Mount Olympus (Keshish Dagh)
Mount Olympus, known as Keshish Dagh (Mount Monk) in Turkish, stands at 7600 feet above sea level. For a successful ascent, a good guide and a few soldiers, arranged through the Consul, are essential. The journey takes about six hours, with the last part on foot due to steep terrain. The descent typically takes four hours. Travelers need to bring provisions from Brusa, as there are no amenities along the way. Costs include horse fare (50 piastres), guide fee (20 piastres), and soldiers’ fees (20 piastres each). The summit provides a splendid panoramic view on clear days, encompassing the Marmora and Bosporus, Mount Ida, the plains of Troy, Mysia, Phrygia, and Pergamo and Kutahieh.
Return trains to Mudania depart from Brusa around 7:30 A.M. Exploring Brusa’s Landmarks and Industries, connecting to the steamer to Constantinople, where travelers disembark at Galata pier.
Special Events and Places
The Miracle of the Church of the Birth of Christ:
During Easter, a significant celebration in the Eastern Orthodox calendar, believers visit the Church of the Birth of Christ. Legend has it that on Easter Saturday, water appears on the sacred throne, believed to have miraculous healing powers. Faithful individuals take a few drops for relief from illness and pain. The water’s persistence until sunrise the next day is seen as a sign of God’s blessing for a prosperous year.
The Circle of Life Mural
Inside the same church, an extraordinary mural named “The Circle of Life” is displayed on the East wall of the loft. This unique artwork features zodiac signs forming a circle around a depiction of Christ’s face. Surrounding this are four figures representing the seasons Customized Tours Balkan, and further out, twelve human figures lying in a clockwise direction. Nine figures holding equal-length staffs encircle the entire mural. The composition illustrates the growth and decline of life, with an inscription adding to its mystery. While seemingly influenced by Far Eastern philosophy, the mural focuses on the life of Christ, making it a fascinating discovery in a Christian church.
