HIEROPOLIS AND PAMUKKALE

Our first sight of Pamukkale was the parasail over the white calcium cliffs.  Thanks to a long telephoto lens, it looks close, but was quite far away from the road.  Our tour took us to the far side of Pamukkale, to the ancient city of Hieropolis.  We walked through Hieropolis, and then had time at Pamukkale on our own, to take in the magnificent views of the calcium deposits and pools. 

Hieropolis was founded in the second century BS, but was probably inhabited for centuries before that, given the unusual calcium deposits.  Hieropolis was known for its religious significance, as well as the health benefits of the mineral rich waters, so it is not surprising that a principal remnant of the city is its tombs -- those for whom the waters did not work ended their days in Pamukkale, and many who were cured stayed on for the rest of their lives.  

 One type of tomb is the above-ground tomb.  

 Also available -- the grander mausoleum. 

If you were a gladiator, you could be buried here.

  Another type of burial site is the tumulus, like what we had seen in France.  The entry is a post and lintel structure, with rooms inside.  The whole structure is then covered over with dirt to make a mound.  

There was archaeology going on even as we walked by.  

 It was now time to enter the ceremonial gates to the city. 

 

Before we left we saw the waterworks for the city. 

 These are the pools for water collection, and the waterline to the rest of the city. 

A final look at Hierpolis before heading to Pamukkale, a short walk away.  Up the hill is the theater...

 while looking across the hill we could see the limestone. 

Pamukkale itself is a series of terraced pools of water, many of which have been drained.  When we first came to Turkey 15 years ago we did not get to Pamukkale, but we explored possible side-trips.  At that time it was being advertised as a vacation water feature, with photos showing families frolicking in the pools.  Now there are only a few pools available for frolicking, and guard armed with whistles to try to contain the crowds.  Other pools have been deliberately drained to allow the calcium to return to its bright white color.  It is a surreal environment, with or without the whistles.  

But as I walked on, the crowds thinned, and there were just a few of us taking in the sights. 

 Endlessly fascinating.  But it was time to head back to the group.  The groups of people we saw are back at the beginning of the walk, just beyond those trees in the upper right. 

 Along the way there was a trench, feeding the water into the pools below.  It was warm to the touch, and soft. 

Back at our meeting place was a complex of a restaurant, bar and pool.  The structures in the water are the actual columns from the city, hundreds of years old. 

Our visit to Pamukkale was over.