Street Gems Blog
The Street Gems blog reflects the episodes on the Youtube channel, giving a summary of what the documentaries discuss. Each article has links to the videos, so if you want to watch the full episodes, click the titles of the articles, or the link in the text. Enjoy the documentaries!
Wonders of The Mysterious Lycian Civilization
Unveiling the Mysteries of Ancient Lycia: From Cliff Tombs to Santa Claus – by Jordan Amit
Nestled within the rugged landscapes of southwest Turkey lies a region steeped in enigmatic history—Lycia. Once home to a captivating culture, the Lycians left behind a legacy shrouded in mystery, with their intricate cliff tombs and unique architectural wonders dotting the landscape like whispers from the past.
Stretching along the Teke Peninsula, also known as Lycia or Lykia in modern Turkish, this terrain boasts towering mountains that descend sharply to meet the azure waters of the Mediterranean. While the written records of the Lycians are scarce, their imprint on the land endures through the magnificent tombs hewn into cliffs and the haunting ruins of their ancient cities.
The Lycians inhabited a fragmented landscape where each city governed itself, yet shared a collective cultural identity. Despite their distinctiveness, the Lycians were not immune to outside influences, particularly from the neighboring Greek city-states that peppered the Anatolian coastline. Greek alphabets and architectural styles melded with indigenous traditions, giving rise to a hybrid culture uniquely Lycian, yet undeniably influenced by the ancient Greeks.
Nowhere is this fusion more evident than in the Lycian cliff tombs, over a thousand of which pepper the landscape. Carved directly into the rock, these monumental structures echo the grandeur of Greek temples while bearing traces of Persian influence, a testament to Lycia’s position as a crossroads between East and West.
As the tides of history ebbed and flowed, the Lycians found themselves caught in the currents of power struggles between Greek dynasties and the emerging might of Rome. It was during this tumultuous period that the Lycian League emerged—a confederation of city-states united under Roman patronage, influencing future political systems far beyond their times.
The Sunken Harbor of Caesarea
Exploring the fascinating history of Caesarea and its sunken harbor – by Jordan Amit
Caesarea, nestled along the modern-day Israeli coastline, boasts the remnants of an ancient Roman city constructed by the ambitious Herod the Great. Positioned dramatically by the wavy shores, it showcased a multitude of architectural wonders, including a massive chariot race track, a grand theater, opulent bathhouses, bustling markets, and an ingeniously engineered artificial harbor.
This city was the brainchild of Herod, a local ruler appointed by the Romans. Despite his Edomite roots, Herod aligned himself closely with Roman culture, aiming to impress and solidify his loyalty to Rome. Hence, he dedicated the city to Augustus, earning it the name Caesarea.
However, Herod’s grand projects, including Caesarea’s expansive harbor, came at a cost to his people. The construction demanded immense resources and labor, straining the populace and exacerbating their resentment toward his reign. Despite the challenges posed by the rugged coastline, Herod’s engineers defied the odds, employing ancient techniques to create an architectural marvel that facilitated swift communication with Rome.
Yet, the glory of Caesarea’s harbor was not eternal. Over time, seismic activity and coastal erosion took their toll, gradually weakening the structure. Despite attempts at restoration, including endeavors by the Crusaders, the harbor’s decline was inevitable.
Nonetheless, Caesarea’s significance endured through the ages. It served as a pivotal hub during various historical epochs, from its prominence under Roman rule to its role in the spread of Christianity. The city’s strategic location facilitated trade and cultural exchange, making it a melting pot of diverse influences.
Today, the ruins of Caesarea stand as a testament to ancient ingenuity and the enduring impact of history. Visitors can explore its well-preserved remnants, reflecting upon the turbulent events and myriad cultures that have shaped this fascinating region.
Edenbridge – The Abandoned Jewish Colony
Exploring a Forgotten Jewish Colony in the Middle of Canada – by Jordan Amit
Edenbridge is a little known historical site in Saskatchewan, Canada.
It was founded in 1906 by 56 Jews seeking refuge from persecution in Eastern Europe. These settlers migrated from Lithuania to South Africa, where they saw an ad by the Canadian government advertising cheap land in the middle of Canada. The government was trying to populate the far flung territories of Western Canada, and was giving cheap land as incentive for people to come and settle.
This small community of Jews took up this opportunity and set sail to Montreal, then hopped on a train that took them all the way to Saskatchewan. When they arrived in Star City, they were quite surprised to find that it was barely a town. They then had to continue to the site where they would later found their colony, which was in the middle of nowhere. One wonders if they had any regrets for making this decision.
Situated in a remote area, the settlers faced daunting challenges in adapting to the harsh Canadian climate. With the assistance of indigenous locals, they acquired the skills to construct shelters capable of withstanding the severe winters, which could go as low as -50 degrees celsius.
Despite initial hardships, the colony thrived, eventually expanding to include 50 families and 170 individuals by the 1920s. The settlers cultivated wheat, barley, oats, and raised livestock, gradually transforming the wilderness into a self-sufficient community. The cornerstone of Edenbridge was the Beth Israel Synagogue, built in 1908 and serving as the spiritual and communal center for the colony.
However, the prosperity of Edenbridge was short-lived. The Great Depression, coupled with economic downturns and prolonged droughts, took a heavy toll on the colony. By the 1960s, most settlers had abandoned their rural lifestyle, lured away by the promise of urban opportunities in nearby cities like Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg. The once-vibrant community dwindled, and the Beth Israel Synagogue ceased to be a place of worship in 1964.
Today, Edenbridge exists as a mere echo of its former self, its history preserved in the memories of those who once called it home. The colony’s legacy serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unity of its pioneering settlers, who braved the odds to carve out a new life in the unforgiving Canadian frontier. Though Edenbridge may have faded into obscurity, its story endures as a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and thrive in the face of adversity.