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Behramkale (Assos)
87 km south of Зanakkale in Ayvacik Province is Assos,
the famous teaching center of antiquity. Aristotle, Plato's
most famous student, was invited to Assos and spent over
three years living and teaching there. He married the niece
of Hermeia, founded a school of philosophy and conducted
his early exploratory work in zoology, biology and botany.
The acropolis of Assos is 238 meters above sea-level, and
the Temple of Athena was constructed on this site in the
6th century B.C. This Doric temple is being restored to
its former glory and role as guardian of the Biga Peninsula
and Edremit Gulf. Linger to see the moonlight scattered
through the temple ruins, or rise early for the gentle awakening
of dawn over the acropolis, from the top of which you can
take in the magnificent vista of the Gulf of Edremit; and
you will appreciate why this heavenly location was chosen.
On the terraces descending to the sea are agoras, a gymnasium
and a theatre. From the northern comer of the acropolis,
you can see a mosque, a bridge and fortress, all built in
the 14th century by the Ottoman Sultan Murat I. Below lies
a tiny and idyllic ancient harbour. Assos has gained the
reputation of being the center of the Turkish art community
with its lively, friendly and bohemian atmosphere. This
may be the holiday you will remember for years to come.
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