Joyce's Photos of Smyrna

Smyrna is the second of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. Here is what is said to it:

"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death" ' (Revelation 2:8-11).

The following links are to photographs taken and/or directed by Joyce Thiel in 1990 (photos of slides taken then) or our most recent trip in 2008 (electronic photos). All materials are copyrighted and all photographs are copyrighted by Joyce Thiel (c) 2008, All Rights Reserved:

Ancient Smyrna. Photos of the ruins of biblical era Smyrna.

More Ancient Smyrna. Ancient agora ruins with some modern buildings in the background.

Modern Smyrna. Here is the clock tower and other buildings in 21st century Izmir.

Temple of Nemesis (also spelled Nemeseis). Alexander "the great" claimed to have had a dream next to the temple on this hill around 334 B.C. (anciently referred to as Mount Pagos) with a goddess telling him to build a city, which became Smyrna on this location.

Walls of Kadifekale. The walls of Kadifekale (velvet fortress) were originally built in the 4th century B.C. (when it was called Mount Pagos), but were later added to by the Byzantines and the Ottomans.

Church of St. Polycarp. This is a Catholic church built in the 17th century by the French in honor of Polycarp of Smyrna. Polycarp of Smyrna was ordained by the original apostles and oversaw the churches from Smyrna.

Joyce at the Church of St. Polycarp. My wife Joyce at the back entrance of the Church of St. Polycarp.

Martyrdom of Polycarp. This is a 18th century painting on the ceiling on the Church of St. Polycarp depicting the martyrdom of Polycarp of Smyrna. The Martyrdom of Polycarp was a letter written by the ancient Christians in Smyrna around 156 A.D. which explained many of the details involving the arrest and killing of Polycarp of Smyrna

Harvesting the Land Here is a photo of some people harvesting at a farm on the outskirts of Izmir (anciently called Smyrna).

Modern Izmir Housing Here is a photo of some of the housing in Izmir.

Mosque in Izmir While ancient Smyrna was Greek, the area is now inhabited primarily by Turks, as this area is now part of Turkey. There are a lot of mosques in Izmir, and this is a photo of one of them.

Much more information about Smyrna can be found in the articles The Smyrna Church and Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome.

COGwriter 2006/2008

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