Merhaba everyone, it is Day 6, and we have sadly reached the midpoint in our Türkiye course (not trip). Today, we began our day in the early morning by visiting the house of Mary.
The reason this house is believed to be one of Mary's is because of a German nun who saw many visions, one of which was in one of them she saw where Mary had lived in comparison to Ephesus. This was 50 years before Ephesus was even discovered. Once they had found the foundations of the city, they were able to find a home in the same place they had witnessed. In addition, the stories of John coming to emphasize were within the same time. And bringing Mary, as Jesus had given her to him to be in charge of. While there is skepticism about whether Mary truly lived here. , The home is currently operating as a catholic monastery and continues to welcome Catholic and Muslim devotees.
Even though there is heavy skepticism and debate about whether Mary truly lived in this house, there is a holiness to the space that you cannot shake; it can be felt both within and outside the house. To many, the house represents the power of belief; whether or not Mary truly lived here is not the question; it is a question about faith. In addition, the unity it creates is just as real as the walls that make up the house itself. Muslims and Christians gather together every 15th of August as a way to honor Mother Mary. They are praying for different reasons and in their own way, but for the same person. Mary's house encompasses the beauty of their religion in a modern context and the powerful effect of Faith. This was even demonstrated by some students on the trip who took time to pray outside of the letter and leave a note including a prayer outside of the wall. Each prayer quickly getting lost in the sea of papers displays the unity in faith and hope.
Ephesus was a great Roman city that was made up of Greek citizens. Otherwise known as Greco-Roman, and can be understood as a blend of both cultures. This was after they were given to Rome when they were part of Pergamon. In Ancient Rome, it was the fourth largest city and had over a quarter of a million people living within it. It is one of the most impressively well-preserved archaeological sites that was once part of the ancient world and was first discovered in 1861 by James Ballard. Under Roman rule, it flourished. The ruins themselves were beyond impressive, but it is important to note that many of the ruins found at the site are actually in the British Museum. The city was taken over by the Sasanians; however, by the 8th century, the city was heavily suffering from not having a harbor, since for years it had become silted. This has affected their trade, food, and overall livelihood, this made them being attacked as the last straw to their downfall.
Many of the buildings in Ephuses demonstrated their political and cultural power. This includes a courthouse, Odeon (not a theater), Prytaneion (government buildings), and a hospital. Ephesus was a fully functioning city. However, one of the most beautiful parts of the remains is the Terrace Houses. They are beautifully decorated on the inside with a Roman-style interior, and the capacity of the houses demonstrates how the elites would have lived. It is important to remember that while looking at these grandiose homes, the people who it took to build them and maintain them. This includes the servants and enslaved people working for the rich families.
Ephesus did a powerful job of shaping identities. Many of the places in the city were restricted to the upper class and the wealthy. The same buildings that were limited were simultaneously being built by working-class or enslaved people. Thus, we can only imagine a sense of inferiority and social hierarchy that was being enforced. In Ephesus there were the people who got monuments in their name and the ones who built them. The ones who live next to the harbor, and the ones who lived on the outskirts. While often the names and houses of the rich are found in cities and kept in records. We must remember the individuals whose work we are actively passing through. When we do, both groups become eternal and equal in remembrance. This equality was never able to be given to them in life so we must in death.
After spending the majority of our morning in Ephesus, we made a quick stop at the Jesus Mosque.
It is important to note that the mosque is named after someone named Jesus not the prophet or son of god. While our visit was quick, it was amazing to see the interior and how it was built from other rocks and ruins. Compared to the mosque we have previously visited. It was smaller, but it was also a nice view into a more local, intimate mosque. The mosque provides insight into how many places can be repurposed with the use of Spolia.
Overall, the places we visited had immense history and cultural ties to them. Türkıye proves once again that their culture and beauty has been built with help of others and with a mix of religions. It has been one of the most beautiful countries I have visited and I cannot wait to see more of it!
Thank you for sharing this glimpse into what may have been part of Mother Mary's story. So interesting! Pictures are lovely. I appreciate being able to go along for your course journey through the blog!
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