Simon Joseph Léon Emmanuel, Marquis de Laborde (1807-1869) was a French archaeologist and politician. At the age of twenty he accompanied his father on a journey throughout most of Southern Europe and Asia Minor, drawing monuments of the East with exceptional talent. Laborde continued on to Egypt and Arabia (1828) and remained a traveller throughout his life, residing in various countries of Europe for long periods.

Laborde was secretary of the French embassy in Rome, alongside Chateaubriand. However, in 1845 he gave up his diplomatic career and dedicated himself to writing historical and literary works, while remaining in charge of the antiquities in the Musée de Louvre. He published accounts of his travels in Arabia (1830) and Asia Minor (1838 -1862), as well as a study on the history of engraving. He embarked on writing ambitious works on the monuments and the libraries of Paris, but was unable to bring them to term. He also collaborated with reputable journals of the time. In this important two-volume edition, information, descriptions and drawings by early travellers (A. Thevet, Τ.Η. Arundel, J. Carrey, P. Babin, J. Spon, A.G. Guillet, V.M. Coronelli "et alii"), as well as unpublished material, were used for the first time as a source for research on the antiquities of the city. Laborde's book remains one of the most important studies on Athenian monuments.

Written by Ioli Vingopoulou

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  Copy of anonymous description of Athens, from 15th-century manuscript. Seven pages numbered 29-32. First page.

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  Architectural features of several ancient monuments in Greece, among which the Parthenon and Hadrian's Arch, from manuscript by Francesco Giamberti.

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  View of the Acropolis at the moment of the 1687 bombardment, by engineer captain Verneda.

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  Map of Athens from an edition by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, 1686.

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  Map of the ancient and modern city of Athens according to the drawing of the Capuchin monks, as published by Guillet. 17th century.

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  Stamping of part of an inscrption on the Lion of Piraeus.

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  The lion of Piraeus.

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  Title page. Coin from Athens.

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  Map of Athens drawn by the French Capuchin monks in Athens around 1670.

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  The western pediment of the Parthenon according to George Wheler (17 century).

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  The western pediment of the Parthenon according to D'Ottieres, c. 1685.

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  Head of Nike from the western pediment of the Parthenon.

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  Head of Nike from the western pediment of the Parthenon, detached from the monument by Morosini's orders and later transported to Venice.

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  Tomb of archaeologist Otfried Müller in Kolonnos. The Acropolis in the background.

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  View of Athens resembling a German town, from a 15th century manuscript.

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  Copy of anonymous description of Athens, from a 15th-century manuscript. Seven pages numbered 29-32. Seventh page.

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  Copy of anonymous description of Athens, from a 15th-century manuscript. Seven pages numbered 29-32. Sixth page.

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  Copy of anonymous description of Athens, from a 15th-century manuscript. Seven pages numbered 29-32. Fourth page.

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  Copy of anonymous description of Athens, from a 15th-century manuscript. Seven pages numbered 29-32. Third page.

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  Copy of anonymous description of Athens, from a 15th-century manuscript. Seven pages numbered 29-32. Second page.

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  In-text drawing of the walls of Athens, inscribed “Athene nuc Setines”. Athens in 1466, from Cristoforo Buondelmonti's manuscript.

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  Map of Central Greece, Euboea, the Peloponnese and the Ionian islands from the world map by Fra Mauro, c. 1460.

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  View of Athens from the Atlas by Palnese, 16th century.

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  The western pediment of the Parthenon according to Jacob Spon (17th century).

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  Drawing of the eastern pediment of the Parthenon by Jacques Carrey, 1674.

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  View of Athens published by Jacob Spon.

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  Fragments of antiquities, to the south of the Parthenon.

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  Map of the city of Athens according to Jacob Spon.

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  Map of the city of Athens according to George Wheler.

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  Map of the city of Athens according to George Wheler.

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  Map of Piraeus in 1685.

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  View of Athens from the northeast at the moment of the bombardment of the Parthenon by the Venetian army in 1687. Drawing by engineer captain Verneda.

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  View of the Acropolis from the south by engineer captain Verneda.

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  Map of Athens, by engineer captain Verneda, 1687.

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  Map of Athens by engineer captain Verneda, 1687.

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  The western pediment of the Parthenon. Drawing by Jacques Carrey.

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  Detail from the Parthenon frieze.

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  Copy of anonymous description of Athens, from a 15th-century manuscript. Seven pages numbered 29-32. Fifth page.

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  View of Athens resembling a German town, from an illustration to the Nurnberg Chronicle by Hartmann Schedel.

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  Title page. Coin from Athens.

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  Title page.

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  Composition of landscapes and monuments from Laborde's journey in Asia Minor.

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  View of settlement in the bay of Izmir, possibly Yenifoça.

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  View of a coast in the gulf of Izmir, from the hills of Sancak Burnu promontory.

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  View of the city and castle of Izmir from the sea.

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  Panoramic view of the city and port of Izmir.

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  Quays at the Turkish quarter of Izmir.

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  View of Caravan Bridge, Izmir.

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  Muslim cemetery on the route from Izmir to the suburb of Burnova.

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  City gate of Izmir.

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  Entrance to an Armenian church in Izmir.

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  Panoramic view of the gulf and city of Izmir from the remains of the temple of Hera.

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  Panoramic view of Iassos in Asia Minor.

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  View of the Roman aqueduct in Buca, Izmir (formerly also called Valley of Saint Anne).

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  The valley of the so-called caves of Homer close to Bornova, Izmir.

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  View of the settlement of Kemanli Kevi, situated between Izmir and Manisa.

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  View of the area Pinarbasi, near the sources of Scamander river. In the 19th century Pinarbasi was thought to be the site of ancient Troy.

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  The travellers' caravan halts at a rock-cut tomb in Gelenbe, Asia Minor.

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  Rock-cut tomb in Gelenbe, Asia Minor.

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  View of Bursa and the Grand Mosque.

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  The Sultans' mausoleum in Muradiye architectural complex (kulliye), Bursa.

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  View of Büyükdere on the Bosporus.

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  View of the Bosporus and the settlement of Büyükdere.

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  View of Seraglio Point, Istanbul, from the French consulate.

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  Street before a café, Istanbul.

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  A young Yörük girl offers water to a Turkish traveller outside Sardes.

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  Portrait of count Alexandre de Laborde in his travelling costume, Istanbul.

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  Portrait of the author, Léon de Laborde, in his travelling costume, Caramania.

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  Landscape at lake Sabanca (in Greek Boane), on the outskirts of Izmit. In the background, on the left, an oxcart carrying wood to Istanbul, to repair damages caused by the fires.

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  Landscape at lake Sabanca (in Greek Boane) on the outskirts of Izmit, from the road connecting Izmit to Justinian's Bridge on Sakarya river.

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  View of the bridge of Justinian or Sangarius Bridge. The bridge is situated on Sangarius (Sakarya) river, near Sabanca lake, outside Adapazari, on the route from Iznik to Izmit. Today the bed of Sangarius lies to the east of the bridge, which only covers the smaller tributary Sark Deresi river (anc. Melas). On the foreground, the now-lost triumphal arch at the western end of the bridge.

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  Landscap at lake Sapanca (Boane) outside Izmit.

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  Elevation, sections, details and plan of the bridge of Justinian or Sangarius Bridge. The bridge is situated on Sangarius (Sakarya) river, near Sabanca lake, on the outskirts of Adapazari, on the route from Iznik to Izmit. Today the bed of Sangarius lies to the east of the bridge, which only covers the smaller tributary Sark Deresi river (anc. Melas). Amogn the drawings, the now-lost triumphal arch at the western end of the bridge.

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  The sarcophagus of Nicaea, on the outskirts of the city.

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  General view of Iznik (Nicaea).

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  The gate of Constantinople, or Northern Gate of Iznik, from outside the walls.

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  Ancient reliefs which had been incorporated into the walls of Iznik.

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  Lefke Gate or Eastern Gate of Iznik.

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  On of the gates of Iznik, possibly Lake Gate, from the interior of the walls.

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  Landscape at Gallus river (today Kara Su), on the ouskirts of the town of Vezirhan.

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  General view of the the city of Sögüt, birthplace of Sultan Osman I, in Bithynia.

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  View of the Mausoleum of Ertugrul, father of Osman I, in Söğüt, Bithynia. Osman I was buried at the same location as his father but his remains were later transferred to Bursa, where his mausoleum stands today.

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  View of the Mausoleum of Ertugrul, father of Osman I, in Söğüt, Bithynia. Osman I was buried at the same location as his father but his remains were later transferred to Bursa, where his mausoleum stands today.

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  The Sanctuary of Zeus in ancient Aizanoi near Çavdarhisar, Asia Minor, seen from the pronaos.

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  The opisthonaos (rear porch) of the Sanctuary of Zeus in ancient Aizanoi near Çavdarhisar, Asia Minor.

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  View of the Sanctuary of Zeus in ancient Aizanoi near Çavdarhisar, Asia Minor, from the west.

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  View of the Sanctuary of Zeus in ancient Aizanoi near Çavdarhisar, Asia Minor, from the south.

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  The Ancient Theatre of Aizanoi.

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  Map of Çavdarhisar and the archaeological site of Aizanoi.

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  One of the Roman bridges over Penkalas river in Çavdarhisar.

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  One of the Roman bridges over Penkalas river in Çavdarhisar.

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  One of the Roman bridges over Penkalas river in Çavdarhisar, Asia Minor, to the west of the city.

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  View of the Sanctuary of Zeus in ancient Aizanoi near Çavdarhisar, Asia Minor.

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  View of Afyon Karahisar in Asia Minor.

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  View of the city of Afyon Karahisar and the castle's fortifications.

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  View of Doganli valley (today Yazılıkaya) near Eski Sehir. This ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the Phrygian valley.

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  View of the rock-cut monument known as “small Yazılıkaya” in Doganli valley (today Yazılıkaya) near Eski Sehir. This ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the Phrygian valley.

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  Side view of the rock-cut monument known as “small Yazılıkaya” in Doganli valley (today Yazılıkaya) near Eski Sehir. This ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the Phrygian valley.

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  View of Doganli valley (today Yazılıkaya) near Eski Sehir. This ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the Phrygian valley.

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  View of the rock-cut monuments in Doganli valley (today Yazılıkaya) near Eski Sehir. This ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the larger territory of the Phrygian valley.

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  Close view of the rock-cut monument known as “small Yazılıkaya” in Doganli valley (today Yazılıkaya) near Eski Sehir. This ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the larger territory of the Phrygian valley.

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  View of the rock-cut monuments in Doganli valley (today Yazılıkaya) near Eski Sehir. This ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the larger territory of the Phrygian valley.

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  View of Midas monument in the village of Yazılıkaya, near Eski Sehir. The whole of the ancient site is also called Midas City due to its plethora of Phrygian monuments, and forms part of the Phrygian valley.

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  Natural rock formations in the village of Kümbet, Asia Minor.

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  Forest in the region called Kosref Pasha Khan, near Afyon Karahisar.

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  View of Kümbet village.

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  The Phrygian monumental tomb called Arslan Kaplan Kümbet at Kümbet village, in the Phrygian valley.

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  The outskirts of Afyon Karahisar.

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  Ancient ruins possibly of Seleucia of Pisidia or Seleucia Sidera, close to Bayat village, Asia Minor.

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  Peasant using the cover of an ancient sarcophagus as a drinking trough, outside Yalvaç, which is built next to the site of Antioch of Pisidia.

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  View of a mosque in the town of Yalvaç, which is built next to the site of Antioch of Pisidia.

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  Travertine terraces in Pamukkale, Asia Minor.

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  Map of ancient Hierapolis.

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  View of the Palaestra of ancient Hierapolis.

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  Funerary monuments in the necropolis of Hierapolis.

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  View of the Odeon of ancient Hierapolis. The ruins of a porticum in the foreground.

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  View of the Roman Theatre of Hierapolis.

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  Fragments of reliefs from the Roman Theatre of Hierapolis.

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  Fragments of reliefs, column bases, plan of a column and other architectural features from Hierapolis, possibly from Frontinus Gate.

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  The Gate of Frontinus and the ruins of an early Christian church in Hierapolis.

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  View of the Roman Theatre and the ruins of Hierapolis. In the background, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

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  View of funerary monuments in the valley of Hierapolis.

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  Travertine terraces in Pamukkale.

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  Sarcophagi and other fragments of ancient monuments near a cascade at Pamukkale.

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  View of the necropolis of Hierapolis. Traveller reading an inscription on a funerary monument.

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  View of the aqueduct of Laodicea in Denizli area. In the background, Maeander plain and the ruins of Hierapolis. Zeibek tents in the background.

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  The plain of the Maeander seen from the ancient theatre of Laodicea. A group of Zeibeks is gathered on the theatre's scene.

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  Zeibek costume from the Maeander plain.

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  The interior of a café in Istanbul.

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  The remains of the Ancient Theatre of Tripolis of Phrygia, in modern-day Yenicekent, Asia Minor.

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  The gorge of Lycus river (today Çürüksu). According to Herodotus, here the river disappears underground to resurface again furher away. Following Herodotus' text Laborde discovered this location near ancient Colossae and the Greek village of Chonae.

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  Panoramic view of Maeander plain from the Roman Theatre of Nyssa in Caria. The plate shows the remaining parts of the aqueduct and the bridge of Nyssa, only second in size to the birdge of Pergamon among ancient bridges.

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  View of the ruins of Alinda or Alexandria by Latmus and the modern village of Karpuzlu.

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  View of the ruins of Magnesia on the Meander.

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  Panoramic view of ancient Teos and Sigacik bay.

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  Panoramic view of ancient Ephesus, in two plates (1).

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  Panoramic view of ancient Ephesus, in two plates (2).

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  View of the port of Ephesus and the site of the temple of Artemis, from the theatre.

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  View of Ayasuluk hill and Ayasuluk castle in Ephesus, from the spot known as Saint Paul's tomb.

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  View of the Ancient Theatre of Miletus.

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  View of the ruins of ancient Priene, with the sites of the ancient monuments and the modern settlement.

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  Panoramic view of the remains of Heraclea on the bay of Latmus, today Bafa lagoon.

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  Panoramic view of the bay of Halicarnassus.

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  The ruins of the temple of Apollo at Didyma.

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  The ruins of the ancient city of Bargylia.

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  View of the ruins of the ancient city Euromus. At the centre, the temple of Zeus Lepsinus.

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  Panoramic view of Knidos.

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  Panoramic view of Knidos.

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  View of Knidos towards the Carpathian sea, with the Dodecanese and the coast of Crete in the distance.

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  View of the temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias of Caria, from the northwest.

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  The western gate of Aphrodisias in Caria, seen from the interior of the walls.

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  Map of Aphrodisias in Caria.

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  The western gate of Aphrodisias in Caria, seen from the exterior of the walls.

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  View of the temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias of Caria, from the pronaos.

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  View of the ruins of Aphrodisias in Caria and the modern settlement of Geyre.

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  View of the Stadium of Aphrodisias in Caria.

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  View of the Stadium of Aphrodisias in Caria.

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  Ruins of a monument in Aphrodisias of Caria.

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  Roman sarcophagus bearing a relief of human figures from Aphrodisias in Caria.

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  View of the site of Aphrodisias in Caria from the castle. In the foreground, the columns of the temple of Aphrodite.

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  Partial view of the Portico of Tiberius in the Agora of Aphrodisias of Caria.

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  Ruins of an ancient stadium, probably of the city of Heraclea Salvace, at the village of Vakif.

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  Reliefs at Kizilcabölük, on Mount Babadag.

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  Landscape at the area of Pinarbasi, Denizli.

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  Landscape at the area of Pinarbasi, Denizli.

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  Watermill on Mount Homa, Asia Minor.

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  View of a building on Mount Homa, Asia Minor.

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  Street in Isparta.

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  View of Isparta and the peaks of Taurus mountains.

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  View of the ruins of ancient Sagalassus.

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  View of the ruins of an ancient building and the positions of the two theatres, in the remains of ancient Sagalassus.

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  View of the lake and the city of Egirdir in Asia Minor.

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  View of the town, the lake and the lake islets of Egirdir from the town castle.

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  Ruins of an aqueduct in the area of Antioch of Pisidia, close to the town of Yalvaç.

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  Ancient funerary monument in the area of Antioch of Pisidia. In the background, the town of Yalvaç.

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  The architectural complex (külliye) comprising the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi and the Mevlevi dervish lodge, today Mevlana museum of Konya, seen from the city walls.

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  View of Konya.

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  View of the walls of Konya. An ancient statue and decorative features from diverse historical periods had been incorporated into the walls, in accordance with a practice distinctive of Seljuk architecture.

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  Details from the walls of Konya: reliefs, statues and decorative features from diverse historical periods, which had been incorporated into the walls in accordance with a practice distinctive of Seljuk architecture.

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  Mosque at Cairo, Egypt, included in this edition so that it could be compared to similar monuments of Konya.

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  Fountain at Cairo, Egypt, included in this edition so that it could be compared to similar monument of Konya.

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  Early Christian ruins in Madenşehri, Binbirkilisse area, Mount Karadag.

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  Early Christian ruins in Madenşehri, Binbirkilisse area, Mount Karadag.

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  View of Madenşehri, Binbirkilisse area, Mount Karadag.

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  Early Christian structures in ruins, in Madenşehri, Binbirkilisse area, Mount Karadag.

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  Monument on Taurus mountains in Cilicia, on Alaca plateau, in the district of Erdemli.

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  The ruins of a church on Alaca plateau, Erdemli, seen from the local inn.

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  The interior of a church in ruins on Alaca plateau, Erdemli district.

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  Churches in ruins on Alaca plateau, Erdemli district.

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  Aqueduct on Taurus mountains, near Alaca plateau.

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  Waterfall on Taurus mountains, near Alaca plateau.

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  View of the necropolis in Seleucia of Cilicia.

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  Map of Seleucia in Cilicia.

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  Ruins of an early Christian basilica built on the site of a Roman temple in Seleucia, Cilicia. In the background, the ancient theatre and the city castle.

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  View of Seleucia in Cilicia from the castle.

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  View of the two fortresses of Kiz Kalesi, the ancient city of Corycus, port of Seleucia. One of the fortresses was built on a promontory on the coast and the other on Kiz Kalesi (Cramvousa) island.

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  Funerary monuments in the area between Kiz Kalesi (ancient Corycus) and Ayas (ancient Elaeussa Sebaste). The necropolis was inhabited by semi-nomadic groups, most probably Turkomans.

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  Ancient monument in Ayas, Cilicia. Ancient ruins in the background.

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  View of one of the ports of Elaeussa Sebaste (today Ayas) and the city fortress.

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  Remains of an ancient temple at Elaeussa Sebaste, today Ayas, in Cilicia.

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  The remaining part of the colonnade in Soloi of Cilicia (later Pompeiopolis), seen from the theatre. The columns framed the street leading from the city to the port.

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  The remaining part of the colonnade in Soloi of Cilicia (later Pompeiopolis), seen from the theatre. The columns framed the street leading from the city to the port.

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  View of the Ancient Theatre and the colonnade in Soloi of Cilicia (later Pompeiopolis).

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  The remaining part of the colonnade in Soloi of Cilicia (later Pompeiopolis), seen from the theatre. The columns framed the way leading from the city to the port.

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  Landscape at Berdan river (ancient Cydnus) in Tarsus, Cilicia.

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  View of Tarsus in Cilicia.

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  Houses and gardens outside Tarsus in Cilicia.

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  Banana tree and other vegetation in the gardens outside Tarsus, Cilicia.