Hoşap Castle

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 03/13/2019 - 07:56

Hoşap Castle is an imposing fortification and the main tourist attraction of Güzelsu village near Van in Eastern Turkey. Perching dramatically over the road connecting Van and Hakkari, the castle has been recently renovated and can now be visited if you can attract the attention of the custodian who can open its gates. The castle's name in Kurdish is Kela Xoşabê, and it means Beautiful Water Castle. This name is reflected in the Turkish name of the village as Güzelsu also means Beautiful Water. Naturally, both names come from the river that flows nearby.

February 2019 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 08:51

February 2019 was a month when many promises were made, including the extension of the Hatay Archaeology Museum and turning Tevfikiye into an archaeology village depicting the Troy era. Moreover, Turkish Police forces were busy capturing smugglers of ancient artefacts such as a collection of ancient Hebrew manuscripts.

New Edition of Faint Whispers from the Oracle has just been published

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 02/27/2019 - 15:37

We are happy to announce that the second edition of Faint Whispers from the Oracle is now available on Amazon. Four additional chapters about the latest developments concerning the Temple of Apollo in Didyma and its immediate surroundings have been added. The new edition of this guidebook has also been thoroughly revised and updated. The guidebook is now available on Amazon not only as an ebook but also in the paperback version. Additionally, it is possible to get the ebook version from Google Play.

This book offers a unique insight into the remarkable Greco-Roman archaeology which surrounds the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, the second most important oracular sanctuary in antiquity. The author has expunged the stuffy and meticulous language of the academicians to breathe vibrancy into the narrative which brings to light the complexities of both the ancient world and the ongoing conundrums afflicting the archaeological site today.

Magnesia on the Meander

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:46

The ancient site of Magnesia on the Meander, located 19 km of Ephesus and 24 km of Miletus, lies on a major road which cuts through the archaeological site. It is one of the relatively unknown archaeological sites of the Aegean Region of Turkey, but the ongoing excavations bring new discoveries every year, promising an excellent visit for the travellers interested in history.

Şirince

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 12:34

Many travellers find it hard to believe that Şirince, situated among scenic hills, surrounded by orchards and gardens, once bore the name Çirkince ('abomination'). The present name ('Charming') much better reflects the aesthetic experiences during a visit to this village.