EPHESUS MARBLE

Quarry Site and Classification

Ephesus Marble is a distinctive marble characterized by its elegant white and gray coloration. Classified as marble, it originates from the ancient quarries located in the village of Hasançavuşlar in the Tire district of İzmir. It has also been exported to Mediterranean countries. Another stone similar to this is also mined in Algeria.*

Historical and Cultural Importance

Italian stone masons referred to it as ‘Greco Scritto’ due to its pattern resembling ancient Greek script. This natural stone was used in buildings including the Pantheon and the Forum of Trajan in Rome, and in Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli. In addition, it was employed in the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus. 

In addition to these prominent ancient sites, the use of Ephesus Marble is also documented in Istanbul, where it was employed as a column in the 12th century Byzantine church known as Kalenderhane Mosque.

*Attanasio et al. 2015.