Izmir is so cool. One of my American friends when we lived in Kayseri joked that Izmir experienced the Enlightenment, whereas certain other parts of Turkey did not. Of course the same is true of America, lol.
Yes. I saw a campaign sign the other say from the opposition candidate (I'm not sure I can call him "liberal" because the term here has a quite different meaning than in the US). He was thinking Izmir province for the 68.7% of the vote he had earned here in the first round. It is safe to say that Izmir is more Aegean than Anatolian in its culture and outlook.
This was a great read. I am always struck by the historical insight into the interwoven economic, social, and religious concerns of the Artemis-worshipping Ephesians provided in Acts 19. The complex set of values held by BCE Ephesians makes for a fascinating study on how the citizenry rebuilt its core identity around a new set of beliefs and customs in following centuries. Thank you for highlighting their ongoing practice of building new traditions and strengthening the bonds between everyone in the community.
Yes. Religion/pilgrimage was always a part of the economy. The fact that pilgrims today pass the temple of the Virgin Goddess, Artemis, on their way to see the home of the Virgin Mary is not lost on many. And before Artemis, before writing or recorded history, the ancients were coming.
Thanks very much for this. I visited in 2009, but did not have the depth of knowledge that you have. What a delight that there is active worship to possibly participate in, if I ever get back there! I have written a bit about my own Turkish Adventure and would be interested in what you think. I too have more to write. https://jimbuie.substack.com/p/turkish-delight-and-sorrow-2009-2023
Thanks Jim. I'm lucky to live in the area and work at an international school in Izmir. It gives me a priceless chance to visit - examine - then revisit these amazing places.
Izmir is so cool. One of my American friends when we lived in Kayseri joked that Izmir experienced the Enlightenment, whereas certain other parts of Turkey did not. Of course the same is true of America, lol.
Yes. I saw a campaign sign the other say from the opposition candidate (I'm not sure I can call him "liberal" because the term here has a quite different meaning than in the US). He was thinking Izmir province for the 68.7% of the vote he had earned here in the first round. It is safe to say that Izmir is more Aegean than Anatolian in its culture and outlook.
This was a great read. I am always struck by the historical insight into the interwoven economic, social, and religious concerns of the Artemis-worshipping Ephesians provided in Acts 19. The complex set of values held by BCE Ephesians makes for a fascinating study on how the citizenry rebuilt its core identity around a new set of beliefs and customs in following centuries. Thank you for highlighting their ongoing practice of building new traditions and strengthening the bonds between everyone in the community.
Yes. Religion/pilgrimage was always a part of the economy. The fact that pilgrims today pass the temple of the Virgin Goddess, Artemis, on their way to see the home of the Virgin Mary is not lost on many. And before Artemis, before writing or recorded history, the ancients were coming.
Thanks very much for this. I visited in 2009, but did not have the depth of knowledge that you have. What a delight that there is active worship to possibly participate in, if I ever get back there! I have written a bit about my own Turkish Adventure and would be interested in what you think. I too have more to write. https://jimbuie.substack.com/p/turkish-delight-and-sorrow-2009-2023
Thanks Jim. I'm lucky to live in the area and work at an international school in Izmir. It gives me a priceless chance to visit - examine - then revisit these amazing places.