Turkey is a marvel of historical sites, and many of them have their own archaeological museum. A new museum has opened in Aydin, due east of Kusadasi (near Ephesus). Here is a description of the museum and its contents.
Aydın Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Nuri Aktakka said around 3,000 historical artifacts are on display in the 2,500-square-meter museum. “Most of the artifacts were discovered at the Tralleis, Magnesia, Alinda, Nysa, Alabanda and Ortasia historical sites in Turkey. We hope to increase the number of artifacts in the museum in the future. We have many historical sites in Aydın, and excavations are under way to discover more artifacts,” he said.
Aktaka also said 11,000 archeological and 45,000 numismatic and 4,000 ethnographic artifacts are currently registered at the museum and they will be on display by turns.
Read the full news article here. The name that first caught my attention is Nysa (also Nyssa). Back in 2006 my friend Leon Mauldin and I were driving from Kusadasi to the Hierapolis area. I think I am correct in saying that neither of us knew anything about Nysa, but when we saw the usual brown sign that marks archaeological sites we decided to take the short detour to visit Nysa. It was a pleasant stop.
Nysa (Nyssa), Turkey, archaeological excavation. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Nysa is also known as Nysa Ad Maeandrum, and became famous as an educational center. The Meander River flows past the city only a few miles south. The city was the home of the ancient geographer Strabo (63 B.C. – A.D. 25).
Another museum to visit.
HT: Jack Sasson
Ferrell's Travel Blog 
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