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When visiting Altinkum,
stop any tourist and ask them how many times they have been to Altinkum.
Chances are, they have lost count. Follow that question with “have you
ever been to see the Temple of Apollo?” and the answer is No!
This historical attraction is right on the doorstep of Altinkum and is
extremely under promoted in resort. Even the Mayor of Altinkum Mümin
Kamaci, is desperate to encourage tourists from all resorts to visit the
temple. Talks are in place to register the surrounding village of the
temple called Yoran Village, as a architectural conservation site. Old
ruined houses will be restored and the Minster of culture and tourism in
Turkey, Ertugrul Gunay is keen to get involved. At present international
cruise ships will dock into the resort of Kusadasi and take all
nationalities to the historical site of Ephesus. The mayor is looking to
set up the same concept here in Altinkum with cruise ships docking in to
take all nationalities to The Temple Of Apollo.
So why do many people not visit the Temple which is right on their
doorstep?. Is it because they think it is just the temple that is there?.
If so this is incorrect. A fun traditional morning or afternoon can be
had. After visiting the temple which has a cheap entrance fee then explore
the local shops. Souvenirs, onyx and galleries displaying art by local
artists are dotted around the temple. The first one however that needs to
be highly recommend is the carpet shop. I can imagine your surprise at a
recommendation for a carpet shop. Well, these are not your modern machine
crafted washable rugs. These are hand sown traditional carpets from all
around Turkey. On closer inspection of the motifs used, you will discover
a secret tale told by the woman who weaved the carpet. A young lady with a
desire to marry, a new mother overjoyed at the birth of her off spring, an
evil eye used to warn off bad luck from who ever will be the lucky owner
of the carpet. Anatolia Carpets all come with a certificate and are
considered world wide collectors items. If you are feeling really flush
then a small hand woven pure silk carpet is up for sale at £2000. Be sure
to not to put it down as a welcome mat!
There are also three restaurants looking onto the temple, and they will
provide a refreshing drink in the hot summer sun or will lay on a whole
feast of traditional Turkish food for an excellent bargain price. Try the
Turkish mezes for starters and for your main course, look into the fish
cabinet, choose your lunch for the day and relax with a glass of raki
whilst waiting for your feast to be served to your table. If a special
occasion is coming up and you would like to be really romantic then head
to the restaurants at night time, grab a table overlooking the temple
light up by soft lights, listen to the traditional Turkish music performed
by live singers and ensure that you have a holiday memory that will last
for years. Last year an english couple gained permission to marry in the
Temple, you can be sure that their holiday photos are original and will be
looked at in awe by their grand children. So next time you are in Altinkum,
be sure to spend a morning discovering this important part of Turkish
history and help us to spread the word about the historical part of
Altinkum known as The Temple of Apollo.
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