Temple of Apollo hosts first wedding

ÇANAKKALE - Doğan News Agency

A marriage table was placed among the 2,000-year-old columns and chairs for the participants while Uysal and Demir’s friends Keskin and Palta acted as witnesses. DHA photo

A couple in Çanakkale reportedly made history recently by walking down the aisle in the northwestern province’s 2,000-year-old Smintheus Shrine of Apollo, Doğan news agency reported July 16.

Altan Uysal, 33, tied the knot with 30-year-old Müjde Demir in the shrine after receiving permission to do so from Gülpınar Mayor Recep Şahin – who performed the marriage ceremony – and Professor Coşkun Özgünel, who is leading an excavation at the site.

“We chose this place to have a special wedding ceremony; it is a particular feeling. We had an unforgettable day,” said the groom.

“This is the first time I’ve ever come here; it was a complete surprise. But it is great to have a wedding ceremony at such a nice venue,” said Demir.

A marriage table was placed among the 2,000-year-old columns and chairs for the participants while Uysal and Demir’s friends Hakan Keskin and Hande Palta acted as witnesses.

“I’m so happy, as we have gained a family member; I hope their marriage lasts forever,” Şahin said as he gave the marriage license to the bride.

The young couple will hold a reception at Ayvacık’s Kolin Hotel on Aug. 25.

“We celebrated the first marriage of both present and ancient times. It is going to make history. Apollo used to act as an oracle for newlywed couples to tell their future. We are going to ask Apollo to foresee the couple’s future,” Özgünel said following the ceremony.

The professor said Uysal and Demir’s wedding had set an example for young people looking to get married at the shrine.

“Newlywed couples will come here and have their photos taken. Once a year, wedding ceremonies will be permitted. The couple’s preference for the venue is a great honor for me as the region’s cultural and historical significance has been promoted to the Turkish public,” he said, noting that the event was also important for the country’s archaeological community.