Selcuk-Izmir, Turkey
Selçuk is the central town of Selçuk district, İzmir Province in Turkey. The town is located on the western edge of the Aegean Region of Turkey, which is on the seashore and has clean natural sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Being one of the most visited touristic destinations within Turkey, Selçuk is known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Seljukian works of art.
Selçuk history date back to 8000 B.C., not only famed for historic, but also an important centre for three religions, all of which spread throughout the world. It was first a center of pagan worship in the polytheist world of antiquity. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built here. Millions descended to Selçuk each year to visit the house of Virgin Mary and also St. John's Basilica. The İsa Bey Mosque, İsa Bey Baths and The Monumental Tomb are significant examples of architecture from the Islamic era.
Besides the historical richness around the area, Selçuk is worth seeing with the places of superb natural beauty surrounding the town. The Famous Camel Wrestling Festival takes place on the third weekend of January, the Selçuk-Ephesus Festival of Culture, Art
and Tourism, takes place on the first week of September and the Traditional Oil-Wrestling takes place on April.
