Kushadasi, Ephesus and Izmir

I went to the southwestern cities of Kushadasi and Izmir, which the Ancient Ruins of Ephesus lay. We spent one day on the beaches of Kushadasi, spent one day in Ephesus and a third day in the 3rd largest city of Turkey, Izmir. Kushadasi is a small tourist town and our hostel was across the street from the Mediterranean Sea. Very beautiful, or in Turkish "chok guzel." Ephesus is an ancient city maybe 1400bc, but the Greeks didn't settle until 1000bc. It has a long history of being conquored by the many Empires of ancient Anatolia. It experienced its peak population of 250,000 people when is belonged to the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD. St. Paul is said to have visited Ephesus and may have even been imprisoned here for a time. Izmir is nice city located on the water as well. We spent most the day at a park on the water for a national holiday celebration. Then caught the sunset before returning to Istanbul, a 9 hour bus ride.

The view of Kushadasi from the balcony of our room.

The view at night.

Ancient theatre said to hold 24,000 people

The famous Library of Celsus

You thought modern public toilets were bad!

Famous Izmir clock

Beautiful sunset in Izmir