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Around Gokpinar Retreat Center

PRIENE MILETOS DIDYMA (Apollonian Temple)

IASSOS (35km) EPHESUS (180km) PAMUKKALE (220km)

Located between the city of Milas and
lovely Bafa Lake, Euromos Temple is
known to be one of the best-preserved
temples in Asia Minor. It was built in the
2nd century A.D. & was believed to be
completed ever.(45km)

Herodotus, the "Father of History", was born in Halicarnassus.
During the reign of Artemisia II, two memorable feats were
accomplished. One was the construction of one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World, the Tomb of King Mausolus
(from which we derived our word 'mausoleum'). The second
feat was the success of a brilliant battle plan rivaling that of
Artemisia I.
Today, BODRUM is one of the most popular destinations in the
world, known for its beaches, history and nightlife.

This temple was famous
throughout the Greek world for
its oracles, such that it surpassed
even the reputation of Delphi.
The harbor of Panamos, near
Didyma, became very busy.
Frequently visited by scores of
military commanders, common
folk & the wealthy, visitors
flocked to this area to learn their
future from the priests of the
temple.

The name "Priene" is thought to
have pre-Grecian origins, dating
from when the Cretan islands,
''Praisos and Prianson" had
relations with Priene. Prior to
becoming one of the 12 members of
the Ionian Confederation and
participating in the "Ionian
Rebellion," Priene had been under
Lydian dominion for several
centuries.

Miletos, one of the oldest cities of
IoniaIt, was also a city of many
scientists & philosophers, such as
Thales, Anaximander, Hekataios
(principle source to Herodotos) and
closer to us, Isidorus, the architect of
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Miletos'
alphabet was recognized in the Greek
world as the official Greek alphabet,
which is the basis of the current Latin
alphabet.

Hierapolis was famous for its
thermal springs. Frequented by
people from nearby cities &
Laodicea (an ancient site
established before Hierapolis), its
waters' properties were known for
curing numerous illnesses.
From the time of 3 BC, the fame of
Hierapolis increased continually,
leading to migrations which began
locally and increased as its
popularity rivalled the city of
Laodicea.

Ephesus, once the most important
commercial center of Western
Anatolia, is now one of the
highlights for tourists exploring
Turkey.
This city was established as a port
on the mouth of the river Cayster
and was one of the world's
foremost cities, prized for its
location on a strategic Anatolian
trade route.
Its significance in the history of
world religion is rich and
indisputable, attracting thousands
of travelers yearly.

As one of the most important site of the
region of Caria, the history of Iasos
dates back to 3000 BC. Once situated
on an island, the city is now joined to
the mainland, creating a peninsula. The
people of ancient Iasos made most of
their money from fishing, a tradition
that continues to this day.
Apollo & Artemis were the protecting
god & goddess of Iasos.