Ojemba: Still In Selcuk, Ephesus

Following the death of Jesus Christ, St. John the Evangelist, to whom Jesus had entrusted his mother left Jerusalem to Asia Minor--this region. St. John lived with Virgin Mary in Selcuk and Ephesus. He wrote the 4th Gospel here in Ephesus. (He wrote book of Revelation in Patmos, just off the Aegean coast)

We visited where Mary lived, and where John lived and later died at the age of 98. Just before his death, he instructed his followers of dig a square grave for him. He was buried here.

In front of the tomb of St. John

In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian built an elaborate basilica over the tomb. Very interesting and moving environment.

The tomb and basilica are within 3 blocks from our villa. And next to the tomb is Isa Bay Mosque, which was built in the 12 century. It has a huge courtyard.

Inside the Mosque

The courtyard

Then on to House of the Virgin Mary. This has become shrine, with Marian pilgrims coming in bus loads. This hallowed pilgrimage site has been visited by 3 popes. Forbidden to take pictures inside.

Mary spent her last days in this modest brick house.

Group from Kazakhstan that wanted to take a group picture with us. We obliged, secretly hoping that was not a Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) set up.

Cave of the Seven Sleepers
Until we got here we never heard of this, and it is dubious and fantastic. According to legend, in the second century, Roman Emperor, Decius, ordered the persecution of Christians. Seven young men were sealed in this cave and left to die. In the 4th century, a farmer happened to open the cave and found the men deep asleep. They woke up and walked around the ancient town. Ephesians were shocked to see such archaic clothed men walking their streets.

Following a hard day's job, we had good dinner at a highly recommended restaurant.

Meal at the villa

We took a day trip to Izmir. It is Turkey's third largest city with population of over 2 million. NATO Air Command HQ is in the city. The goal of our trip to the city was to seek the city's Ataturk Museum. We got there only to find out that it has been closed for renovation. Nothing about the closure online.

We walked along the harbor front promenade, had lunch and drove back to Selcuk.

The next day--July 16:

At a carpet shop