History

Following the grand and sacred festivals like the Didymeia and the intimate celebrations of the Kosmoi and Molpoi, Didyma also hosted the Anoigmoi festival, a lesser-known but equally meaningful event. Though it lacks the prominence of its counterparts, the Anoigmoi offers a fascinating glimpse into the community’s dedication to fostering...

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...

The rich tapestry of ancient Didyma’s festivals is woven with threads of religious devotion, athletic competition, and cultural celebration. While the pre-300 B.C. festivals at Didyma remain largely shrouded in mystery, the evolution of these festivals provides fascinating insights into the religious and cultural life of the region. Here’s an...

In the records of the past, few women have left a mark as Impossible to erase, like Aspasia of Miletus. Living during the 5th century BCE, a period often celebrated as the Golden Age of Athens, Aspasia stands out not only for her remarkable intellect but also for the significant...

The ancient world is a treasure trove of stories and symbols, where mythology and reality often intertwine. One such symbol is the Medusa head in Didymaion, a significant historical artifact located in Didyma, Turkey. This stone-carved Medusa head, part of a frieze on the architrave of the Temple of Apollo...

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...

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...

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...

Apollo, a significant figure in both Greek and Roman mythologies, is a fascinating deity with manifold functions and roles. This blog post explores the various aspects of Apollo in these two ancient cultures. Apollo in Greek Mythology In Greek mythology, Apollo is one of the Olympian deities and is recognized...

This blog and the next one will be historical in content, for those of us interested in the history of where we are as well as to give an overview of the rich tapestry of Türkiye’s history. Miletus, was a city located on the western coast of modern-day Türkiye, it...

The Oracle of Didyma, was one of the most renowned ancient oracles in the world, also known as the “Didymaion,”. This sacred site, located near the coastal town of Didim on the Aegean coast of Turkey, was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy and light. The Oracle of...

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/Aydın, 1890s (Photo: Eski Türkiye Fotoğrafları Arşivi)

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...