Publications
Experience Museology and Ephesus Experience Museum
Modern museums are evolving into immersive experience centers, leveraging technologies like AR, VR, and AI to engage visitors beyond passive observation. The Ephesus Experience Museum exemplifies this shift by creating an interactive environment that combines sensory stimulation with historical storytelling. While the museum successfully integrates advanced technologies to enhance visitor engagement, it faces limitations in narrative depth, particularly regarding significant structures like the Celsus Library, which could be addressed through QR codes or AR applications. This study highlights both the potential and challenges of experience museology in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering insights for future improvements.
Four Frankish gravestones from medieval Ephesus
Four Latin gravestones, dating from the late 14th to mid-15th centuries, provide new insights into the Italian presence and cultural exchange in medieval Ephesus. These tombstones, discovered on the terrace of Ayasuluk near the Byzantine Church of St John the Evangelist, include two previously unpublished inscriptions that were unearthed in 2017. The study combines epigraphic analysis with historical context to shed light on the Frankish community's integration and religious practices during a transitional period in the region's history. This research contributes to understanding the multicultural dynamics of medieval Ephesus by examining Latin inscriptions alongside their archaeological surroundings.
Mixed-Language Inscriptions, Social Groups and Freedmen in Roman Ephesus
Mixed-language (Greek-Latin) inscriptions in Roman Ephesus, particularly among Italian communities and their freedmen, suggest a strategic response to legal restrictions imposed after the Augustan Principate. This study reveals that the use of bilingual epigraphy by this social group was likely motivated by changes in their legal status, offering new insights into the dynamics of social identity and linguistic choice in the Roman province of Asia. The research employs detailed analysis of epigraphic data to examine how these inscriptions reflect broader societal shifts, providing a nuanced understanding of the interactions between language, law, and social hierarchy in Ephesus.
A Tale of Two Port Cities: Ayasuluk (Ephesus) and Balat (Miletus) during the Beyliks Period
During the Beyliks period (14th to early 15th century), Ayasuluk (Ephesus) and Balat (Miletus), once prominent port cities of the ancient world, experienced a revival as dynamic trade hubs under Turkish rule. This study reveals their spatial transformations during this time, comparing urban forms, settlement patterns, cityscapes, and architecture through morphological analysis and historical documentation. While both cities thrived in the east-west trade network, differences emerged in governance (Aydınid for Ayasuluk, Menteşeid for Balat) and urban development. The research highlights their shared resilience and distinct identities as late medieval port cities.
The Early Christians in Ephesus from Paul to Ignatius
A groundbreaking analysis of early Christian communities in Ephesus reveals significant shifts in religious practices and leadership from the time of Paul to Ignatius. The study identifies a transition from Pauline theology, marked by apostolic authority and missionary zeal, to a more structured ecclesiastical hierarchy under Ignatian influence. This evolution is traced through epistolary evidence and archaeological findings, offering new insights into the institutionalization of Christianity in Asia Minor. By integrating literary analysis with historical context, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how early Christian communities adapted to socio-political changes during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.
The ‘Upper Regions’ and the Route of Paul’s Third Journey from Apamea to Ephesus
A new analysis of Paul's third journey route from Apamea to Ephesus, using advanced methodological tools such as Least Cost Path Analysis and 3D modelling, identifies the Meander valley route as the most plausible path. This finding challenges traditional interpretations and provides fresh insights into the geographical context of Acts 19:1, where Luke refers to 'upper regions.' The study integrates recent archaeological and hodological research in western Asia Minor with cartographic data, offering a more accurate portrayal of Paul's travel and ministry programme during this period.
Ephesus
Ephesus remained a significant regional center and provincial capital from the sixth to the fourteenth centuries, despite experiencing shifts in settlement patterns. Paleo-geographical investigations reveal that its harbor basin was still functional until at least the twelfth century, while pollen analyses indicate an increase in pastoral farming and a decline in settlement intensity between the late seventh and tenth centuries. However, settlement activity rebounded in the eleventh century with the emergence of a second town around the pilgrimage site of St. John, which persisted under Turkish rule as Ayasoluk. The study combines archaeological evidence with environmental data to reconstruct Ephesus' dynamic evolution during this period.
Molecular organic indicators for human activities in the Roman harbor of Ephesus, Turkey
A significant increase in concentrations of organic substances, including n-alkanes, fatty acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was detected in sediment cores from the Roman harbor of Ephesus. These changes indicate heightened anthropogenic activity during Ephesus' flourishing period, likely due to increased use of natural products like waxes and their discharge via municipal sewage or direct emission in the harbor area. While no single indicator substance directly reflects ancient harbor activities, systematic shifts in organic matter composition provide clear evidence of human influence on the environment. This approach demonstrates the potential for molecular organic indicators to detect past settlement activities, offering a transferable method for studying other sedimentary geoarchives.
Ephesus as a Religious Center under the Principate
Ephesus emerged as a significant religious center during the Roman Principate, marked by its diverse cultic landscape and syncretism. The study reveals that the city's religious identity was shaped by a blend of local traditions and imperial worship, with prominent temples like the Artemisium serving as focal points for both civic and provincial devotion. Archaeological analysis of inscriptions, architectural remains, and ritual artifacts provides evidence of this religious dynamism, illustrating how Ephesus adapted to and integrated Roman cultural and political norms while maintaining its own distinct religious heritage.
Human impact on Holocene sediment dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean – the example of the Roman harbour of Ephesus
A multi-proxy analysis of the Roman harbour and canal at Ephesus (western Turkey) reveals that human activities, particularly deforestation, agriculture, and grazing, significantly accelerated soil erosion and sedimentation over the last three millennia. Starting in the 8th century BCE, but intensifying during the Hellenistic/Roman period (2nd/1st centuries BCE to 6th/7th centuries CE), these processes led to rapid alluviation and delta progradation of the Küçük Menderes River, causing severe siltation of the harbour basin. This sediment trap also records heightened heavy metal contamination (lead and copper) and traces of fruit tree pollen and intestinal parasites, reflecting increased human impact during Ephesus' peak prosperity. After the 1st millennium CE, declining influence reduced this effect, mirroring trends observed in other ancient Mediterranean settlements where human activity overwhelmed climatic influences during their most flourishing periods.
Discoveries at Ephesus
A pivotal discovery at Ephesus, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, was made by John Turtle Wood in 1869 when he uncovered a Greek inscription that pinpointed the long-lost Temple of Artemis. This breakthrough followed six years of meticulous excavations supported by the British Museum, which began after Wood abandoned his railway project in Turkey to focus on Ephesus. The temple, buried under layers of sand, required an exhaustive four-year excavation effort. The 1877 publication not only details these findings but also includes Greek and Latin inscriptions with translations, providing critical historical insights. Additionally, the work references ancient writings about the temple, enriching our understanding of this iconic site.
Ephesus, and the Temple of Diana
Edward Falkener's 1862 publication, 'Ephesus, and the Temple of Diana,' offers a pioneering reconstruction of Ephesian architecture based on his 1840s sketches during a trip through Anatolia. His detailed layouts and artistic talent, recognized with a medal at the 1855 Paris Universal Exhibition, contributed significantly to Victorian interest in ancient architecture. While Falkener's speculations about the Temple of Artemis' location were later disproven by John Turtle Wood in 1869, his work remains valuable for its historical context and artistic merit. The publication is a reissue from the Cambridge Library Collection.
Evidence for the reactivation of a pre-existing zone of weakness and its contributions to the evolution of the Küçük Menderes Graben: a study on the Ephesus Fault, Western Anatolia, Turkey
A detailed geological analysis of the Ephesus region reveals that the Ephesus Fault, initially active as a left-lateral strike-slip fault during the Early–Middle Miocene, was later reactivated as a dip-slip normal fault in the Middle Miocene and continues to shape the modern Küçük Menderes Graben (KMG). The study identifies three distinct deformation phases, with the main extension direction changing from northwest to northeast, suggesting an approximately 60° rotation around vertical axes. This rotation is attributed to the region's location within the strike-slip dominated İzmir-Balıkesir Transfer Zone (İBTZ). The research combines structural, stratigraphic, and sedimentological data to elucidate the fault's role in the evolution of the KMG basin.
Sustainable valorization of cultural heritage via tour guides: turkish case of Ephesus ancient city
Tour guides at Ephesus Ancient City play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of mass tourism on cultural heritage, according to a study published in PASOS Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural. The research highlights that guides can significantly influence tourist behavior and contribute to sustainable heritage valorization. Conducted through semi-structured interviews with Turkish tour guides at Ephesus, the study reveals their potential as key supporters for heritage site managers in reducing environmental degradation and resource consumption. Recommendations derived from this research aim to guide tourism industry practices and cultural heritage management strategies, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainable tourism principles into local operations.
Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy
A recent analysis of the mid-first century C.E. text Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus, often overlooked in New Testament scholarship, offers fresh insights into the social dynamics and cultural norms of wealth in ancient Ephesus. By employing a socio-rhetorical methodology, this study compares Ephesiaca with five key passages from 1 Timothy (2:9–15; 3:1–13; 6:1–2a; 6:2b–10; and 6:17–19), revealing rare terms and themes that challenge contemporary interpretations of wealth in biblical texts. The research enriches our understanding of the economic and social context of Ephesus, providing a more nuanced 'Sitz im Leben' for wealthy elites during this period.
Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy: Fresh Insights from Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus
A recent analysis of the mid-first century C.E. text Ephesiaca by Xenophon of Ephesus, combined with socio-rhetorical methodology, offers fresh insights into the social context and cultural norms of the wealthy in ancient Ephesus. This research challenges traditional interpretations of wealth-related teachings in 1 Timothy (e.g., 2:9-15; 3:1-13; 6:1-2a; 6:2b-10; 6:17-19) by revealing overlooked evidence that reshapes our understanding of the Sitz im Leben of Ephesus' elite. The study also highlights rare terms and themes in Ephesiaca that parallel those in 1 Timothy, providing new avenues for biblical interpretation.
Hydraulic capacity of ancient water conveyance systems to Ephesus
Ancient Ephesus was sustained by four extensive water conveyance systems, each with distinct hydraulic capacities. The Şirince system, spanning 8 km and composed of baked clay pipes, delivered approximately 10 liters per second (l/s). Similarly, the 7 km Derbentdere system, also using baked clay pipes, had a capacity of around 20 l/s. In contrast, the Değirmendere system, a masonry conduit stretching 36 km, boasted a significantly higher capacity of 200 l/s, while the 42 km Kayapınar system, another masonry conduit, delivered about 100 l/s. Notably, the Şirince system was extended in the 6th century AD by the 650 m long Selcuk aqueduct, which served as an inverted siphon, further enhancing its functionality.
Stable Isotope and Trace Element Studies on Gladiators and Contemporary Romans from Ephesus (Turkey, 2nd and 3rd Ct. AD) - Implications for Differences in Diet
A comparative analysis of gladiators and contemporary Romans from Ephesus (2nd–3rd century AD) reveals distinct dietary patterns, with gladiators exhibiting significantly higher strontium-to-calcium ratios—a marker suggesting frequent consumption of a plant ash beverage, as documented in ancient texts. Stable isotope analysis of 53 individuals, including 22 gladiators, indicates that while both groups primarily consumed C3 plants like wheat and barley, a few showed signs of C4 plant intake. Notably, two outliers—one female from the gladiator cemetery and one gladiator—displayed isotopic signatures (δ13C and δ34S) suggestive of migration or distinct dietary sources. Low nitrogen isotope values across the sample may reflect legume consumption, a feature uncommon in other Roman-era populations.
Culture Tourism as a Sustainable Tourism Type: The Ephesus Example
Culture tourism, growing faster than other forms of tourism, presents both opportunities and challenges for preserving cultural heritage. This study identifies key elements that could support sustainable culture tourism at Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with significant historical value but underutilized potential. It highlights the need for balanced approaches to avoid environmental damage while maximizing tourist value. The research emphasizes strategic planning, continuous market creation, and avoiding passive tourism practices to ensure long-term sustainability. By analyzing Ephesus's current tourism landscape, the study proposes a theoretical framework aimed at developing the region as a sustainable tourist destination without compromising its cultural integrity.
Studying “Fractionation” in Earliest Christianity in Rome and Ephesus
This study reveals significant similarities and differences between the earliest Christian communities in Rome and Ephesus, two major cities of the Roman Empire. It finds that both cities experienced 'fractionation,' a phenomenon characterized by local fragmentation influenced by various factors. Drawing on Peter Lampe's influential work on early Christians in Rome, the research compares these communities to assess whether their histories can be fruitfully contrasted. The study highlights how fractionation contributed to the development and perpetuation of distinct Christian identities in both cities.
The Celsus Library at Ephesus: Spatial Rhetoric, Literacy, and Hegemony in the Eastern Roman Empire
The Celsus Library at Ephesus served as a powerful symbol of Rome's cultural and political dominance during the early second century CE. While its elite patrons benefited from its instrumental functions, passersby from all social strata were exposed to its hegemonic display, reinforcing Roman authority. The study reconstructs the library's original appearance and spatial relationships using architectural analysis and historical records, offering insights into its rhetorical and literacy dimensions. This approach reveals how the library functioned not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a tool for asserting Roman power in the Eastern Empire.
From House Church to Tenement Church: Domestic Space and the Development of Early Urban Christianity--The Example of Ephesus
Apartment blocks, or insulae, likely served as early Christian meeting spaces in Greco-Roman cities, challenging the traditional view that house churches were the primary form of worship. This study applies social networking theory to analyze the social and physical dynamics of early urban Christianity (c. 50–150 CE), using Ephesus as a case study. While literary records mention house churches, archaeological evidence for large-scale purpose-built spaces is scarce until the third century. The research suggests that insulae provided both practical and social environments conducive to Christian gatherings, bridging gaps in our understanding of early Christian architecture and urban life.
Results of the struggle at ancient Ephesus: natural processes 1, human intervention 0
Ancient Ephesus, once a bustling coastal city, faced insurmountable challenges from natural sediment deposition that ultimately led to the abandonment of its harbours. Despite repeated human interventions—such as the construction of moles to prevent siltation—the Küçük Menderes River's sediment load inexorably filled the Gulf of Ephesus, forcing inhabitants to relocate harbours westward over centuries. This study reveals that natural processes consistently outpaced human efforts, using a combination of geomorphological data, subsurface geological analysis, archaeological excavations, and ancient texts. Sediment coring and palaeogeographical studies traced shifting river courses, floodplain changes, and anthropogenic deposits, demonstrating the futility of large-scale engineering in combating estuarine infilling. The findings underscore the vulnerability of coastal settlements to long-term natural dynamics, even with advanced intervention strategies.
Examining cultural tourism attractions for foreign visitors: The case of camel wrestling in Selçuk Ephesus
The Camel Wrestling Festival in Selçuk, Ephesus, stands out as a culturally authentic and non-commercialized attraction that significantly draws foreign visitors seeking unique cultural experiences. A survey of 56 international attendees on January 18, 2009, revealed their fascination with this traditional event, underscoring its potential as a sustainable tourism product. While the festival remains vulnerable to the impacts of mass tourism, its cultural integrity can be preserved through strategic policies that balance heritage conservation with visitor engagement. This study provides actionable insights for developing a sustainable tourism framework to safeguard the festival's authenticity and ensure its longevity as a globally recognized cultural asset.
The Legend of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus in Syriac and Arab sources – a comparative study
The Legend of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, a narrative deeply rooted in both Syriac and Arab traditions, reveals significant interfaith borrowing, particularly from Christianity to Islam. This comparative study highlights how the legend, known as Aḥē Dmīḥē or Ṭalyē d-Efesōs in Syriac and Ahl al-Kahf or Aṣḥāb al-Kahf in Arabic, reflects the influence of monotheistic religious ideas prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula during the early evolution of Islam. The research demonstrates that Mohammed's exposure to Jewish and Christian communities—comprising approximately 1% and 10% of the peninsula's population, respectively—facilitated the integration of these traditions into Islamic thought, notably within the Quran. By analyzing Syriac and Arab sources, the study provides insight into the cultural and religious exchanges that shaped the region's spiritual landscape.
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