of the Golden Horn.
At this time, Venice established political and commercial ties with the Ottoman Empire, and a Venetian Bailo was sent to Pera as an ambassador, Most pobably it is the Venetian Bailo who suggested Leonardo da Vinci when the Sultan mentioned his intention to construct a bridge over the Golden Horn.
The Venetians were also the first Europeans to taste Ottoman delicacies such as coffee. Centuries before other Europeans saw coffee beans for the first time in their lives during the siege of Vienna in 1683.
During the 19th century Beyoglu was again home to many European traders, and housed many embassies, especially along the Rue de Péra (İstiklâl Street). The presence of such a prominent European population - commonly referred to as Levantines - made it the most Westernized part of İstanbul, especially when compared to the Old City at the other side of the Golden Horn.
Beyoğlu was one of the first parts of İstanbul to have telephone lines, electricity, trams, municipal government and even an underground subway. Subway in Tunel was built in 1875 as the world's second subway line (after London's Underground) to carry the people of Pera up and down from the port of Galata and the nearby business and banking district of Karaköy, where the Bankalar Caddesi (Banks Street), the financial center of the Ottoman Empire, is located. The theatre, cinema, patisserie and café culture that still remains strong in Beyoğlu dates from this late Ottoman period. Shops like İncluding famous for its delicacies still survive today.
The foreign communities also built their own schools, many of which went on to educate the elite of future generations of Turks, and still survive today as some of the best schools in Istanbul.
The rapid modernization which took place in Europe and left Ottomans behind was symbolized by the differences between Beyoğlu and the historic Turkish quarters such as Eminönü and Fatih across the Golden Horn, in the Old City. When the Ottoman sultans finally initiated a modernization program after 1839. Numerous buildings in Beyoğlu that mixed traditional Ottoman styles with newer European ones were constructed.
In addition, Sultan Abdülmecid stopped living in the Topkapı Palace and built a new palace near Beyoğlu, called the Dolmabahçe Palace, which blended the Neo-Classical, Baroque and Rococo styles. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the Turkish Republic was founded, Beyoğlu went into gradual decline. Much of the foreign communities left the city, and the local communities of ethnic minorities such as Greeks, Jews, Levantines and Armenians who formed the majority of the residents in Beyoğlu found it increasingly attractive to live elsewhere. The Wealth Tax of the World War II years and the Cyprus dispute in 1974 resulted many non-muslim families and business to leave Pera district. The widespread political violence between leftist and rightist groups which troubled Turkey in the late 1970s severely affected the lifestyle of the district, and accelerated its decline with the flight of the middle-class citizens to newer suburban areas.
By the late 1980s, many of the elegant apartment blocks which were once inhabited by the late Ottoman elite became home to immigrants from the countryside of Turkey. Most of the consulates are still in this area; the Italian, British, German, Greek, Russian, Dutch, and Swedish consulates are significant in terms of their history and architecture.
Higlight of the area is Istiklal Street once known as the Rue de Pera. A pedestrianised 1 mile street of shops, cafes, patisseries, restaurants, bookshops, cinemas and art galleries. Some of İstiklal has a 19th century metropolitan character, and the avenue is lined with Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings. The nostalgic tram which runs on Istiklal Avenue, between Taksim Square and Tunel, was also reoperated in the early 1990s with the aim of reviving the historic and nostalgic atmosphere of the district.
One of the higlights of Istiklal Avenue is Cicek Pasaji (Cité de Péra). The 19th century Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage in Turkish or Cité de Péra in French) opened in 1876. A miniature version of the famous Galleria in Milan, Italy, The site of Cicek Pasaji was originally occupied by a theatre, which was burned during the great fire in 1870. After the fire of 1870, the theatre was purchased by a local Greek banker. Architect Kleanthis Zannos designed the current building, which was called Cité de Péra in its early years. In 1908 the Ottoman Grand Vizier purchased the building, and it became known as the Sait Pasha Passage. By the 1940s the building was mostly occupied by flower shops. The building was restored in 1988, it was reopened as a passage for fish restaurants.
The foreign communities also built their own schools, many of which went on to educate the elite of future generations of Turks, and still survive today as some of the best schools in Istanbul.
The rapid modernization which took place in Europe and left Ottomans behind was symbolized by the differences between Beyoğlu and the historic Turkish quarters such as Eminönü and Fatih across the Golden Horn, in the Old City. When the Ottoman sultans finally initiated a modernization program after 1839. Numerous buildings in Beyoğlu that mixed traditional Ottoman styles with newer European ones were constructed.
In addition, Sultan Abdülmecid stopped living in the Topkapı Palace and built a new palace near Beyoğlu, called the Dolmabahçe Palace, which blended the Neo-Classical, Baroque and Rococo styles. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the Turkish Republic was founded, Beyoğlu went into gradual decline. Much of the foreign communities left the city, and the local communities of ethnic minorities such as Greeks, Jews, Levantines and Armenians who formed the majority of the residents in Beyoğlu found it increasingly attractive to live elsewhere. The Wealth Tax of the World War II years and the Cyprus dispute in 1974 resulted many non-muslim families and business to leave Pera district. The widespread political violence between leftist and rightist groups which troubled Turkey in the late 1970s severely affected the lifestyle of the district, and accelerated its decline with the flight of the middle-class citizens to newer suburban areas.
By the late 1980s, many of the elegant apartment blocks which were once inhabited by the late Ottoman elite became home to immigrants from the countryside of Turkey. Most of the consulates are still in this area; the Italian, British, German, Greek, Russian, Dutch, and Swedish consulates are significant in terms of their history and architecture.
Higlight of the area is Istiklal Street once known as the Rue de Pera. A pedestrianised 1 mile street of shops, cafes, patisseries, restaurants, bookshops, cinemas and art galleries. Some of İstiklal has a 19th century metropolitan character, and the avenue is lined with Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings. The nostalgic tram which runs on Istiklal Avenue, between Taksim Square and Tunel, was also reoperated in the early 1990s with the aim of reviving the historic and nostalgic atmosphere of the district.
One of the higlights of Istiklal Avenue is Cicek Pasaji (Cité de Péra). The 19th century Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage in Turkish or Cité de Péra in French) opened in 1876. A miniature version of the famous Galleria in Milan, Italy, The site of Cicek Pasaji was originally occupied by a theatre, which was burned during the great fire in 1870. After the fire of 1870, the theatre was purchased by a local Greek banker. Architect Kleanthis Zannos designed the current building, which was called Cité de Péra in its early years. In 1908 the Ottoman Grand Vizier purchased the building, and it became known as the Sait Pasha Passage. By the 1940s the building was mostly occupied by flower shops. The building was restored in 1988, it was reopened as a passage for fish restaurants.
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Below article is published on one of the Turkish newspapers about Ephesus
Austrian archaeologist devotes life to Ephesus excavations
Austrian architect and archaeologist Anton Bammer has worked in Ephesus for 50 years in a lifelong quest to uncover the ancient city's richness. An Austrian team has been involved in excavations in the region since 1895. Bammer joined the team at the young age of 25 and has been working in Selçuk for the past 50 years.Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Bammer explained that he has always been very impressed by the ancient city, saying, “I have dedicated my life to Ephesus.” Noting that during his first years in Ephesus he worked in the ancient Roman city on the reconstruction the Memmius Monument, Bammer said he began working on the Artemision excavations in 1965 and successfully reconstructed a column of a giant shrine in 1970. He participated in various digs every year at the Temple of Artemis and discovered several holy structures and sanctuaries during his tenure at the site.
The Austrian archaeologist noted that Ephesus had great political, economic, religious and cultural significance during ancient times and explained that the city was referred to as the Light of Asia (Lumen Asiae) by the Romans.
Bammer initially studied architecture, but later continued his education in geophysics and wrote his dissertation on brick architecture in Ephesus. During his work on the Temple of Artemis, he discovered the temple's altar, the location of which had been unknown, in 1965. Following several years of excavation, it was discovered that the Temple of Artemis, which is seen as one of the leading monumental altars in ancient architecture, had existed since ancient times and had been rebuilt during the fifth century.
Bammer is not only interested in archaeology and architecture, but has also written articles on the uniquely designed wooden homes he has encountered during his travels in Turkey and Greece and enjoys painting with watercolors. He is also a founding member of the Zürich-based Artemis Culture, Art and Education Foundation, which aims to reconstruct the temple as one of the wonders of the world.
The Austrian archaeologist noted that Ephesus had great political, economic, religious and cultural significance during ancient times and explained that the city was referred to as the Light of Asia (Lumen Asiae) by the Romans.
Bammer initially studied architecture, but later continued his education in geophysics and wrote his dissertation on brick architecture in Ephesus. During his work on the Temple of Artemis, he discovered the temple's altar, the location of which had been unknown, in 1965. Following several years of excavation, it was discovered that the Temple of Artemis, which is seen as one of the leading monumental altars in ancient architecture, had existed since ancient times and had been rebuilt during the fifth century.
Bammer is not only interested in archaeology and architecture, but has also written articles on the uniquely designed wooden homes he has encountered during his travels in Turkey and Greece and enjoys painting with watercolors. He is also a founding member of the Zürich-based Artemis Culture, Art and Education Foundation, which aims to reconstruct the temple as one of the wonders of the world.
Excavations at Temple of Artemis in early 1900s
We offer private tours of Ephesus Ancient city, for more information please contact us.
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Clarence Palmer was the Gallipoli spy who might have ended World War I earlier.
Anzac refers to Australıan and New Zealand Corps. On April 25th 1915 during WW1 there was an Anzac landing at Gallipoli peninsula at the location what is known today as Anzac Cove. Gallipoli landing on April 25th was the begining of one bloodiest battles of 20th century. The battles and ocuupation took for 8 months. Many young people died from both sides.
Anzac Cove is located right by a very steep hill. Why the landing was made here was a mystery. A lot of the historians referered this due to the high current at the sea, the landing was made at a wrong location. Recently on History Channel a doumentary clarified the subject.
Anzac Cove is located right by a very steep hill. Why the landing was made here was a mystery. A lot of the historians referered this due to the high current at the sea, the landing was made at a wrong location. Recently on History Channel a doumentary clarified the subject.
Clarence Palmer the British spy with Australian Submarine AE2
Clarence Palmer was the Gallipoli spy who might have ended World War I and countless lives earlier. Clarence Palmer was a Cambridge educated Naval officer. After unsuccessful naval attacks of Allied forces on March 18th 1915. The British sent the Australian submarine AE2 through the minefields at Dardanelles. The submarine ran aground, the crew captured. Only one wasn't wearing a uniform: Clarence Palmer.
Palmer escaped from Turkey once war was declared and gave his carefully charted map of the challenges to an assault on the Dardanelles. Then he reappeared on the submarine AE2. He was speaking fluent Turkish. The Turks thought that he was a spy and threatened him with execution. Palmer to save his neck, he offered Turks to give the details of the expected landing plan. But he reversed it. He told the Turks the main landing was going to be [far to the north of Anzac Cove]. The German commander in charge of the Turkish forces, General Otto Liman von Sanders, kept 20,000 men in the north because he felt that is where the main landing would be … because he believed Palmer.
Palmer survived the war in a Turkish prison camp, resurfaced as a British diplomat, and died in 1936. He was decorated for his role on the submarine. What remains a mystery is what his precise role was. ''But the hat that he was wearing on the submarine is still in the Turkish Military museum in Istanbul.
Military Museum is open except Mondays and Tuesdays. Prefer going there in the afternoon. At 3pm there is Mehter (Ottoman Military Band) live concert.
Palmer escaped from Turkey once war was declared and gave his carefully charted map of the challenges to an assault on the Dardanelles. Then he reappeared on the submarine AE2. He was speaking fluent Turkish. The Turks thought that he was a spy and threatened him with execution. Palmer to save his neck, he offered Turks to give the details of the expected landing plan. But he reversed it. He told the Turks the main landing was going to be [far to the north of Anzac Cove]. The German commander in charge of the Turkish forces, General Otto Liman von Sanders, kept 20,000 men in the north because he felt that is where the main landing would be … because he believed Palmer.
Palmer survived the war in a Turkish prison camp, resurfaced as a British diplomat, and died in 1936. He was decorated for his role on the submarine. What remains a mystery is what his precise role was. ''But the hat that he was wearing on the submarine is still in the Turkish Military museum in Istanbul.
Military Museum is open except Mondays and Tuesdays. Prefer going there in the afternoon. At 3pm there is Mehter (Ottoman Military Band) live concert.
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Turkish Airlines Magazine Skylife November issue mentions about last James Bond Movie Skyfall
The James Bond films are 50 years old this year, and Turkey is 007’s travel venue for the third time.
In 1962 when part of the first Bond film, Dr. No, was shot in Jamaica. Not a single tour operator at the time ever think that the small English island would be swamped by tourists on the 007 trail. But the whole world would love watching the James Bond films, and the places where their scenes were shot soon became into touristic magnets. The same thing is going to happen again this fall with the new James Bond film, Skyfall, most of which was shot in Turkey.
From March to May of this year, an approximately 500-member team was in Adana, on Fethiye beach, in Istanbul and on the Baghdad Express that passes close to Vardar Bridge on the Adana border for the film, which is chock full of exciting scenes. They staged a fight scene on a moving train, and car and motorcycle chase scenes across rooftops and in the narrow lanes of the Grand Bazaar. Not only that but Kiremit (Tile) Street in the Istanbul district of Balat is also the backdrop for a scene in the film.
Daniel Craig must have felt quite contented in Istanbul because he brought his actor wife Rachel Weisz over to spend a free weekend with him in the city. Whether or not the couple will take part in the Turkey premiere in Istanbul remains an unknown. But when the tours that are currently in the preparatory stage get under way, visitors will be able travel to Turkey in the footsteps of 007.
Other James Bond movies that scened Istanbul:
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Although Pierce Brosnan and Sophie Marceau
act as if they are in Istanbul in this 1999 Bond film, the scenes were actually
created from footage shot by a small camera crew on the Bosphorus without the
stars being there.
From RussIa WIth Love (1963)
When Sean Connery finds out he is going to Istanbul, he starts humming “Moonlight on the Bosphorus” to his boss M’s secretary, Miss Moneypenny. His mission takes him to the Grand Bazaar, to the Hagia Sophia, where his adversary dies without a peep, on a ferryboat ride on the Bosphorus, and to Pendik, where he is pursued by motorboats.
In 1962 when part of the first Bond film, Dr. No, was shot in Jamaica. Not a single tour operator at the time ever think that the small English island would be swamped by tourists on the 007 trail. But the whole world would love watching the James Bond films, and the places where their scenes were shot soon became into touristic magnets. The same thing is going to happen again this fall with the new James Bond film, Skyfall, most of which was shot in Turkey.
From March to May of this year, an approximately 500-member team was in Adana, on Fethiye beach, in Istanbul and on the Baghdad Express that passes close to Vardar Bridge on the Adana border for the film, which is chock full of exciting scenes. They staged a fight scene on a moving train, and car and motorcycle chase scenes across rooftops and in the narrow lanes of the Grand Bazaar. Not only that but Kiremit (Tile) Street in the Istanbul district of Balat is also the backdrop for a scene in the film.
Daniel Craig must have felt quite contented in Istanbul because he brought his actor wife Rachel Weisz over to spend a free weekend with him in the city. Whether or not the couple will take part in the Turkey premiere in Istanbul remains an unknown. But when the tours that are currently in the preparatory stage get under way, visitors will be able travel to Turkey in the footsteps of 007.
Other James Bond movies that scened Istanbul:
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Although Pierce Brosnan and Sophie Marceau
act as if they are in Istanbul in this 1999 Bond film, the scenes were actually
created from footage shot by a small camera crew on the Bosphorus without the
stars being there.
From RussIa WIth Love (1963)
When Sean Connery finds out he is going to Istanbul, he starts humming “Moonlight on the Bosphorus” to his boss M’s secretary, Miss Moneypenny. His mission takes him to the Grand Bazaar, to the Hagia Sophia, where his adversary dies without a peep, on a ferryboat ride on the Bosphorus, and to Pendik, where he is pursued by motorboats.
In Skyfall. Bond makes his first appearance coming out of the old Deutsche Orientbank building in Eminönü, not far from the Spice Market. Deutsche Orientbank was founded in 1906 to built the railways in the Ottoman empire and also to help the German inverstors for their inverstments in the Ottoman Empire. The Germania han, also known as Deutsche Orient Bank building was built by German architect August Jachmund, who also built the nearby Sirkeci Train Station, for the prime bank of German interest in Ottoman Turkey. It is a magnificent example of Art Nouveau in Istanbul. Unfortunately the building is abondoned after WW2. Today it is an empty but a marvelous looking building from the time of Orient Express like Pera Palace Hotel.
Deutsche Orient Bank as scened in Skyfall
During your visit to Istanbul, if you would like to walk through and visit the sites that are scened in James Bond Movies contact us today for your private walking tour of Istanbul.
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Did you know that Albert Einstein wrote a letter to Ataturk?
Einstein's letter to Ataturk
Your Excellency (Atatürk),
As Honorary President of the World Union "OZE" I beg to apply to your Excellency to allow forty professors and doctors from Germany to continue their scientific and medical work in Turkey. The above mentioned cannot practice further in Germany on account of the laws governing there now. The majority of these men possess vast experience, knowledge end scientific merits and could prove very useful when settling in a new country.
Out of a great number of applicants our Union has chosen forty experienced specialists and prominent scholars, and is herewith applying to Your Excellency to permit these men to settle and practice in your country. These scientists are willing to work for a year without any remuneration in any of your institutions, according to the orders of your Government.
In support
ing this application, I take the liberty to express my hope, that in granting this request your Government will not only perform an act of high humanity, but will also bring profit to your own country.
I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's obedient servant,
Prof. Albert Einstein
As Honorary President of the World Union "OZE" I beg to apply to your Excellency to allow forty professors and doctors from Germany to continue their scientific and medical work in Turkey. The above mentioned cannot practice further in Germany on account of the laws governing there now. The majority of these men possess vast experience, knowledge end scientific merits and could prove very useful when settling in a new country.
Out of a great number of applicants our Union has chosen forty experienced specialists and prominent scholars, and is herewith applying to Your Excellency to permit these men to settle and practice in your country. These scientists are willing to work for a year without any remuneration in any of your institutions, according to the orders of your Government.
In support
ing this application, I take the liberty to express my hope, that in granting this request your Government will not only perform an act of high humanity, but will also bring profit to your own country.
I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's obedient servant,
Prof. Albert Einstein
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Ancient city of Teos is known today as Sigacik,
Ancient city of Teos which is known today as Sigacik, located 80km north of Kusadasi and 60km south west of Izmir.
The first inhabitance dates back to 10th century BC. The first settlers were Greek colonizers who left mainland Greece due Dor attacks. The legendary founder was named as Athamas. Therefore before the usage of the name Teos, the city was known as Athamias referring to 'the city of Athamas'. These colonisers were folllowed by Ionians who founded 12 cities at the western part of Anatolia. Teos became one of the Ioanic cities. The area where Teos is located was in the middle of the province of Ionia. The 12 ionic cities were Miletos, Myus, Priene, Ephesus, Kolophon, Lebedos, Teos, Klazomenae, Phocaea, Samos, Khios, Erythrai. Smyrna was an Aiolian city which became an Ionian later years. The 12 ionic cities founded a federation named as ''Panionion''. All these Ionic cities were related to each other. The federation became a major power against Persian attacks and became famous with seatrade and mining. 6th cetury BC, Thales of Miletus suggested Teos to be the capital of Ionic federation since the city of located in the mid of the 12 Ionic cities.
Teos and Ionia was under the rule of Lydians in the 7th century BC and attacked by the Persians in 6th BC. Ionic federation had an alliance with Athens and Greek Isles against the Persian attacks. This alliance was named as Attica-Delos Alliance. Especially in 494 BC the Battle of Lade was the most notable battle of Ionia. According to Herodotus, Teos joined the battle with 17 ships. Out of 353 ships of Attica-Delos alliance 17 of them were from Teos, 80 of them from Miletus and 12 of them from Priene, They fought against 600 Persian ships. The war ended with the defeat of the Ionians. Persians invaded Teos, some of the inhabitants of Teos left the area and colonized Abdera, located at the Thrakia region of Greece.
Archaeologists discovered coins having Griffins on them. They are thinking that Griffins were connected with Dionysus, the patron god of Teos. Dionysos is the god of entrainment, art and wine. The priests of Dionysos were considered as theatrical actors. The Dionysos Temple in Teos was the largest Dionysos Temple in Anatolia. The temple and the city of Teos was the meeting place of the actors and musicians. The temple of Dionysos was founded in Teos in the 3rd century BC. The actors were a guild who provided paid performances at the cities. Teos was their sacred city and center. These actors were considered as the priests of Dionysos, they had some form of a religious background which gave them some privileges. But sometimes these privileges caused some trouble for them and they were forced to move. They were considered by the public as problem causers in some occasions. In 152BC due to some problems they caused, the actors were expelled from Teos and went to Ephesus. They were not liked by the Ephesians also. Today visitors can see the remains of Temple of Dionysos. The temple was destroyed many times by earthquakes, the remains visible today from the time of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Roman architect Vitrivius mentions about this temple in his books. According to Vitrivius in the 3rd century BC, temple was built by the architect Hermogenes from Priene. There is a similarity with Temple of Athena built by famous architect Pytheos in Priene and Temple of Dionysos in Teos. Most probably Hermogenes was one of the students of Phytheos and inspired by his teachers works. The temple was peripteros style 6 by 11 columns.
For the last 4 years, Teos has been excavated by the Turkish Archaeologists. A lot work and funding is needed. Visitors shouls not have high expectations.
The modern town of Teos is known as Sigacik. In the 16th century during the battles with knights of St. John, Suleyman the Magnificent the Ottoman Emperor ordered a fort. The town became a naval base for the control of the trade routes. The area is known with olives and tangerines. Lots of organic agriculture are given incentives by the government. On sundays there is an organic farmers market in the town center. Sigacik became the member of ''Cittaslow''. A concept of living in quite and slow cities instead of the noises of big cities. There is a marina for the sailboats and fresh fish restaurants.
The first inhabitance dates back to 10th century BC. The first settlers were Greek colonizers who left mainland Greece due Dor attacks. The legendary founder was named as Athamas. Therefore before the usage of the name Teos, the city was known as Athamias referring to 'the city of Athamas'. These colonisers were folllowed by Ionians who founded 12 cities at the western part of Anatolia. Teos became one of the Ioanic cities. The area where Teos is located was in the middle of the province of Ionia. The 12 ionic cities were Miletos, Myus, Priene, Ephesus, Kolophon, Lebedos, Teos, Klazomenae, Phocaea, Samos, Khios, Erythrai. Smyrna was an Aiolian city which became an Ionian later years. The 12 ionic cities founded a federation named as ''Panionion''. All these Ionic cities were related to each other. The federation became a major power against Persian attacks and became famous with seatrade and mining. 6th cetury BC, Thales of Miletus suggested Teos to be the capital of Ionic federation since the city of located in the mid of the 12 Ionic cities.
Teos and Ionia was under the rule of Lydians in the 7th century BC and attacked by the Persians in 6th BC. Ionic federation had an alliance with Athens and Greek Isles against the Persian attacks. This alliance was named as Attica-Delos Alliance. Especially in 494 BC the Battle of Lade was the most notable battle of Ionia. According to Herodotus, Teos joined the battle with 17 ships. Out of 353 ships of Attica-Delos alliance 17 of them were from Teos, 80 of them from Miletus and 12 of them from Priene, They fought against 600 Persian ships. The war ended with the defeat of the Ionians. Persians invaded Teos, some of the inhabitants of Teos left the area and colonized Abdera, located at the Thrakia region of Greece.
Archaeologists discovered coins having Griffins on them. They are thinking that Griffins were connected with Dionysus, the patron god of Teos. Dionysos is the god of entrainment, art and wine. The priests of Dionysos were considered as theatrical actors. The Dionysos Temple in Teos was the largest Dionysos Temple in Anatolia. The temple and the city of Teos was the meeting place of the actors and musicians. The temple of Dionysos was founded in Teos in the 3rd century BC. The actors were a guild who provided paid performances at the cities. Teos was their sacred city and center. These actors were considered as the priests of Dionysos, they had some form of a religious background which gave them some privileges. But sometimes these privileges caused some trouble for them and they were forced to move. They were considered by the public as problem causers in some occasions. In 152BC due to some problems they caused, the actors were expelled from Teos and went to Ephesus. They were not liked by the Ephesians also. Today visitors can see the remains of Temple of Dionysos. The temple was destroyed many times by earthquakes, the remains visible today from the time of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Roman architect Vitrivius mentions about this temple in his books. According to Vitrivius in the 3rd century BC, temple was built by the architect Hermogenes from Priene. There is a similarity with Temple of Athena built by famous architect Pytheos in Priene and Temple of Dionysos in Teos. Most probably Hermogenes was one of the students of Phytheos and inspired by his teachers works. The temple was peripteros style 6 by 11 columns.
For the last 4 years, Teos has been excavated by the Turkish Archaeologists. A lot work and funding is needed. Visitors shouls not have high expectations.
The modern town of Teos is known as Sigacik. In the 16th century during the battles with knights of St. John, Suleyman the Magnificent the Ottoman Emperor ordered a fort. The town became a naval base for the control of the trade routes. The area is known with olives and tangerines. Lots of organic agriculture are given incentives by the government. On sundays there is an organic farmers market in the town center. Sigacik became the member of ''Cittaslow''. A concept of living in quite and slow cities instead of the noises of big cities. There is a marina for the sailboats and fresh fish restaurants.
Africano marble from the ancient quarry of Teos
Ionia
Plan of Teos
Temple of Dionysos
Archaeologists have been excavating the bouleterion and the theater. Majority of the reamains of the theater were used by the Ottomans for the construction of a medeaval castle. Therefore the size of theater still not known. The size of the bouleterion was 850 people. It was located right next to the Agora. The foundation of the bouleterion is from 2nd century BC. In the time of Hadrian major restorations were made. An inscription discovered mentioning meetings regarding the pirate attacks to Teos in the 3rd century BC. A libraryand a gymanasium is searched in the area.
Teos is surrounded by 6km city walls. The city was also known with marble quarries. Major marble export was made to Rome. Marble from Teos was named as Africano referring to black slaves working at the quarries. In some sources this marble is also named as Luculleum referring to Roman General and consul Lucullus who introduced this marble type to Rome. Africano from Teos had its main use between the times of Augustus and the Antonines, and the quarry itself fell into disuse about 170 AD.
Teos is surrounded by 6km city walls. The city was also known with marble quarries. Major marble export was made to Rome. Marble from Teos was named as Africano referring to black slaves working at the quarries. In some sources this marble is also named as Luculleum referring to Roman General and consul Lucullus who introduced this marble type to Rome. Africano from Teos had its main use between the times of Augustus and the Antonines, and the quarry itself fell into disuse about 170 AD.
Remians of the theater of Teos
Sigacik
Walking through the interior of Ottoman castle through the houses
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Pera Palas Hotel, one of the landmarks of Istanbul
Pera Palas Hotel, one of the landmarks of Istanbul located at Tepebasi by Istiklal Street. Founded in 1892. Housed many important names such as Agatha Christie, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, King Edward VIII, Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Franz Joseph, Alfred Hitchcock, Greta Garbo, Ernest Hemingway, Ian Flemming, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and many more.
The founder Rebublic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed at the Pera Palace Hotel in 1917. His room was 101. On Ataturk`s 100th birthday in 1981, the room was converted into a museum.
Ernest Hemingway stayed in Pera Palas and Grand Hotel de Londres in 1922. He came to Istanbul as a journalist while he was working for the Toronto based newspaper: Daily Star. Hemingway wrote twenty articles about the war and its politics.
Agatha Christie was a guest at Pera Palace Hotel between 1926 to 1932. She wrote one of her novels `Murder in Orient Express`. She stayed in room 411.
When the worldwide famous Orient Express chose Istanbul as its last stop in the East, Istanbul started to become a popular destination. Istanbul attracted many elite and noble travellers. Unfortunately, at that time there were no hotels in the Istanbul to meet the high standards of the Orient Express passengers. To fill this gap Pera Palace Hotel, Grand Hotel de Londres, Bristol Hotel (current Pera Museum) and Hotel M. Tokatlıyan were opened in Pera (Tepebasi/Beyoglu) district of Istanbul. Istanbul resident and Levantine architect Alexander Vallaury designed Pera Palas hotel in neo-classical, art nouveau and oriental styles.
Apart from the Ottoman Palaces, Pera Palas Hotel was the first building in Istanbul to have electricity as well as the first electric elevator. Bathrooms that provided the only running hot water in the city were also priviledges exclusive to Pera Palace Hotel guests. Tall and spacious rooms lit by magnificent chandeliers hosted many unforgettable events like tea and dance parties.
Recently Pera Palas Hotel is refurbished and today run by Jumeirah Hotel Group. Has 115 rooms, including 16 suites, having the characteristics of the 19th century elegance through historical furnitures.
For travellers who come to Istanbul we recommend staying at Pera Palas Hotel or at least enjoy a cup of Turkish Coffee or an afternoon tea at the ballroom.
During our walking tours we stop at this Istanbul Land Mark. Join us for an unforgetable tour of Istanbul. For more information please contact us.
The founder Rebublic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed at the Pera Palace Hotel in 1917. His room was 101. On Ataturk`s 100th birthday in 1981, the room was converted into a museum.
Ernest Hemingway stayed in Pera Palas and Grand Hotel de Londres in 1922. He came to Istanbul as a journalist while he was working for the Toronto based newspaper: Daily Star. Hemingway wrote twenty articles about the war and its politics.
Agatha Christie was a guest at Pera Palace Hotel between 1926 to 1932. She wrote one of her novels `Murder in Orient Express`. She stayed in room 411.
When the worldwide famous Orient Express chose Istanbul as its last stop in the East, Istanbul started to become a popular destination. Istanbul attracted many elite and noble travellers. Unfortunately, at that time there were no hotels in the Istanbul to meet the high standards of the Orient Express passengers. To fill this gap Pera Palace Hotel, Grand Hotel de Londres, Bristol Hotel (current Pera Museum) and Hotel M. Tokatlıyan were opened in Pera (Tepebasi/Beyoglu) district of Istanbul. Istanbul resident and Levantine architect Alexander Vallaury designed Pera Palas hotel in neo-classical, art nouveau and oriental styles.
Apart from the Ottoman Palaces, Pera Palas Hotel was the first building in Istanbul to have electricity as well as the first electric elevator. Bathrooms that provided the only running hot water in the city were also priviledges exclusive to Pera Palace Hotel guests. Tall and spacious rooms lit by magnificent chandeliers hosted many unforgettable events like tea and dance parties.
Recently Pera Palas Hotel is refurbished and today run by Jumeirah Hotel Group. Has 115 rooms, including 16 suites, having the characteristics of the 19th century elegance through historical furnitures.
For travellers who come to Istanbul we recommend staying at Pera Palas Hotel or at least enjoy a cup of Turkish Coffee or an afternoon tea at the ballroom.
During our walking tours we stop at this Istanbul Land Mark. Join us for an unforgetable tour of Istanbul. For more information please contact us.
Room 411: Agatha Christie`s Room
Pera Palas Hotel from outside
Pera Palas Hotel Ballroom
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Taxi from Kusadasi Port to Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House
For travellers who are travelling with the cruise ships and calling to Kusadasi Port, there are many taxis waiting for them at the Kusadasi Port. Taxi prices range from 60 Euros - 120 Euros depending on how crowded the port is. The taxi prices are negotiable. Generally taxis can not take more than 3 travelers comfortably and the taxi drivers can not communicate in English.
Kusadasi Port is the gateway to Ephesus ancient city and considered as one of the most well preserved Roman ancient city today. Visiting this site with a fluent English speaking tour guide makes a big difference. With a little difference you can turn your day into the highlight of your cruise.
We offer private ephesus tours with licensed tour guides from Kusadasi Port at competitive prices. For more information, please contact us.
Kusadasi Port is the gateway to Ephesus ancient city and considered as one of the most well preserved Roman ancient city today. Visiting this site with a fluent English speaking tour guide makes a big difference. With a little difference you can turn your day into the highlight of your cruise.
We offer private ephesus tours with licensed tour guides from Kusadasi Port at competitive prices. For more information, please contact us.
Taxis at the Port of Kusadasi
Tour guide explaining Ephesus
