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ADANA
Adana is the fourth largest city in Turkey, in the eastern Mediterranean Region. Its name comes from Adaus who was the son of the sky god, Uarnus. It had been one of the most
important cities of ancient Cilicia in history.AKHISAR (THYATIRA)
Akhisar is found in the Aegean region southeast of Izmir. The historical works which remain are; the Apollo Temple,
the ancient church and the road. One of the "Seven churches of the Revelation''. ALACAHOYUK
Alacahoyuk with its still extant sphinx gate, its interesting architectural remains
and its local museum, is certainly an archeological site that is well worth seeing. Alacahoyuk was an important center as far back as the Chalcolithic Age, that is, from the 4th millennium on. Artifacts dating from this
period and brought to light by Hamit Kosar are in the Ankara Archeological Museum. The Hittite era, too, witnessed glorious times in Alacahoyuk. The remains which are still standing at present day belong to the Hittite
Empire period (1450-1180 BC.) For More info about the Hittites CLICK HEREALANYA
is to the east of Antalya. The town has many historical sites and much natural beauty such as sandy beaches, banana gardens, historical castle, cave etc.ALEXANDRIA TROAS
This city was founded by Antigonus and Lysimachus at the command of Alexander the Great. Paul visited here at least twice. This is where the legend comes from
in which a boy fell from a window and St. Paul brought him back to life. There are not much left of the ruins today. ANKARA
Ankara is the capital city of modern Turkey, was founded by
the Phrygians in the 8th century B.C. There are many archaeological remains from some of the earliest civilizations in the world in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its finds from Catalhoyuk, Kultepe, Gordion,
Toprakkale, Carchemish and other sites. Fine ancient metal work and the original "Mother Goddess" figures. Other sights include the citadel and the mausoleum of Ataturk. For more info about Ankara CLICK HERE |
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ANTAKYA (ANTIOCH)
Antakya is in the
Mediterranean Region by the Iskenderun Bay. The ancient city was very important for early Christianity. The city has taken its name from the father of Seleucus Nicator; Antiochus and from 301 B.C. on it was
called ''Antioch''. There are sacred buildings and churches in the region. The most important of them is St. Peter's Grotto in which the early Christians called themselves ''Christian'' for the first
time. Simeon the Stylite is also associated with Antakya, and it was from here that Paul and Barnabus set out on their first journey. Antakya Mosaic see right. |
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ANTALYA The city was
founded in the 2nd century B.C. by Attalus, the King of Pergamon. Antalya is the pearl of Mediterranean Region. It's a rich land of history with its historical sites, which had been home for several
civilizations and a haven of sea & sun with its unique coastline and coastal towns (Alanya, Side, Aspendos, Perge, Kemer, Phaselis, Thermessos...) Places of interest to see in Antalya are the fine museum
of archaeology, the broken minaret mosque which had also been a church, Hadrian's Gate and the antique Roman Harbor. Picture on left of the "Fluted Minaret." |
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ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA (YALVAC)
To the northeast of Isparta, Yalvac stands near the ancient city of Antioch in Pisidia. This site was
visited by St. Paul and St.Barnabas in 46 AD. Among the ruins, be sure to see St. Paul's basilica, the aqueducts, Augustus's Temple, the theater and baths. The Archaeological Museum in Yalvac, itself, displays several
important regional artifacts.. |
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BEHRAMKALE (ASSOS)
The beginnings of a city in Assos came before the first millennium B.C. Later, an Ionian colony from Lesbos settled here. Aristotle taught here for three
years. Behramkale is a picturesque seaside town to the north of Izmir, by the Edremit Bay in the north Aegean. Its history goes back to the 8th century B.C. A nice example of ''Doric'' style columns is seen in
Behramkale's Athena Temple and the city walls are in very good conditon. Possible to see lookout towers, the theater, gymnasium and agora. |
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BERGAMA (PERGAMON)
Pergamon in the Aegean Region was one of the most important Ionian cities and developed after it came under the Roman Empire. It was famous for the Temple
of Zeus, which was later taken to Britain. The famous doctor of antiquity; Galen had worked in the sanatorium of Bergama and wrote around 500 medical books. In the time of early Christianity, the famous
Serapis Temple was turned into a church and dedicated to St. John. That church in Bergama is the one of ''Seven Churches'' in Anatolia...Bergama Trajaneum on left. |
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BOGAZKALE (HATTUSAS) Hattusas,
the capital of the Hittite Empire is situated overlying a terrace and a huge crag rising above the present-day village known either as Bogazkoy or Bogazkale. |
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Hattusas is derived from Hattus, the original name given to it by the Hatti people, who spoke an agglutinated language like Sumerian. The oldest Hittite
document discovered at Bogazkoy reveals that Hattusas was devastated at the beginning of the 18th century B.C. by Anitta Kussara who was the greatest Hittite King during the time of the city-states. Fragments of the
Epic of Gilgamish were also found during excavations at Bogazkale. YAZILIKAYA - the ancient sanctuary of the Hittite Empire, today called Yazilikaya, lies 2km. northeast of Hattusas. It was a natural rock shrine,
open to the sky. The gods come to life in the rock gallery carved into the cliff face that represents the Hittite pantheon. For more info about the Hittites CLICK HERE |
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BURSA
Bursa was the capital city of the Ottoman Empire for a long time.It is also a famous tourism center with the Uludag Ski Center and the thermal spas.
CANAKKALE
Canakkale lies at the narrow entrance to the Canakkale Strait (the Dardanelles) that connects the sea of Marmara and the Aegean. |
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CAPPADOCIA
O
ne of the most important touristic centers in Turkey, with its unique geological structures (interesting multicolored valleys, fairy
chimneys, rock churches, natural castles, etc.) and historical treasures, underground cities used as hide-outs by the early Christians, residences and rock churches from early Christianity on... For more
information about Cappadocia CLICK HERE |
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CEVLIK (SELUCIA PERIA)
Cevlik is located in the Mediterranean Region, to the west of Antakya. It's the place from where St. Paul first started his missionary journey. The ruins of Selucia Peria, and
the first tunnel of the world Titus Tunnel , are also here...DIYARBAKIR
Known in classical times as Amidia, located in southeastern Anatolia, the city stands above the Tigris. The
black basalt outer walls and towers of the ancient city look impressive from whichever direction you approach them. Locals like to call their city ''the Paris of the East." . |
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EPHESUS (EFES) - THE CHURCH OF VIRGIN MARY - ST JOHNS CHURCH - TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS
Probably the most impressive archaeological site in Turkey. It must have been colonized
by the Greeks around the 10th century B.C, who brought their own goddess, Artemis. For over a thousand years this Goddess and her temple provided a focal point for the religious, economic and cultural life
of the worshipers. Now only a single column remains of what was once one of the "Seven Wonders of the World". St. Paul encountered trouble here because of his preaching that "gods made by
human hands were not gods at all," which decreased the temple sales of silver figurines of the Goddess. An angry crowd besieged him shouting, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"
Ephesus must have been breathtaking in its time especially when approached by sea, which was the usual route. The theater on the slopes of mount Pion is very impressive as is the Arcadian Way and the
Library of Celsius. One of the Seven Churches of the Revelation. |
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FETHIYE
Fethiye is a natural harbor city in the western Mediterranean. It's a very popular holiday center with its magnificent natural beauty and ancient Lycian towns... Oludeniz,
considered the most beautiful beach in Turkey is nearby, and it is a popular place to start a blue voyage yacht cruise. For more info about Cruising in the Mediterranean CLICK HERE GORDION
Gordion was probably the capital of Meshech, mentioned in the Bible. It was occupied as early as the 3rd millennium B.C. It was an important Hittite outpost with Assyrian
colonists also living here. Alexander cut the "Gordian Knot" and took the city out of Persian control. 17th to 16th century B.C. Hittite graves have been excavated and some of the contents can be seen at
the museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. In Gordion itself, there are almost a hundred tumulus graves of notables who lived and died between Phrygian and Galatian times. The largest tumulus has been identified
as belonging to king Midas, and still contains some wooden furniture probably from his palace. HARRAN
Known from inscriptions to have been in existence around 2000 B.C. It was an important city in
the 14th century B.C. during the time of the Old Testament Patriarchs. The Biblical interest in Harran is as one of the probable residences of Abraham and his family. Jacob's Well (Bi'r Yakub) lies somewhat west
of the city walls and has been the source of drinking water for Harran and the neighboring villages as it was when Rebecca drew water for Abraham's servant. (Genesis 24). Harran is also interesting because of the mud
brick houses shaped like cones or beehives about 4 - 5 m high.HERACLEA
Heraclea, in the Aegean Region and with its splendid city wall and its fascinating landscape, is one of the most
impressive Anatolian ruins dating partly from Hellenistic times. The site is easily accessible both from Lake Bafa and by land. Both in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the city flourished and its prosperity must have
come from sea-trade. Heraklea also blossomed during Early Christian and Byzantine times, the small romantic islands situated in Lake Bafa bear well-preserved churches and monasteries dating from the Early Christian and
Byzantine periods... ISTANBUL (BYZANTIUM, CONSTANTINOPLE)
Istanbul embraces two continents, one reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe. Byzantium, according
to legend, was founded by Byzas, who followed the instructions from the Oracle of Delphi for him to "build opposite those who are blind." He took this to be opposite of Chalcedon, whose inhabitants had
not chosen such a good place. Through the city's heart, course the Bosphorus straits, the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The former capital of three successive empires: Roman, Byzantine
and Ottoman. Today Istanbul honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to its modern future. Indeed it is Istanbul's variety that fascinates its visitors. The museums, churches, palaces, great
mosques, bazaars and sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows on the opposite shore, you will understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this
remarkable site. At times such as these, you feel that Istanbul is truly one the most glorious cities in the world. For more info on Istanbul - CLICK HERE IZMIR (SMYRNA)
Izmir is located in the Aegean Region and dates back to the 3rd century B.C. Smyrna is one of the ''Seven Churches of the Revelation''. The famous bishop of the Christian
Church; Polycarp, had served in Smyrna between 115-156 A.D., and was also martyred here. According to legend it is said that the blind poet Homer was born and lived in this area.IZNIK (NICEA)
Iznik is in the Marmara Region near Bursa. It was an important religious center in the Roman and Byzantine Eras. The first and seventh Meetings of the Ecumenical Council were held here. The seventh Ecumenical
council was prompted by the iconoclastic controversy and eventually led to the division between Rome and Constantinople. There are still many remains from the Ottomans and Seljuks and the town is laid out in Roman plan
with four gates. There is also a museum of ceramics famous in the area. KAYSERI (CAESAREA)
Caesarea Mazaca was an early Christian center. Here, Basil, Bishop of Caesarea from 329 - 379
A.D. was one of the outstanding church fathers, and a philanthropist. KEMER
Kemer is one of the most beautiful holiday resorts in Turkey with its luxury hotels and holiday villages. It is
to the west of Antalya and houses countless remains of antiquity and natural beauty side by side. |
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KONYA
Konya is in the middle Anatolian Region. Today the most interesting monuments are the beautiful Seljuk mosques, schools and the dergah (lodge) of the great poet,
mystic and founder of the Whirling Dervishes - Celaleddin Rumi, also known as Mevlana. His creed was, "Come in whoever you are, fire worshiper, idolater.. Ours is not a house of despair. Come in,
however many times you have broken your vow." It is an important pilgrimage center. For more information about Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes CLICK HERE
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KUSADASI
Kusadasi is one of the important harbors of the Aegean Region, and is near Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis.An important tourism center in Turkey.KUTAHYA
Kutahya is in the southwest of Ankara. The city is famous for its tiles, porcelain and thermal
springs. LAODICEA
Laodicea is in the the Aegean Region and its history dates back to
3rd century B.C. The city was located at the crossroads of trade and became very rich. Present day visitor finds a large area littered with broken marble and some other architectural pieces.
MERSIN
Mersin is in the eastern Mediterranean Region and to the west of Adana. It's the largest harbor in Turkey on the Mediterranean. And has become an important trading center in the last years. MILETUS
This ancient city seems to have been inhabited between the end of the Minoan (1600 B.C.) and Mycenaean (1200 B.C.) periods. As a port at the mouth of the Meander River, it was a
natural outlet for Phrygian trade. Miletus was distinguished by having some important historians and philosophers such as Thales, who lived here from 640-546 B.C. and is credited as being the founder of Greek geometry,
astronomy, and philosophy. Anaximander was also associated with him. |
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MOUNT ARARAT
The legendary resting place of Noah's Ark. The mountain is located in eastern Turkey near the Armenian and Iranian borders. The summit is 5165m above
sea level and is the highest in Turkey. The story of Noah's ark is based on the Epic of Gilgamish. A Babylonian story about an unusually devastating flood in the Euphrates river basin. Special permission
must be obtained or one must join an organized tour to climb the mountain. |
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MOUNT NEMRUT
I
s located in southeastern Anatolia near the River Euphrates. It was, in history, but a tiny buffer state on the Upper Euphrates, pinched
between the fleet cavalry of ancient Parthia and the inexorable legions of Rome. The Commagene Kingdom flourished because of the Roman civil wars, which pitted the tyrants, Brutus and Cassius against the
fragile coalition of Mark Antony and Octavian, only to be first crushed and then absorbed like so many of the minor principalities of Asia Minor into the Pax Romana and to disappear from history around the
beginning of the Christian era. But unlike most of the other forgotten states of late antiquity, the kingdom of Commagene carved out its place in history from the living rock, and has managed to capture the
imagination of the adventurers who come annually to see the fabulous remains atop Mount Nemrut, that Antiochus I, had built for himself as his final resting place. |
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MYRA (DEMRE)
Myra is one of the ancient coastal cities visited by Paul, Luke and Aristarchus (Acts 27:15-6) where as prisoners they changed their boats on the way to Rome.
The most interesting building is the church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) built over his tomb. St. Nicholas was born in Patara and was bishop of Myra. His reliquary is in the Museum of Archeology in
Antalya. There is also an impressive Roman theater and rock tombs. From here you can make a daily boat trip to Kekova Island. On the right: rock tombs. |
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PAMUKKALE (HIERAPOLIS)
Pamukkale is located in the Aegean Region near Denizli. It's an important tourism center with its unique natural limestone terraces and thermal pools.
In the Byzantine Era, Hierapolis became a bishopric and a church was built and was dedicated to St. Philip. The bath, the church, the theater, the temple and the cemetery are some of the important ruins...
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PERGE
Perge is on a rise not far from the Cestrus River, which was navigable in Paul's time. Its origin dates from pre-Greek times. In Roman times the main streets were over 21m
wide and were lined with Ionic colonnades. A water channel ran through the center in a series of small waterfalls. The stadium, one of the best-preserved in Turkey could seat 14,000 people.
PHILADELPHIA (ALASEHIR)
One of the Seven Churches and the city of Brotherly Love is now called Alasehir and is on the northeast edge of Boz Mountain. There was a citadel in ancient times but only a few
ruins are visible now. The most interesting remains of Christian Philadelphia, are part of a Byzantine basilica built of brick. |
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SART (SARDIS)
Sardis is in the Aegean Region near Manisa and Izmir. Sardis was the capital of the famous Kingdom of Lydia, where the first coins in the world were
minted. The Temple of Artemis by the Sart Stream dates back to the 4th century B.C. In the same place there was the Temple of Kybele (the Mother Goddess) before. By the temple, there are a Byzantine Church
and a synagogue. St. John referred to the church as one of the ''Seven Churches''... |
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SILIFKE (SELEUCIA)
Silifke is in the Mediterranean Region, 10km. east of Tasucu;. It was founded by the Roman Commander Seleucis in the 3rd Century B.C. Silifke Castle, the Temple of Jupiter
(basilica of the first female Saint Thecla), the Roman Bridge and the Alahan Monastery date back to the 5th century B.C. The town of Mut is also a place of interest.TARSUS
Tarsus, in
the Mediterranean Region, is the birthplace of St. Paul. St. Paul had a tremendous role in spreading Christianity, especially in Tarsus. It's believed that the water of the well in the house of St. Paul is holy. Three
meetings of the Ecumenical Council in 431, 435 and 1177 were held in Tarsus. |
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TRABZON
At the east end of the Black Sea, the celebrated city of Trabzon was founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C. and became an important mercantile and trading
center. Today's modern Trabzon retains much of its old charm, and many parts of city offer reminders of its past. The 13th Century church of St. Sophia is one of the most notable of the Byzantine
monuments and it contains excellent examples of Byzantine painting. |
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The Monastery of Sumela, built into the side of a high cliff in the mountains outside of Trabzon, within the National Park of Altindere, is must to see...
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URFA
The city dates back to the 16th century B.C. According to local tradition allegedly based on the quran it is the birthplace of Abraham and he lived here before his
migration to Canaan, now Palestine. Local Moslem legend differs from that of the other great monotheistic faiths by the invention of vicious cruel King Nimrod, whom had Abraham launched from a catapult from
the city's citadel to fall into a pile of burning wood. God intervened and turned the fire into water and the burning sticks into to fish. Today, the visitor can visit the mosque complex surrounding it. Two
Corinthian columns still standing atop the citadel represent the cruel rule's giant slingshot. The city's history is far more complex than mere legendary myths. Known to the ancient Greeks as Orrhoe or
Osrhoe, Seleucus Nicator of Antioch-fame first established the capital of eastern Hellenistic realm here, populating it with Macedonian veterans who preferred to call Edessa, after their native province.
Urfa remained an important garrison town into Roman times, and was one of the first centers of the early church, but one given over to the monophysite heresy. |
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ZILE
The Hittites named this city and it became famous because of the battle between Caesar and the Pontic king Pharnakes. Caesar was the victor and uttered the famous words
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered). |
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