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Ancient City of Cedrae (Cleopatra or City Islands), Marmaris, Turkey

The ancient ruins of Cedrae in the island of Saray, date back to the Hellenistic Roman era. What is known as the City Islands is comprised of Orta Island and Kucuk Island. The remains of the ramparts can be easily seen from the distance. The island took its name from the rumour that Cleopatra swam with the locals in a small bay at the northwest of the island. Furthermore, she was supposed to have entered the sea with Mark Anthony, the sands of which were transferred from Northern Africa via ships by Anthony which may be true as this type of sand is only seen in Egypt.

The remains of buildings surrounded by ramparts on the east of Saray island date back from the Roman and Hellenistic period, and the small amphitheatre is in the best condition. The Christian Basilica was constructed over the pedestals of the Apollo Temple, belonging to Dors. There is an Agora on the west of Saray with inscriptions suggesting that athletics festivals devoted to Apollo were organised in the region. There are Necropolis ruins at Kucuk Island, as well as column reliefs.

Thermal and Mineral Springs in Koycegiz

Sultaniye Thermal and Mineral Springs It is operated by Caunoses in 100 B. C. Ruins of this afterwards widen thermal spring with new additions during Bizantium period are within the lake today. It is recommended for rheumatism, nephritis, mental tiredness, skin and gynecological diseases, kidney and urethra diseases. As well as it can be reached with a short road voyage from Koycegiz, you can also reach there via motor from lake.

Eshab-i Kehf (Seven Sleepers) Cavern, Tarsus, Mersin, Turkey

It is 12 km. north of Tarsus, near to Ulas Village. This cavern, which gives its name to section of the Koran, is esteemed as holy by Moslems and Christians. Story of Eshab-i Kehf Cavern is very impressive; during polytheist age, seven juveniles (Yemliha, Mekseline, Mislina, Mernus, Sazenus, Debrenus and Kefestetayus), who had escaped from torments as they believe to monotheism, had hidden in this cavern together with their dogs.

Miraculously rock is cut and these faithful persons had slept for 300 years, and had seen that everything is different when they had waken up. One of them had gone to the city for buying food and seized. When arrested person come to cavern with him, he did not see anything rather than a nest on which seven young birds had been perched. For this reason, here is also known as “Seven Sleepers Cavern”. Mosque, constructed by Sultan Abdullaziz on the caverns, had been added a minaret with three balconies.

The Acropolis of Pergamon, Bergama

The Acropolis was built on an extremely steep hill, approached by a winding road ascending some 300m. In this uniquely designed city, religious, official, social and commercial buildings are all found side-by-side. The King of Pergamum is on the top of this hill, which has been inhabited since ancient times. There are also five cisterns and an arsenal on the hill. Below these buildings is the Temple of Athena, as well as the Library and the Temple of Trajan. The Altar of Zeus was carefully placed below these buildings on a terrace.

One of the steepest amphitheatres in the world is found here. The lowest section of the acropolis is the gymnasium and the Temple of Demeter. Because of the topographical location of the city and the course of the main street, all the buildings of the acropolis are line up in a north-south fashion, but the buildings all face west so that they can be seen from far away. The Altar of Zeus was not encircled with colonnades for the same reason. The Agora and Athena Temple also have an unobstructed view of the plain.

Turkish Night shows

Classic Turkish Night shows, which are extravagant and fun, if not kitchy samplings of the range of influences infusing Turkish culture, offer another option for reveling in the atmosphere of the exotic. These shows take place on a grand scale all over Turkey. In Istanbul, the Galata Tower sets the stage for the festivities.