Turkey
Turkey is known as the gateway between Europe and Asia, located mostly in the beautiful region of Anatolia in Western Asia, it is a transcontinental country.
Turkey is considered to be one of the world’s earliest settled regions in the world.
The ancient civilizations of the Hattians, Anatolian peoples and Mycenaean Greeks, to name a few, populated the landmass of Turkey.
Modern-day Turkey, after the fall of the Islamic sultanes, became a parliamentary republic after WW1, which was replaced with a Presidential system of government in 2017.
Enormous amounts of ancient archeological finds are present in Turkey and many places mentioned in the New Testament can be visited.
The Book of Revelation, which was written by John on the island of Patmos in Greece, records pronouncements against the “seven churches.” They include Smyrna, Thyatira, Pergamum, Sardes, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Ephesus.
All seven of these churches were located in present-day Turkey.
The New Testament Books of Ephesus and Colossians were written to churches that are also in Turkey and the archeological ruins of Ephesus are a site to see as they are so well preserved.
The Apostle Paul was born in Tarsus which is the present city of Cumhuriyet Alani in Turkey.
Turkey has interesting sites and vacation spots for the history buff, the Bible student and the traveler. Turkish food is known for its culinary excellence and visiting their magnificent mosques, ancient churches and spice market is an experience to be remembered.
Things You'll See
The City of Istanbul
Istanbul has been the capital of two powerful historical empires, the Byzantine and the Ottoman. Amazing examples of Byzantium and Ottoman architecture can be visited in Istanbul. Some of the main attractions of Istanbul are Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Church of St. Irene, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. The Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century and today there are exhibitions from the royal treasury and other religious relics.
Tarsus
Hierapolis, located in southwestern Turkey near Pamukkale, is an ancient city known for its thermal springs and as a center of pagan cults in antiquity. Established in the 2nd century BC, it became an important site for early Christianity following the visit of the Apostle Philip, who is believed to have been martyred here. Today, the site features well-preserved ruins, including a vast necropolis, a grand Roman theatre, and the Martyrium of St. Philip.
The Church of Philadelphia
The Church of Philadelphia in Turkey, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the New Testament, is located in the modern city of Alaşehir. Philadelphia was known for its resilience and is often referred to as the "faithful church" in biblical texts for its steadfastness in the face of persecution. While much of the ancient city and the church itself have not survived through the centuries, visiting the site provides a profound connection to the early Christian era, embodying the spirit of perseverance and faith that characterized the early Christian communities across Asia Minor.
Highlights
Coloassae
Today there is only a “Tell” (a hill under which lies an ancient city) in the location of the ancient city of Colossae. Surveys show that there are many remains under the Tell, but no excavations have taken place.
Assos
Assos, which is mentioned in Acts 20, is located in the modern city of Behram. It was on Paul’s third missionary journey that he met his companions in Assos. They had arrived by boat and Paul traveled by foot from Troas about 20 miles away.
Hierapolis
Heirapolis, modern day Pamukkale, is located just north of Laodicea in the central part of Turkey. It is home to many impressive sites.
Miletus
The ancient city of Miletus is mentioned a few times in Acts 20. Paul calls the elders from Ephesus to come to him there and he presents them with the only known sermon recorded to believers (Acts 20:17-38).
Antioch on Orontes
There were at least twelve ancient cities with the name “Antioch”. This Antioch, located east of the Orontes River, is located 300 miles north of Jerusalem and on the far south-east corner of Asia.
Day 1: Istanbul
- Arrive in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey.
- Visit Hagia Sophia, a significant historical monument that was once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum.
- Explore the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, witnessing the rich Ottoman architecture.
- Stroll through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market for an authentic Turkish experience.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul
- Continue exploring Istanbul.
- Visit the Church of St. Irene, one of the earliest churches in the city.
- Spend the afternoon exploring other historical sites or museums in Istanbul.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
- Travel to Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul.
- Visit the “Well of Saint Paul” and explore the city’s historical context.
- Continue to Antakya (Ancient Antioch on Orontes). Visit the Cave Church of San Pedro Grotto.
- Overnight in Antakya.
Day 4: Miletus and Didyma
- Travel to Miletus, an ancient city where Paul met with Ephesian elders.
- Explore the ruins of Miletus, including the Roman theater.
- Continue to Didyma to visit the Temple of Apollo.
- Overnight in the area or travel to a nearby city for accommodation.
Day 5: Hierapolis and Laodicea
- Visit Hierapolis, known for its thermal pools and archaeological ruins.
- Explore the ancient ruins, including the Roman theater and the large ancient cemetery.
- Visit the neighboring city of Laodicea, another site with significant archaeological remains.
- Overnight in the area or travel back to Istanbul for departure.
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