Selçuk hopes to lure tourists with historic churches

The town of Selçuk, in the western Turkish province of ?zmir, which hosts around 2.5 million tourists visiting the nearby ancient site of Ephesus every year, is hoping to improve its faith tourism potential and draw more tourists.

Selçuk Mayor Zeynel Bak?c? said Ephesus was one of the most important centers for the Christian world after Jerusalem, and the nearby Virgin Mary House and four churches currently drew the most tourists to the town.

However, despite the large number of holy places in the town and its Biblical resonance, Selçuk currently does not see a high enough share from faith tourism, Bak?c? added.

?Even the village of Fatima in Portugal, where the Virgin Mary was seen by three shepherd children, hosts more tourists than Selçuk. Fatima has a population of 10,000 people and hosts 5 million tourists a year. Selçuk, which is home to the world famous Ephesus, hosts only 2.5 million tourists. We are therefore working to promote the town better, and we have initiated works in collaboration with the municipality,? he said.

Bak?c? said their goal was to open all churches in the town to worship, and the first step was taken by opening the Dimitrios Church in the nearby ?irince Municipality.

A ?Virgin Mary Feast? is held at the Virgin Mary House in Selçuk every year on Aug. 15 by the Catholic society living in the town, while a Saint John Feast was held at the Saint John Basilica last year on May 8.

Bak?c? said annual festivals were held at the historic Sümela Monastery in Trabzon and Cappadocia in Central Anatolia every year, and organizing such events might also increase interest in Selçuk.

?Last year, May 8 was the day of the Prophet Muhammad?s ascent to heaven [Miraç Kandili]. On May 8 last...