Temple of Artemis turns into swamp due to neglect
The Temple of Artemis in the Selçuk district of İzmir has turned into a swamp because of neglect and a lack of interest by authorities.
The temple, which is among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List, draws millions of tourists each year.
The temple, which was visited by tourists who come to the district to see the famous site of Ephesus, welcomes tourists with a rusted introduction panel. The temple resembles an empty, abandoned field with no environmental planning and traveling routes. Excavation holes in the temple area have been filled with rainwater, while security in the area is lacking.
Authorities at the Ephesus Museum said a project that they have been working on for a long time regarding the temple has been approved by the preservation board.
Noting their discontent with the current situation of the historic temple, authorities said the first step would be to conduct environmental planning for the environs of the temple, subject to permission from the Culture and Tourism Ministry.
Authorities will then seek to contain water in the area and create a mock-up of the temple in a visible spot to inform visitors about the historic aspects of the structure.
There are several warnings at the entrance of the temple, which are as follows:
-Don't enter forbidden zones (There are no forbidden zones)
-Don't step on the pieces (There are no officials around to warn visitors not to do so)
-Don't scratch the pieces (There are no officials to check)
-Don't take pieces from the temple (There are no officials or cameras to check)
-Don't touch electric cables (There are no warnings near the cables)
The ancient temple was built on the orders...
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