Artemis temple: Should Britain return his stolen treasures?

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Von wom87

I scored the map on my cell phone and read the tiny numbers in the afternoon glow of an irreconcilable sun. The Temple of Artemis was definitely marked on the map - number 23.

We had spent the morning in Ephesus, Turkey’s iconic Archaeological site and were now looking for the temple of Artemis, one of the famous seven wonders of antiquity.

We walked three different paths and reached the limits of the site without being able to find the apparently mythical temple. After all, we scattered to the south gate, our arms stretched out in unnatural angles to leave air around our sweating skin. We were greeted by a typical sociable Turk that told us that the temple of Artemis was not at all in the complex of Ephesus, but 3 km away, near the city.

Although a 3 km long walk rarely intimidated, the view of having to drag the temple in the godless heat spoke of none of us, so we jumped into a taxi instead. Ten minutes and $ 5 later we found ourselves on a bald hill made of swampy mud and withered grass.

alt = “Fit for a goddess? The famous temple of Artemis enthroned on a bald swamp hill”> Atlas & Boots FIT for a goddess? The famous Temple of Artemis sits enthroned on a bald swamp hill

We went to an abandoned information board and overlooked the scene behind it. We didn't expect much of the temple (except for the pyramids of Giza, all ancient miracles were destroyed), but we expected more fanfare around the site itself: maybe a velvet rope or a kind of plaque - something that is reminiscent of the meaning of the side. Instead, we found a lonely column surrounded by scattered stones.

alt = "What remains today"> Atlas & Boots What remains today

It seems that the temple of Artemis, a homage to the Greek goddess of the hunting of the same name, now became the fourth best attraction of the city in Ephesus, the Ayasoluk Castle and the ISA Bey Mosque. We spent 20 minutes to walk around and could not get too close because of the swampy pool.

The around 800 BC. Chr. Temple was destroyed three times in a row by flooding, arson and looting. The third incarnation was 600 years and comprised over 127 pillars, of which only one is preserved at the original location.

When we were standing in front of the lonely column, we tried to absorb their meaning; To sunbathe in the echoes of a glorious past.

Unfortunately, everything we felt was a feeling of oppression, colored with the feeling of guilt. As you see, parts of the temple were excavated and transported to the "Ephesus Room" of the British Museum after British archaeologists John Turtle Wood worked in 1869-1874 and David George Hogarth in the years 1904-1906

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Of course it is not the first time that the British claim valuable artifacts for themselves. Other controversial objects are the Rosetta Stone from Egypt and the Elgin Marbles from Greece. The authorities in both countries have long campaigned for the return of these objects, but the British Museum has cleverly refused and claims that the treasures of World Heritage and for visitors in London are better accessible.

The British Museum is probably also concerned that priceless artifacts are at risk in foreign museums that have far fewer means. Finally, the beard of King Tutankhamun was glued back in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo with everyday adhesive.

Finally, the British Museum could open the locks for dozens of others if there is a claim.

On the other hand, the British property of valuable artifacts in general is the result of colonial disputes and non -diplomatic agreements. If we want to follow a modern code of conduct, then the only way to return valuable artifacts to your country of origin, regardless of whether it has the means and motivation to maintain it as we would do.

A thing that has always surprised us at Atlas & Boots is the incredibly warm welcome that we as British experienced all over the world. Indians called us compatriots, a Fijian called the "mother country" and Kenyans proudly told us that they are still using the shillings. It seems that the colonial past of Great Britain was so powerful, so complete that he managed not only to master distant countries, but also to make themselves popular.

Maybe for Great Britain is now time to show humility; to show the same courtesy that others offer us. Maybe it is time to return our treasures.

Visit to the Temple of Artemis: The essentials

What: Visiting the Temple of Artemis in Selçuk, Turkey.

Where: We opted for the Akay Hotel, which is perfectly located, to visit Ephesus and the other sights around Selçuk. It is located near the temple of Artemis, the Ayasoluk Castle, the basilica of St. John and the ISA Bey Mosque and only 10 minutes walk from the city center and the train station.

The hotel has an inviting swimming pool, a small bar with cold drinks, snacks and beer and even a few turtles that roam through the garden. However, the actual attraction is the wide view of the surrounding city and landscape. Breakfast is served outside of your room with a view of the view, so ask for a room on the upper floor.

The staff only has limited English skills, but will make a lot of effort to help you with everything you need. Şükran had a dictionary nearby and diligently wrote down sentences to ensure that we got on correctly.

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When: The best travel time for Ephesus is spring (March to mid -June) when the weather is moderate and the days are for the days. Note that it can rain a day or two, especially in April. Even if it is milder than in summer, they don't underestimate the sun. Summer will definitely be hot and probably overcrowded while winter can be cold and rainy.

like: You can run from the Akay Hotel to the Temple of Artemis because it is only 1 km away. Admission is free. In fact, there is no entrance; You can just go to it!

We have arrived Turkey at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul and spent a few days in Istanbul before it went on to Selçuk. We took a domestic flight to Izmir (1 hour) and then got into a train to Selçuk (1 hour 20 minutes).

The airport is international and has connections to a series of domestic goals Turkey everywhere. Book via Skyscanner at the best prices.

The trains proved to be very reliable and easy to use. Further information and booking options can be found on the Turkish State Railway website. We also used the train to continue to Denizli to visit Pamukkale.

Lonely planet Turkey is a comprehensive travel guide for the country, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take less busy roads.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots 
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