Temple of Apollo, Didim 1890s

Nestled along the picturesque western coast of Turkey lies a region steeped in history, mythology, and natural beauty. Mount Latmos, now known as Beşparmak Dağları, and the ancient city of Heraclea ad Latmum are among the hidden gems of this landscape. Once a thriving port city and a revered site...

The Multifaceted Goddess: Artemis Artemis, a revered figure in Greek mythology, is a goddess of many facets. Known primarily as the Goddess of Hunting, she embodies the skills and attributes of a master hunter, often depicted with a bow and arrows. Beyond the hunt, Artemis is also the Protector of the Natural...

Hello, dear readers! Anyone who knows me is aware of my deep interest in mythology, and it’s both enjoyable and intriguing to connect this passion with my profession. Exploring the connection between architecture and mythology has always fascinated me. The beliefs of people are one of the key elements that...

In ancient Didyma, the festivals and religious rites extended far beyond the grand athletic contests and public ceremonies. Among the intricate rituals that marked the city’s religious calendar were the Feast of the Kosmoi and the Feast of the Molpoi. These events highlight the depth of Didyma’s religious practices and...

Introduction Following on from my last blog about Didim, I am now imparting information about Didim, not only as a stunning coastal town on the Aegean coast of Turkey, but a town also known in ancient times as Didyma, and dating back to BC 500, although there are traces of...

Temple of Apollo/Didim, 1911 (Photo: Eski Türkiye Fotoğrafları Arşivi) A headband, tie, or forehead band is worn around the head. It is believed that the words dedem (meaning “crown” in Sogdian), didem (in Pahlavi and Parthian) originated from the Ancient Greek verb diadima, which means “to tie around.” In relation to this, it was called diademme in...