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Destination #2: Selcuk

Having explored the delights of Bursa, it was time to move on.  Selcuk was our destination, however we managed to skirt the outer fringe of Izmir, a large and robust city, otherwise known as the Pearl of the Aegean.    

Free cat with ceramic bowl...yes please!

Selcuk is a quiet little town with a big history.  Ayasoluk Hill has seen settlers since 2000 BC, now the best “remnants” are Byzantine.  The hill itself is crested with a Byzantine citadel in remarkably good condition.  Nearby, is a Byzantine church and also the Basilica of St John, said to be the burial place of John the Evangelist. (Here we had our first introduction to religious tourism...hmmm, interesting!).  A Byzantine aqueduct sits imposingly in the midst of town.  Great nests on its high spots attest to the good taste of leylekler (large white storks) who migrate into town for summer - May to September.

Every home should have one

Sitting forlornly in a field on its own is a single “composite” column, all that remains of the once fabulous Temple of Artemis (burnt down in 356 BC), one of the ancient world’s Seven Wonders.  Nearby is the Isa Bey mosque, of Seljuk origin.  The hill is also lined with carpet shops and tourist tat, making it difficult indeed to wander serenely and contemplate so many ancient “left-overs”. 

All that's left of the Temple of Artemis

We did manage however to discover a start line for those inclined to shop.  The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is overwhelming, so it was pleasant to stroll Selcuk’s few “tourist” streets for take-home goodies.  Not that we had been neglected for choice.  Every bus stop has its own little bazaar with goodies ranging from pottery camels (with gold feet, natch), musical instruments, plastic cuckoo clocks, plaster parrots to cheap clothing. 

Crumbling Hamam (baths)

Fact File: Oil-Wrestling.  Wearing knee-length leather shorts and smeared head to toe in olive oil, contestants attempt to throw their opponents to the ground.  Each match involves lots of contemplation, an occasional grab for underpants and much side-stepping.  We watched the television (with our waiters) fascinated, until our dinner arrived.  One waiter said he enjoyed watching the sport but much preferred camel wresting.  The females are cranky he told us.  And they bite…  Now that’s reality television for you!

Oil Wrestling (From Wiki)