The Seven Wonders of the World

The Seven Wonders of the World refer to astonishing architectural structures created by human hands in ancient times. Initially identified by Herodotus in the 5th century BC, these structures were later compiled into a book titled "The Seven Wonders of the World" by the Greek historian Antipater of Sidon in the 4th century BC. Among the Seven Wonders, only the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt still stands today. The rest have been erased from the Earth due to earthquakes, wars, and natural conditions.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were said to be enchanting terraced gardens built by the Babylonian Empire, commissioned by Emperor Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BC in Mesopotamia. The ancient historian Strabo vividly described these gardens, where a multitude of fruits were grown together on magnificent terraces. Although remnants believed to be from the Hanging Gardens of Babylon have been found along the banks of the Euphrates, it remains the only structure among the accepted Seven Wonders whose existence cannot be definitively proven.

Temple of Artemis

Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis, entirely constructed of marble, was built in 550 BC and later renovated in 325 BC in the ancient city of Ephesus, which is present-day Turkey. The temple, also known as the Diana Temple, was initially commissioned by King Croesus of Lydia. Despite its grandeur, today only two marble blocks remain from this once magnificent structure.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Bodrum

Completed in 350 BC, the Mausoleum, located near modern-day Bodrum, was a splendid structure crafted by four architects. It was constructed in the form of a tomb resembling a war chariot drawn by four horses, in honor of King Mausolus. Encircled by Ionian columns, it stood at a height of 45 meters.

Great Pyramid of Giza

Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza, built by Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC, is the only one of the Seven Wonders to have survived to the present day. It was initially 145 meters tall, and its construction is estimated to have taken about 20 years. Contrary to popular belief, not all three pyramids in the Giza Valley are included in the Seven Wonders. Only the Great Pyramid of Khufu is featured on the list. Standing for 43 centuries, the Great Pyramid, the oldest of the Seven Wonders, continues to awe with its magnificence and mystery.

Colossus of Rhodes

Rhodes

Completed in 282 BC, the Colossus of Rhodes, made of a bronze-copper alloy, symbolized the defiance of the Dorians against the Macedonian invasion on the island of Rhodes. This colossal statue, representing the Sun God Helios holding a torch, stood approximately 35 meters tall. It is believed that the statue's legs were shattered by an earthquake in 226 BC. Although the inhabitants of Rhodes sought help from Pharaoh Ptolemy II to rebuild it, the offer was not accepted. The Colossus lay in ruins for 900 years before being dismantled and sold off by the Arabs who conquered Rhodes in 654 AD.

Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Olympia

Constructed in 450 BC to honor the king of gods, Zeus, this statue was located in Olympia, which gave its name to the Olympic Games. Made of a combination of gold and ivory, the Zeus statue stood at a magnificent height of 12 meters. Unfortunately, it was entirely destroyed in a great fire.

Lighthouse of Alexandria

Egypt

Construction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, which began in 290 BC, was completed around 280 BC on the island of Pharos, near present-day Alexandria. It was commissioned by Ptolemy Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, to guide ships safely into the harbor after the region was conquered and controlled by Alexander's successors. The lighthouse, a colossal structure standing at 166 meters, was meticulously illuminated by polishing its bronze surfaces and placing mirrors to reflect sunlight. Its lights were visible from a distance of 50 kilometers. Over time, the lighthouse suffered significant damage due to earthquakes. In the 1480s, Sultan Qaitbay of the Mamluk dynasty ordered its demolition to use its stones for the construction of a fort at the same location.

The Seven Wonders of the World, as known from antiquity, are officially recognized by UNESCO as the real Seven Wonders of the World. Despite the emergence of a new list of Seven Wonders on the internet in 2007, UNESCO adheres to the list compiled by Herodotus and considers it as the historically recognized Seven Wonders.

The fact that two of these magnificent structures, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum, are located within the borders of our country, is a significant testament to the historical importance of our geography in world history.