By Glenn Maffia

The invigorating headline from last week’s edition of ‘Voices’ certainly caught my eye as soon as it hit the newspaper stands.

It transpires that someone, in a modicum of authority, has finally gleaned that a major focus of educational value within Didim has been standing here, in full view, for over 2,000 years. Namely the Temple of Apollo and its immediate environment.

A sprinkling of imagination

I do comprehend that the new President of the Didim Tourism Association, Melih Koyuncu, has a broad remit in balancing ‘spinning plates’, though his avowed intent of developing the ancient artefacts of this town to a higher elevation to attract high cultural (rather than popular culture) tourism to this area has been articulated most eloquently.

I don’t wish to steal his ‘thunder’, but haven’t I been espousing this mantra for 15 years or more? Just illuminates how inert his predecessors have been.

Anyway, finally someone has come to their senses, seen a glaring gap in the market and intends to act accordingly. This is an unprecedented ancient site which can add to the further development of an ever enquiring mind.

All the visitor has to bring is their own sprinkling of imagination and the journey is ready to begin.

A visualisation of a section through the Temple

Languid led sprint

I have seen tour guides ushering coach loads of visitors for a whirlwind sprint around the Temple site, where our guests appear more preoccupied with taking ‘selfies’ and group photos rather than listening, and questioning, a forlornly languid, “I’ve done all this a million times before”, guide.

I agree, repetition is a demeaning task. Then liven it up with some passion and intensity. There is not one short version of Apollo’s history, they are multi-layered. Mix it up and inject some enthusiasm. Make your oratory exciting.

I have taken many family and friends both to the Temple and its adjacent archaic sites none have ever been bored. On the contrary all have been enthralled, eager to learn more.

Imagine if we were able to entice groups of University students studying classical history, archaeology, architecture, mythology from all around the world. One could canvass a visit to the site to (hopefully) observe archaeologists engaged in their toil. Possibly even finding a little time for a question and answer session.

Oh! Use your imaginations there is so much that could be done, I have not even started ‘brainstorming’ as yet.

A new educational literary source

I have been keenly reading the ongoing dissertation from a friend I met recently whom is writing about the history of Yoran village, the area which surrounds the Temple. It is truly a compelling read, which comes from a more intimate and humble angle than either I, or the many other writers, have ever approached.

First ‘wandering around the Temple’ group, 2016

His work certainly deserves publishing and to sit proud upon the shelves of the bookshop next to the entrance kiosk at the Temple. Thus, we do have intelligent minds offering educational material to a starved public. Open the doors and let it all flood out. Knowledge enriches life.

Let us see how high this can fly

The point is that we have found a person in Melih Koyuncu who appears to have a vision and an agenda based upon a solid bedrock of eminently achievable goals. The raw material is standing directly in front of us, utilise it to your educational and economic advantage.

The unmistakable silhouette of the Temple

Mr. Koyuncu is precisely correct in that the majority of locals within the town know next to nothing about the history entwined within their place of residence. What is worse is they appear to have no interest either. Well, interest can be awoken given the correct stimulus.

Therefore, the initial noises are more promising than I have previously heard emanating from that particular chair. And I am inspired by people thinking and acting upon imagination.

I should enjoy meeting Mr Koyuncu at some near future point in time for him to elucidate upon his proposed agendas. Especially in regards to his avenues into the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, for eventually they shall be the final arbitrators.

We have all seen the Temple, been there, noted its ‘musical’ charm, possibly wondered about certain aspects of its use and function. Now let us learn about it.