Gerome Valley, Cappadocia

Dinning room of the monks with seats made of rock.

Hundreds of chapels carved into the hillsides date back to 373 AD.

The rock formation is spectacular. There were Greek Orthodox monasteries built into the rocks. These places were excellent sites for religious studies and self reflection.  Unfortunately the churhes with its wall paintings of Christ were defaced. Most of the Christian Greeks were forced to leave Turkey following the imposition of the Greek Turk Transfer of 1923.

Ephesus

Former Roman official residences

Sculptures

The Arcadian Way leading to the ancient city of Ephesus where the apostles Paul and John visited.

A Roman fountain

Mosaic walkway.

Facade of a rich man's house.

Toilet bowls in a row to cater for the numerous sea farers.

The Library of Celsus built by a former slave from Rome.

Statue at the Library of Celsus.

An amphitheater where gladiators once fought

The church in Ephesus was one of the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. The apostle John wrote the Gosple of John and the 3 Epistles in Ephesus. He wrote the Book of Revelation on the  island of Patmos.  During the time of Christian persecution he brought Jesus's mother Mary to safety in Ephesus. The house of the Virgin Mary was discovered in the 19th century from the description in a book which recorded the vision of Anne Catherine Emmerich a Roman Catholic nun.  John the apostle died of old age in Ephesus.

Underground Cities of Kaymakli, Cappadocia

This underground city was initially built below a village.

Our tour guide giving a briefing.



In the kitchen.

Some nearby cave homes.

These cities were constructed by the Christians who were escaping Roman persecution. The Christians were safe after the baptism of Emperor Constantine. Within the city were living spaces, stores and kitchen.  The rooms were secured with large solid rock wheels-like doors.  The passage ways were narrow allowing the inhabitants to fight the Roman soldiers one at a time.

The Republic of Turkey

Turkey lost in WWI and was occupied by the Allied forces of Britain, France and Greece. Local resistance developed and several wars followed. The Turks won finally and the Republic was founded to replace the Ottoman Empire. The first president was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Ankara is the capital city. Nearby is ancient Galatia whose early settlers were from France. Paul the apostle visited Galatia twice and wrote a letter to the Galatians. Galatia is located in Asia Minor in central Turkey. I marvel at his Ministry.

Soldier guarding mausoleum of 1st Turkish President.

There are two exhibition halls.

This hall holds the personal belongings of the 1st President.  No photos allowed.

The Turkish emblem.

A comprehensive history of Turkey behind these walls.  A good museum to visit.

Ottoman Sultan Caravanserai, Turkey

At the Gate.

Equipment used in early trade.

The main gate decor.

The Surau.

This was a fortified merchant stopover built by Sultan Alaeddin of the Ottoman empire in 1299. It was located along the silk road in Asia Minor. They were places for the merchants to stay with separate enclosures for animals. At the centre was a surau for worship. Later these places served as transit points for soldiers and pilgrims to Mecca.

The Christmas Story for Children

A cartoon depiction of the birth of Christ on display in LSN Hall for the benefit of all.

Christmas Art Competition



Possible winners?



The staircase leading to the Christmas tree.

The Leong Oon Keong Chest & Medical Clinic Christmas Art Competition is now on.  Here are some early entries. The competition will end on 22nd December 2012.  Attractive prizes await the winners.  Please obtain details and sketch paper (3 designs) from the clinic.