Turkey
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Antique City of Hierapolis Ataturk Mausoleum Blue Mosque Canakkale and the Ancient City of Troy Dardanelles Ephesus Goreme Valley Grand Bazaar Hippodrome of Constantinople The House of Virgin Mary Izmir and Ephesus Kusadasi Mevlana Museum Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Pergamon more...Izmir and Ephesus
Known as "Beautiful Izmir," the city lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships and yachts. The climate is mild and in the summer the constant and refreshing sea breezes temper the sun's heat. Behind the palm-lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline, the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and its port is second only to Istanbul . A cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy during the International Arts Festival (June/July) and the International Fair (August/September).
Outside the city of Izmir , on the Northern Region of the province, the ruins of Pergamon can be seen -- now known as the modern city of Bergama . The Southern Region includes the town of Selcuk and the ancient city of Ephesus (3 kilometers south of Selcuk).
A visit to Ephesus , an important city of antiquity, is one of the highlights of any visit to Turkey . The city, which had many splendid buildings, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, whose temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World . The nearby Turkish Bath Museum , built in the 16 th century, shows Turkish life at the hamam (bath). There is also an Ephesus International Festival held annually. Furthermore, during the height of the season, world-famous artists and orchestras give performances.
