ISA BEY MOSQUE & SIRINCE VILLAGE TOUR

ISA BEY MOSQUE

Isa Bey Mosque is one of the most delicate examples of Seljukian architecture, situated below the basilica of Saint John. The mosque was built by the master Syrian architecture Ali son of Mushimish al -Damishki, between the years of 1374 and 1375.

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The mosque was styled asymmetrically unlike the traditional style, The location of the windows, doors and domes were not matched, purposely. In the entrance of the mosque, an inscription from the god decorates the doorway. The columns inside the house of prayer are from earlier ruins in Ephesus, making an interesting contrast to the mosque. The domes are ornamented by turquoise and blue faience, revealing the characteristic of Ottoman style. Crown-like doors from Seljukian architectural style later combine with the specific decoration elements of architectural style. The mosque was repaired in 1934. The mystical atmosphere of "Isa Bey Mosque" must be experienced in the excursion around this region.

SIRINCE VILLAGE

This pretty old Orthodox village, 12 km away from Ephesus and 30 km from Kusadasi, was once Cirkince ("ugly"). Indeed, its habitants gave this name on purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly at all and called it Sirince ("pretty"). As the village is located on the top of a mountain, anyone will enjoy the impressive wine yards' and peach trees' views on his way.

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Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turk-Greek culture as of the 1920's: after the Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred and all those typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside characteristics, have received the local layout inside. The most beautiful specimens are open to visitors. And even in the courtyard of one of them, one will discover a nicely restorated Orthodox church. All the narrow streets of the village belong to the women, selling handcrafts of all kinds, olive oil. Another attraction of Sirince is its wine: try its taste in small cafés or in the former municipal school restorated. Though Sirince is developing its tourism very quickly, it has been able to preserve its authenticity and the meaning of its name.

Program:

  • Pick up from your hotel approximately at 13:30 p.m. for the transfer.
  • Visit Isa Bey Mosque and Sirince Village.
  • Departure at 18:30 p.m. from the tour to the hotel.
  • Return transfer back to the Hotel and have dinner at the hotel.

Tour Fee Including (10 US Dollars per Person):

  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Private De-Luxe Cars, Mini Vans
  • Parking Fees for all the sights
  • No extra Hidden Charges

Not Included

  • Personal Expenses
  • Drinks

Please register for the tour(s) during the conference days at the registration desk. The tours will be organized by a professional tour company which is the member of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB).