The history of Ephesus is closely connected with the Cayster River. From the very beginning, the river was both a blessing and a problem for the city. It provided fertile land and supported trade, but it also carried large amounts of soil into the harbor. Just as happened with the harbor of the earlier city, the later harbor of Ephesus slowly filled with mud and sand.
Despite repeated efforts to dam the river and dredge the harbor, silting could not be stopped. Over time, ships could no longer reach the city. By the ninth century, Ephesus was no longer a coastal city but an inland one. To continue its trade, it began to use other ports along the coast, especially Phygela and Scala Nuova, known today as Kuşadası. Phygela was a bay north of Kuşadası, near the modern Kuştur area The Nicolaitans and the Defense of Faith.
The Move to Ayasuluk Hill
As the harbor lost its importance, people gradually moved away from the old city center. Many settled around the hill of Ayasuluk, which offered better defense and access to remaining trade routes. This area later became the heart of medieval Ephesus.
However, the ancient city was not abandoned immediately. The old site continued to be inhabited throughout the Byzantine period. Churches, houses, and public buildings were still in use. Only after the Turkish occupation in the fifteenth century did the ancient city finally fall into silence and pass into oblivion.
A Message to the Church in Ephesus
The importance of Ephesus is not only historical but also spiritual. In the Book of Revelation, Saint John includes a special message addressed to the church in Ephesus. This message is written in the name of Christ and is directed “to the angel of the church in Ephesus.”
Jesus is described as the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. These symbols represent the seven churches and their angels. The message praises the Ephesians for their hard work, patience, and endurance. They are commended for rejecting evil and exposing false apostles who claimed authority but were not true servants of Christ Adventure Balkan Tours.
The believers in Ephesus are also praised for suffering for the name of Christ without growing tired. Their faithfulness during times of pressure and persecution is clearly recognized.
A Warning and a Call to Repentance
However, the message also contains a serious warning. The Ephesians are told that they have lost the love they had at first. They are urged to remember how far they have fallen and to repent. They are called to return to the good works and sincere devotion they once practiced.
If they do not repent, Christ warns that their lampstand will be removed from its place. This means that their church would lose its spiritual role and witness. Still, there is hope. They are praised for rejecting the teachings of the Nicolaitans, which Christ himself condemns.
The Symbol of Light and the Presence of Christ
The message ends with a promise to those who overcome. They will be given the right to eat from the tree of life in the garden of God. This promise points to eternal life and restoration.
The image of lamps and light is very important in the New Testament. Just as a lamp lights up darkness, followers of Christ are meant to bring truth and hope into the world. The fact that Christ walks among the lampstands shows that he is always present with his churches.
For the believers of Ephesus, this message was both a comfort and a challenge. It reminded them that even as their city slowly declined, their faith still had meaning, purpose, and a lasting light.
