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Isa
Bey Mosque |
This mosque is the
only one of its kind in Turkey. It was designed by a Syrian and
built in 1375 from "classical junk" from Ephesus, the
Temple of Artemis and St. John Basilica. See the lovely decorative
stonework in the courtyard, the classical stone in the west wall
and the Ottoman gravestones wearing stone turbans (men) and garlands
(women). The pillars in the courtyard, filched from Ephesus, are
originally from Aswan in Egypt! The Imam here is very welcoming
to visitors. Open at prayer times.
NB: DRESS CODE for MOSQUES: "Modest, respectful
attire" for both sexes eg.
Women:Legs,
midriffs, cleavage, upper arms, back and hair must be covered.
Sarongs make useful "coverups". Scarves etc are available
from the pro-actively helpful Imam (mosque priest). In winter,
you can just tuck all hair out of sight under coat hoods and ski
hats.
Men: Must cover their thighs and torso. Long baggy shorts
are OK in THIS Mosque: in others, shorts may need to be covered
with a sarong.
Some knowledge about local religion will put you in good stead
for visiting mosques and practices you will encounter
CAMLIK OPEN
AIR RAILWAY MUSEUM
15 minutes from
Selcuk lie 3 dozen retired Steam Engines: a treasure trove for
Train Buffs, although of general interest as well - surprisingly
so! With its expansive manicured lawns and immaculate trains its
also great place for kids and family picnics! The 29 locomotives
and 4 historical wagons exhibited in natural surroundings in the
160 acres museum fascinate the visitors.
A single 1932 specimen can be found near Selcuk Train station
for the less enthusiastic !