Hierapolis ruins at Pamukkale

Photo left: City wall of Hierapolis. The Domitian Gate, with one massive tower, can be seen in the background. Carol Tulpar, 2006

Today's sad anniversary is a good time to consider healing. Hierapolis was a Roman spa town, famed for its healing waters. The pools feel lovely to bathe in, to say nothing of the spectacular view. But since the minerals make the edges quite slippery, one must take care not to fall.

We took a tour from Marmaris, and after stopping at Efes (Ephesus), where we were shown a Roman perspective on that ancient city, we arrived at this World Heritage Site of Pamukkale--the Turkish word means cotton castle, a lovely metaphor--at dusk. Our guide, Ahmed, led us up the hill to wade in the mineral pools, which gleamed a brilliant white as darkness fell.

Below is Pamukkale. This photo shows only the edge of a huge system of natural mineral pools that overlook the valley. These are still considered to have medicinal properties. The small black specks are, of course, bathers seeking healing, or at least, an enjoyable experience.