Feature: Night Museums project transforms Türkiye's ancient sites with enchanting lights

Tourists visit the ancient city of Ephesus at night in Izmir, Trkiye, Aug. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Istanbul, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- As twilight descends on Ephesus, founded in the 10th century B.C. in Trkiye's Izmir province, lights will cast a captivating glow over the ancient city, offering a mesmerizing cultural experience for visitors until midnight.

The light show is part of the Night Museum project promoted by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, which aims to attract more tourists and promote the country's historical sites during summer, Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced earlier.

The initiative brings some of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts' most extraordinary ancient sites, such as Ephesus, Hierapolis, Aspendos, Patara, Side, Phaselis, and Olympos, to life after sunset.

Mustafa Cevik, a first-time visitor, was profoundly impressed by Ephesus's nighttime illumination.

"When I was a child, we saw pictures of Ephesus's columns in our books. Seeing them in person, under the combined lighting and moonlight, was beautiful. It's truly a place worth seeing," Cevik told Xinhua.

He was particularly moved by the ancient library, stating, "Its existence underscores the profound importance of valuing literature from that era," and noted that the illumination made it even more magnificent at night.

Ephesus's grand structures, including the theater and library, were primarily built during the Roman period, particularly from the 1st century B.C. onward.

While the Night Museums project attracts more tourists, it has also boosted the number of visitors to the digital museums in the ancient cities.

DEM Museums, a visual art design company, has transformed an old gendarmerie building into a stunning digital museum that brings Ephesus's history to life through projections and holograms.

"Looking around now, we truly enjoy the ambiance of the nighttime museum experience. The lighting and the way people experience the night here are unique," Eda Bildiricioglu, CEO of the DEM, told Xinhua after a show.

According to Bildiricioglu, the project has resulted in at least a 10 percent increase in visitors compared to last year. "This rise has certainly been reflected in the museum's attendance," she noted.

Bildiricioglu also highlighted that exploring historical sites in the evening provides a refreshing experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the comfort of the cool night air rather than the heat of the summer sun. ■

Tourists visit the ancient city of Ephesus at night in Izmir, Trkiye, Aug. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Tourists visit the ancient city of Ephesus at night in Izmir, Trkiye, Aug. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)