Pamukkale “The World Famous Turkish Hot Spring"

Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in south-western Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley, which has a temperate climate for most of the year.


The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" which is in total about 2,700 metres (8,860 ft) long, 600 m (1,970 ft) wide and 160 m (525 ft) high. It can be seen from the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli, 20 km away. Tourism is and has been a major industry. People have bathed in its pools for thousands of years. As recently as the mid 20th century, hotels were built over the ruins of Heropolis, causing considerable damage. An approach road was built from the valley over the terraces, and motor bikes were allowed to go up and down the slopes. When the area was declared a world heritage site, the hotels were demolished and the road removed and replaced with artificial pools. Wearing shoes in the water is prohibited to protect the deposits.

Çivril
About 10km/7mi south of the regional center of Çivril on the Beysesultan Tepesi, the archeologists Lloyd and Mellaart unearthed a prehistoric settlement. The excavations took place between 1954 and 1959 and the finds are now on display in an Ankara Museum. Evidence of settlement here exist from the Chalcolithic times (4500 B.C.) until the early Bronze Age (1250 B.C.) and again 400 years later until Byzantine times. For the Stone Age alone, 21 layers have been found within 11m/36ft of sediment. In layer V (1900 B.C.), the remains of a palace reminiscent of Knossos were found. It was destroyed in the 18th century B.C. by the Hittite Labarna. Within four Bronze Age layers were found the traces of a shrine with sacrificial vessels, a blood altar, a phallic symbol and statuettes of Cybele. To one side the tomb of an important Islamic figure can be seen.
A town was founded here by King Eumenes II of Pergamon soon after 190 B.C. Intended as a rival to Laodikeia, the new settlement was a fortified military colony. It may have been named after Hiera ("Hierapolis", city of Hiera), wife of Telephos, the mythical ancestor of the Pergamenes.
The first town was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 60 and now only the scanty ruins of a theater are visible. A new town was built on a site to the south. The city enjoyed its greatest prosperity around the second and third century but most of the ruins date from later. The existence of a large Jewish community in Hierapolis led to the early arrival of Christianity (Colossians 4:13). In A.D. 80 the Apostle Philip was martyred here and later a church, perhaps the basilica outside the north gate, was dedicated to him. Hierapolis became the see of a bishop and a metropolitan but its main function was as a spa. With the coming of the Seljuks (1094) it gradually decayed and was abandoned. A severe earthquake in 1354 also affected.

Laodikeia.


Karahayit Tourism

More hot springs (Kizilpinar 55°C/131°F) bubble from the chalk-coated rocks on the same plateau only 5km/3mi west of Pamukkale near the village of Karahayit. The presence of various other oxides, e.g. iron oxide, tinges the calcium carbonate with a variety of colors. A small bathing pool is situated beneath the springs.

Kolossai Tourism
Take a side road to reach the village of Honaz which lies a good 20km/12mi east of Denizli beneath the Honaz Dag. A short distance to the north, the River Lykos cuts through a limestone plateau partly in an underground channel and partly in a 4km/2.5mile long gorge (Bogaz Kesen). The scanty remains of the once great Phrygian city of Kolossai lie beyond the gorge. They are referred to by Herodotus (Bk 7: 30) and in the time of Xenophon (Anabasis Bk 1: 2,6) Kolossai was still a place of some consequence, but became increasingly overshadowed by Laodikeia and Hierapolis. Its name has remained familiar because of Paul's epistle to the Christian community here. 4km/2.5mi to the south the hillside town of Chinai (Honaz) with its patron saint Michael was of more importance in Byzantine times.

Laodikeia

The ruined site of ancient Laodikeia (Laodicea) which is situated about 5km/3mi north of Denizli is referred to by local people as Eskihisar or "Old Castle". The town, built on the site of an earlier settlement known originally as Diospolis and later as Rhoas, was founded by Antiochos II of Syria (261-246 B.C.), who named it after his sister Laodike. The city subsequently became the part of the kingdom of Pergamon, probably after the Treaty of Apameia in 188 B.C. and thereafter passed into Roman hands. Its commercial activities and especially its wool and textile industries made it one of the wealthiest cities in Asia Minor (Revelations 3:17). After a devastating earthquake in A.D. 60, the citizens rebuilt the city out of their own resources. It was home to one of the oldest Christian communities and ranked among the Seven Churches of Asia (Revelations 1:11;3:14; Colossians 4:13ff). After its conquest by the Seljuks in the late 11th century, the city fell into decay and in the 13th century the remaining inhabitants abandoned the site and moved to Ladik (Denizli).

Pamukkale - Hot Spring Pool

The main outlet for the spring water today is near the Pamukkale Motel (no group tours) and a number of antique columns are submerged in the bathing pool where water at a temperature of 38°C/100°F circulates. The spring with a flow of 200-250liter/44-55gallons per second has covered the whole of the lower town with a chalky coating and numerous earthquakes have caused this layer to crack and split open.

Limestone Terraces

The calcareous deposits (travertine) come from a number of warm water springs (34-35°C/93-95°F) which contain large quantities of dissolved calcium bicarbonate. When the water reaches the surface, the calcium bicarbonate breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and calcium carbonate.


The latter is deposited in the form of a hard grayish-white layer. These deposits gradually fill up, sometimes even raise the water channel, so that the water flow disperses in all directions and the deposits produce a series of fan-like formations with small dips and terraces. In the same way that stalactites form in limestone caves, the deposits grow on the steep slopes eventually taking on the appearance of cotton wool. Çalcareous deposits can be found wherever water emerges from karst rock, e.g. Lake Plitwitz in Croatia and near Antalya in Turkey. The thermal spring water, which in addition to chalk and carbon dioxide, contains sulfuric acid, sodium chloride, iron and magnesium, has long been valued for its healing powers and thus revered as a shrine.

Saraykoy Tourism
The town of Sarayköy at the western edge of the Hierapolis valley is probably old Karura (Kyorara) which lay on the border between Phrygia and Caria. It became known for its hot springs by the Maeander and its Herophilian medical school. Herophilus (fourth century B.C.) was regarded as the most important doctor of antiquity after Hippocrates. He was one of the first doctors to dissect the human body.

Kaklik caves

Kaklik caves are like a small version of Pamukkale, but in a cave, underground and are about 30 minutes from Pamukkale.

Roman amphitheater
The great (12,000-seat) Roman amphitheater of Hierapolis should not be missed.

Laodikya
Another lesser known site, but one that holds a considerable significance Biblically is Laodikya, just 10 km (10 minutes on a local dolmuş) from Pamukkale on the Denizli road. It's mentioned in the Bible as one of the 7 Churches of the Revelations and even though it hasn't been reconstructed as much as the more famous sites like Ephesus, is a great place to experience the Roman history without the crowds. A peaceful way to spend a day looking at ruins but also the beautiful scenery there as well.

Importance
Like Laodikeia, Hierapolis owed its prosperity to various branches of the wool industry including shearers, spinners, weavers, dyers and dealers. Their products were exported as far afield as Italy. The city was also a much-frequented spa where dazzling festivals and games were held to entertain visitors.

Çardak
Between the town of Çardak and the railway line, 55km/34mi east of Denizli at the western tip of the large Lake Acigöl, stands the well-preserved Çardak Hani. This Seljuk caravanserai with five aisles, each with two massive towers (one with five and one with three sides), was endowed in 1230 by Rasideddin Iyaz, a general of the sultan Alaeddin Kaykobad. Above the porch an inscription is flanked by two lions. Known in antiquity as Anaua Limne, Lake Acigöl (836m/2,742ft) covers an area of 1,153sq.km/445sq.miles but can often dry up in the summer months

Get in
The nearest major city is Denizli, where you will likely arrive first before getting to Pamukkale.

By plane

* Closest airport is Denizli - Cardak Airport is 65 km or 1 hour away and there are flights
twice daily to Istanbul.

* Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is another alternative to the area. Pamukkale is 252 km from
the airport, a drive of about 4 hours (4-1/2 to 5 hours by bus)or 6-7 hours by train. (Check
TCDD for train schedule.)

By train
The nearest train station is in Denizli, which currently has services from Izmir only. The Istanbul service (Pamukkale Express) was suspended in 2008, presumably because of track renovations, and it is not certain when/if the services will re-start.

By bus
Bus to Pamukkale/Denizli can be found from almost all the cities of Turkey. Bus services include water, hot drinks and a snack. There are virtually no bus companies that take you directly to Pamukkale despite what the ticket sellers tell you. The bus will drop you in Denizli and then you have to get on the free minibus to Pamukkale (about 20 km away).

By dolmuş
From Denizli bus station, take a dolmuş, a type of cheap communal taxi that usually seats about 10 (but it's possible they'll squeeze in more), from nearby Denizli. Frequent mini-buses serve the village of Pamukkale in a 20 minute ride. It cost 2 YTL per trip.

Get around
Even when you're way on the edge of the village, you can reach everything (the village center and the travertine pools) on foot in about ten to fifteen minutes.

Damascus "Oldest City of Earth"

Damascus is the capital of Syria and its largest city, with about 4.5 million people. Established between 10,000 to 8,000BC, Damascus is credited with being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The old-walled city, in particular, feels very ancient and largely consists of a maze of narrow alleys, punctuated by enigmatic doors that lead into pleasing, verdant courtyards and blank-faced houses. The old city still has an authentic medieval feel to it, although this is vanishing fast due to the increasing tourist traffic as the city continues to be highlighted as an attraction. Life, however, goes on in the old-walled city, which is still the religious and social centre of the city.

Souq al-Hamidiyya

The Souq al-Hamidiyya, a broad street packed with tiny shops, is entered through columns from a Roman temple built on a site that had been occupied by an even older temple. The souqs themselves smell of cumin and other distinctive spices and you can find passages dedicated to everything from leather and copper goods to inlaid boxes and silk scarves.

Ummayad Mosque

This Mosque is one of the most ancient and magnificent mosques in the world. This magnificent piece of architecture is located in one of the holiest sites in the old city and was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Until recently, the mosque housed the shrine and the head of the saint. In 2001, Pope John Paul II went to the mosque to visit the relics of the saint. Other important features of the mosque are: the Ablutions Fountain in the center of the courtyard, Saladin mausoleum, and the head of Husayn the grandson of Muhammad.

Azem Palace

Once the governor residence, Azem Palace is now the home of the National Museum of the Arts and Popular Traditions. Built in 1749, it is located near the Citadel in the old city, and is quite an attraction with its elaborately designed fountains, rooms on display, paintings, and contemporary art. The rooms are particularly interesting as they include an old Haman (bath house).

Arab Epigraphy Museum

This madrassa (Islamic educational institution) was built in the 15th century and is a splendid example of Mamluk-era architecture. Although it contains a small collection of illuminated calligraphic manuscripts and other printed works, the main attraction is the building itself, intricate and grand in its design.

Mausoleum of Salah al-Din

Mausoleum of Salah al-Din, known in the west as Saladin, the chief anti-crusader. There's a great statue of him on horseback right next to the citadel, which will make you gasp. If you walk all the way around it, there are two dejected Frankish knights underneath the horse's slightly lifted tail. These two knights are identified by inscriptions as Guy de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem, and Reynald de Chatillon, lord of Kerak, an important fortress in the Holy Land. Both were captured during Salah al-Din's definitive victory at Hattin; Guy was imprisoned in Damascus and eventually released, but Reynald was executed as punishment for his many atrocities.

Via Recta

Via Recta, which is Latin for Straight Street, was constructed under the supervision of the Romans during the era of the Roman Empire. This 2,000 year old colonnaded road was mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Acts as having been visited by St. Paul. Via Recta is approximately 1,600 meters long, because it spans the length of the old city of Damascus, which is now mostly underground. At the halfway span of the road, a Roman archway can be observed, and along the street is St. Paul's Chapel, where St. Paul was believed to have fled.

Army Museum

The Army Museum has an interesting collection of military weaponry from the Bronze Age to the near present. Exhibits include flint arrowheads and a pile of twisted metal than turns out to be planes shot down during the 1973 war with Israel.

Hejaz Railway

The Hejaz Railway is open to the public every day but Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Outside of the museum you will find a great locomotive display, while inside you will find various artifacts and photographs about the railway. The museum is located on the far side of the tracks at the Cadem Station. You can also partake in a steam locomotive ride if you wish to purchase tickets in advance.

Explore the Old City

The Old City is one of the best neighborhoods to visit if you're interested in exploring the town of Damascus. The Old City does not have newly constructed buildings; instead, it gives you a chance to explore what the city used to be like. If you're going to be exploring the many streets and alleyways of the Old City you must do so on foot; taxis do not come here due to the narrow streets. However, exploring on foot gives you the chance to window shop at all of the beautiful stores in the Old City.

Bathe in a Hammam

i.e., a Turkish bath. The Nur-al-Din Bath (between the Azem Palace and Straight Street) and the Bakri Bath (first street on the right after entering the Old City at Bab Touma) are two baths that are familiar with Western tourists. A visit to either costs about 500 SP, and includes towels, soap, scrub, and a massage. Nur-al-Din is for men only, Bakri might be able to accommodate women or mixed groups upon prior arrangement. Bakri Bath: for women each day except Friday 10 - 5 pm

Hooka cafe

Relax at a Hooka cafe "Narjelah" Hooka cafe's are popular in Damascus and are easy to find. When visiting the old city, you'll get a more cultural or traditional experience. You'll probably find a crowd of tea-drinking, backgammon-playing men all smoking hooka. In the modern city, most cafe's cater to a younger crowd and are a big part of the night life offering a huge variety of flavored tobacco ranging from double apple which is the most common, to cappuccino. In almost every major restaurant, hookas are available, including the restaurants in the old city.

Visit Mount Qassioun

If you visit Mount Qassioun you will want to make sure you make the trip in the evening because of the beautiful view that it has to offer. However, if you do go up at night you want to bargain with your taxi driver before leaving town, because you can easily spend hours up there watching the town light up under the night sky. At the bottom of the mountain there is a monument erected in honor of an unknown soldier, which is something to stop and look at before heading up the mountain.

St. Ananias Chapel

Even though the chapel has a very interesting history, there isn't very much to see. St. Ananias Chapel, which is located in the Old City, offers you the chance to see the small church that is located in the cellar. You can also visit the room next to the church in the cellar that is filled with plaques that tell the history of St. Ananias Chapel. After visiting here you should stop at the Chapel of St. Paul.

Bimaristan an-Nuri

This building was the first hospital in the world, but now it is an Arabic Science and Medicine Museum. The building also happens to be one of the last ayyubid monuments in the city of Damascus. Inside the museum you will find an ancient tomb, old Arabic surgical instruments and many other things of interest.

Festivals

Damascus Film Festival

This festival is held every year in November, and it gathers movie stars, directors and people from the movie business from around the world and Syria. The film festival also attracts a lot of tourists in the city, and hotels are usually pre-booked for months.

Damascus Theatre Festival

The Damascus Theatre Festival was held for the first time back in 1969 as a biennial festival. Unfortunately, during the Gulf war, this festival was stopped. The performances are all around Damascus and tourists can always walk around from one play to another.

Silk Road Festival

This is probably the most interesting festival, and tourists can follow it through the whole Syria since this festival is held in Damascus, Palmira, Aleppo and Deir Es Zor. This festival takes tourists through the past; people can see the old traditions of the Silk Road. During this festival, people can see theatre plays, various exhibitions, dancing plays, folklore dancing from all over the Middle East, a race of small boats in the Euphrates River, swimming races in the Euphrates River, a Gastronomic Festival and much more. This festival gives tourists the chance to travel all around Syria. It is held at the end of September and it lasts at least 5 days.

International Flower Show

This show is being held every year in July or August in the Teshreen Park. This is Damascus' biggest green place. This show gets a number of people from all over the world with their flowers and plants, and tourists can visit it anytime during the month.

Jazz Lives in Syria

Jazz festivals are held in Damascus and in Aleppo in August. This festival is held for four days and people can see various artists from all around the globe. This is one of the biggest jazz festivals in this part of the world.

Night Life

Oxygen

This high-end bar and restaurant caters to those who wants to spend a night like a VIP. The area is divided in to two sections. One section of Oxygen is allotted for a great fine-dining experience. Guests can enjoy scrumptious dishes and various cuisines. It also offers a great selection of premium wines. The music in this dining section is relaxing and often features piano and violin recitals. After dining, go to the more party-oriented section of the building. Affluent youngsters will surely enjoy the company of each other amidst the funky music and great cocktails. Dress to impress because this place has a strict door policy.

Domino

Domino is one of the most established party spots in Damascus. Food and cocktail prices are affordable and the bar menu has a long list of good food. The place is famous for its hookahs that cater to fancy smokers. Beyond 11:00 p.m., the wide dance floor opens and the music turns to party mode. Celebrated local DJs create the mood and mix the music for a fun-packed clubbing experience. Bring your own flavored loose tobacco for a more personalized hookah use.

Get Around

On foot

A very good idea is to go on foot especially for a sightseeing, and it's the only way to get around in Old Damascus. Walking in the new city however, should be reserved to the nicer areas of Maliki and Abu-Rumaneh, as the new city tends to be pollution clogged. The driving culture in Damascus is not the safest, so beware as a pedestrian, especially in the new city. Cars will not hesitate to come extremely close to pedestrians or other cars in order to pass.

By car

It isn't a very good idea to rent a car in Damascus. There is almost always a traffic jam, especially in summer, and parking tends to be difficult too; although that isn't the the situation in suburbs.

Buses

Micro buses, also known as servees, are one of the main sources of transportation in Damascus. All journeys inside the city costs 10 Syrian Pounds (20 American Cents approximately). You can go from one place to another in Damascus with at most one or two journeys. When on the bus, give any passenger a coin and he will pass it to the driver and return the change, just remember to tell that passenger how many people you are paying for, whether you are in a group, or tell him that you are paying "for one" ("waahid") if you are alone. The route is written (in Arabic only) on the roof sign. Micro buses do not generally have fixed stops except at very busy points, just beckon to the driver and he will stop near you (Al yameen, andak iza samaht).

There are also many city buses that likewise cost 10 SYP. One useful bus is #15, which runs from Al-Marjeh Square (Souq Sarouja\Old Town) to the Western Bus Station, which serves Beirut and Amman.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in Damascus, making them a great mode of transportation. The taxis of Star Taxi, a new private company, are more expensive than normal taxis, but they are also more comfortable and safer. You can call their headquarters and they will send the nearest taxi to your door. Taxis with the Damascus Governorate logo on the side and a number on the roof sign are normally equipped with a meter, and it is best to use only these when hailing a taxi on the street. You should normally leave a 10-pound tip as well as the fare on the meter. At night, taxi drivers do not usually use the meter, so you may be best off negotiating the price before you get in. A service taxi to Amman or Beirut cost 700 Syrian pounds and takes around 4 hours and run 24 hours. Do not hesitate to take them; they are new, clean vehicles with air conditioning.