I quickly found out that Kusadasi is a resort town for the rich of Europe to spend their summers. Off in the distance you can see the island Samos where Pythagoras lived and discovered the Pythagorean theorem. The city was well kept and many salesmen stand on the street corners hoping to cut a deal with you on some obscure souvenir. Kusadasi has been a popular tourist destination for many because of its close proximity to religious sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus visited by the apostles Paul and John, St. John’s Basilica, the religious shrine of the Virgin Mary, and the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After joining our guide we set off for St. John’s Basilica. As we arrived at the remains of the Basilica your imagination created a 6th century three-story church with massive pillars at each entry and a huge dome above the chapel. In the area where the dome would have been is the original burial place of the Apostle John. Also found in this church was a baptismal font about 5 feet deep into the ground and could be entered from both sides.
Our next destination was the famed Ephesus. Most of us would only know them as the Ephesians visited by Paul the Apostle. Today only ruins can be found where a city of over 200,000 people once lived.
As I walked through the streets of Ephesus I felt an overwhelming excitement - as we entered the marketplace, the theaters, and houses- knowing this city received instruction and guidance from prophet of God regarding the Atonement, gospel principals, and guidance for the family. I know we have the same ability today, but the idea of going to the local 25,000-seat theatre to personally hear an Apostle teach me is exciting to imagine. Also near the remains of Ephesus is the remains of the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431 AD. What was most intriguing to me was the fact that in the room behind the chapel was a rather large granite tub built about five feet high. The reason this was so intriguing to me was the fact that only four centuries after the death of Jesus Christ his followers already misunderstood the baptismal method and meaning.
We then made our way to what is claimed to be the house where Mary the mother of Christ spent her final days. In 1896 Pope Leo XIII said the probability of the house being the final home of Mary was very high, later in 1950 Pope Pius XII established it as a Holy Place. Therefore it has retained the title of the home of Mary, although they stated that no factual information has been presented to prove its authenticity.
The people of
Kusadasi were extremely welcoming and were accustomed to sharing their culture and customs with the many tourists. At lunch they served us an interesting drink they love that is basically salty milk, needless to say it took a few gulps to get used to it. They Turks are well known for their handmade rugs and intricately designed ceramics. The people were welcoming and friendly and they certainly made our time in Turkey one of the greatest experiences of the Mediterranean.
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