The excursion to
Ephesus was great. I learned a little more about the history of
the region (part of Asia Minor) and its connection to Christianity.
Over 90% of the folks in Turkey are Muslims; however, our
guide is quick to point out that they are not like the folks in the Middle
East. Girls cannot wear coverings when
they attend college. It is illegal in
some areas to wear them.
Christians, Jews and Muslims are buried in separate cemeteries. We saw a Muslim and a Christian graveyard during the excursion.
Muslims in Turkey do not eat pork, but they have no objections
to alcoholic beverages. That was shared with the group by the tour guide.
The pictures below tell part of the story to my excursion in Ephesus and learning about the Ephesians during the time of Roman control…
 |
| When you gotta go ... public toilets (only the rich could have them in their homes |
 |
| The small theatre |
 |
| The library |
 |
| Marble paved streets of Ephesus... The harbor street (sea doesn't extend to this area now). |
 |
| The amphitheater. Merchants did not allow St. Paul to speak fearing financial ruin (no more selling of icons). Paul lived in Ephesus for about 3 years and wrote much of his books (letters) in the Bible during this time. |
 |
| Returning to the ship for the next leg of the journey (Istanbul) |
