Our topic in Turkey was : 
‘’ How to turn objects into exhibits - open air history. Europe is huge, why should museums be small?’’. 
That’s why we had a guided tour to both an open air train museum and to Ephesus (the biggest open air museum in Turkey) . Let’s learn more about that impressive ancient site.  

Ephesus was an ancient port city. The city was once considered the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. Throughout history, Ephesus survived multiple attacks and changed hands many times. 
According to legend, the Ionian prince Androclos founded Ephesus in the eleventh century B.C. The legend says that as Androclos searched for a new Greek settlement, he turned to the Delphi oracles for guidance. The oracles told him a boar and a fish would show him the new location.
One day, as Androclos was frying fish over an open fire, a fish flopped out of the frying pan and landed in the nearby bushes. A spark ignited the bushes and a wild boar ran out. Recalling the oracles’ wisdom, Androclos built his new settlement where the bushes stood and called it Ephesus.
Another legend says Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, a tribe of female warriors, and that the city was named after their queen, Ephesia.
Much of Ephesus’s ancient history is unrecorded and sketchy. What is known is that in the seventh century B.C., Ephesus fell under the rule of the Lydian Kings and became a thriving city where men and women enjoyed equal opportunities. It was also the birthplace of the renowned philosopher Heraclitus.
Not only we but many visitors all around the world also finds that ancient city amazing : 

This was one of my favourite ancient sites I have ever been to. So much history and just the beauty is so overwhelming. This is a must see if your in Turkey.

I have seen ancient ruins all over the world but Ephesus has to be the finest of them all. Once a thriving port city and home to the Apostle Paul this city had a sophisticated running water system, library, temples , baths and a population of about 250,000. 

Ephesus was also home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. If you do nothing else in Turkey this is where you should spend a day.

We were extraordinarily delighted to have an opportunity to enjoy this site on 3/6/2020 before Covid-19 virus exploded There was so much to see that you need a day there. Much of the ruins, estimated 80%, are still buried. 
Most impressive was the famed Library of Celsus built in 123 AD. Also don’t miss the amphitheater where St. Paul preached, the gates of Hercules and the stone relief of victory goddess Nike which inspired the Nike swoosh. Uncovered were paved streets, houses, plumbing, courtyards, baths and not to be missed “communal toilets.”

We organised a photo hunting activity and some further follow up workshops (some poster activities) regarding our trip to Ephesus
We turned all posters and photos into an exhibition in a big area where both participant pupils and all school community can see and exchange ideas on posters to support the topic of the Turkish visit ‘’How to turn objects into exhibits - Europe is huge, why should museums be small?’’