TURKEY - THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD
1. THE LIGHTHOUSE OF ALEXANDRIA
The lighthouse on the island of Pharos was the only ancient wonder that served a practical purpose. It guided ships trying to reach the port of Alexandria in Egypt through labyrinths of shallows that posed a great threat to merchants.
This 120-meter-high lighthouse was financed by the Greek merchant Sostratus to improve maritime traffic safety. Bright bronze mirrors were used to reflect sunlight onto the sea during the day and to illuminate fires lit at night to signal or guide lost ships. The lighthouse remained intact until it was threatened with collapse due to a series of earthquakes and structural deterioration over time, and was eventually dismantled for its precious stones.
2. THE TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS
This structure, the largest temple of the ancient world and a magnificent symbol of Hellenistic culture, was built in honor of the goddess of hunting, Artemis (master of wild nature, protector of wild animals, and sister of Apollo). Located in Ephesus, which later became one of the richest port cities of Asia Minor, the temple consisted of 127 marble columns, each 20 meters high.
It was built in the 6th century BC, rebuilt by Alexander the Great, and was ultimately destroyed by Gothic invaders, earthquakes, and looters. Archaeologists derive their knowledge about the temple from a coin minted in 235 BC. Today, only a single column reminds us of this magnificent structure.
3. THE STATUE OF ZEUS
This giant statue, adorned with gold and jewels, was commissioned in 438 BC in Olympia to honor Zeus, the most powerful of the Olympian gods. Designed by the Athenian sculptor Phidias, the statue was placed in the Parthenon Temple that dominated the city.
According to the Byzantine Philo, this statue was the most impressive of the seven wonders of the ancient world: "While we admire the other six, we bow respectfully before this one..." The statue collapsed with its temple in an earthquake in 170 BC.
4. THE COLOSSUS OF RHODES
This massive bronze statue, dedicated to the sun god Helios who was believed by the Rhodians to have repelled Demetrius of Macedon, rose on a 32-meter-high marble base. Built by the architect Chares of Lindos, the statue took 10 years of meticulous work to complete so that its legs could support the giant weight.
Unfortunately, an earthquake in 227 BC caused cracks in the statue's knees, and the massive structure broke apart and collapsed. However, the statue was so admired that its enormous pieces remained in place for 900 years before its precious materials were finally taken to Syria.
5. THE HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON
According to legend, a magnificent paradise garden was built in the waterless desert of Mesopotamia in the 7th century BC. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were known for their ability to create a botanical oasis in the middle of an arid desert, defying the laws of nature.
According to legend, King Nebuchadnezzar had these gardens built for his wife Semiramis, who missed the forests and roses of her homeland. The gardens, arranged in terraces, were surrounded by walls protecting the city and moats dug to stop invading armies. However, archaeologists and historians question whether the gardens actually existed, as no trace of this legendary oasis has been found in excavations in Babylon.
6. THE MAUSOLEUM AT HALICARNASSUS
This monumental tomb, built between 370-351 BC, was commissioned by Artemisia to immortalize the great love of her husband, King Mausolus of Caria. According to Pliny's descriptions and excavations, the 50-meter-high structure rose on a marble base at the intersection of Halicarnassus's two main streets and was surrounded by 36 columns.
The mausoleum, which remained relatively intact until 1522 AD, was destroyed as an example of pagan art.
7. THE PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT (GIZA)
The Pyramids of Egypt (Giza), the only wonder of the ancient world that has survived to the present day, are extraordinary proof of Egypt's construction and architectural skills. Built between 2600-2500 BC, the three Giza pyramids consist of more than 5 million limestone blocks in total.
The stones were laboriously transported using wooden sleds and cylinders. Since cranes were not yet known, the blocks were pulled up ramps to be placed in position. According to Herodotus, the largest, the Great Pyramid of Cheops (approximately 146 meters), took 20 years to build and served as the tomb of Pharaoh Cheops.
The pyramids were symbols that connected heaven and earth and showed the people that their pharaohs were living gods (the appearance of the earth god Horus).