Anatolia’s colorful history has left a windfall of cultural
riches—ancient ruins, ornate Byzantine churches, elegant
mosques, and splendid Ottoman palaces. This illustrated
seminar highlights the history of ancient Turkey by way of
some of its hidden gems.
9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Bronze and
Iron Ages: Hattusha, Gordion, Kultepe, and Karum of Kanesh
Hattusha, the Hittites’ capital, was
the site of four large temples and
elaborate gateways; Gordion was
the location of numerous tumuli
(grave mounds), including the
tomb of King Midas; Kultepe is the
site of one of the largest ruins of
ancient Anatolia.The Assyrians established
complex karums, or settlements, for merchants.
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Hellenistic and Assyrian Periods: Sardis,
Didyma, and Epheseus
From ancient synagogue ruins in Sardis to the gigantic Apollo
Temple in Didyma to the recent excavations in Epheseus that
uncovered the unusual terrace houses, the area is replete with
remnants of the Hellenistic era.
12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch
Participants provide their own lunch.
1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Christianity in Anatolia:
Philadelphia, Cappadocia,
Demre
Home to Saint Paul and the
seven churches of Asia
mentioned in the Revelation
of John; distinct Cappadocia
with vast underground cities
built by early Christians.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Turkish
Period: Bursa and Edirne
Bursa, an early Ottoman
capital, is where Ulu Cami, the Great Mosque, with its 20 domes is
located. We end the day at
Edirne, the second Ottoman
capital, an example of innovative
architecture and city
planning.
Lecturer Serif Yenen is the president of the Federation of
Turkish Tourist Guide Associations and the author of two
guide books on Turkey and Istanbul.
CODE: 1H0-505