Biblical Sites Bucket List: Turkey Edition
If you’re making a Biblical sites travel bucket list, this series is for you! This week, we’re talking about Anatolia (modern day Turkey). This fascinating land is more than just hot air balloons, stunning sea views, and minarets. It’s full of Biblical and early Christian history. Here are places in Turkey to add to your Biblical Bucket List:
1. Ephesus: Tracing Paul’s Footsteps - The entire book of Ephesians is a letter Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus. It’s also one of the 7 churches of Revelation.
Ephesus, a city steeped in biblical history, holds a special place in the hearts of Christians. The entire book of Ephesians, a profound letter from Paul, was addressed to the church in Ephesus. This city also finds mention as one of the seven churches of Revelation, mentioned in the book of Revelation 1.
Exploring Ephesus allows you to immerse yourself in the world of early Christianity and gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of the early believers.
2. The Seven Churches of Revelation: A Pilgrimage to Remember - All 7 churches that Paul mentions in Revelation 1 are in Turkey: Ephesus, Smyrna (now Izmir) Pergamon, Theatric (now Akhisar), Sardis, Philadelphia (now Alasehir) and Laodicea.
Venture into the heart of Revelation as you visit the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each of these cities played a significant role in early Christian history and offers a unique window into the experiences of the early Christian communities. As you traverse through Turkey, you'll journey through the lives of these believers and their remarkable stories of faith.
3. Cappadocia: Unveiling Ancient Cave Churches - Cappadocia, a region known for its surreal landscapes, also holds spiritual treasures. Mentioned a few times in the New Testament (Acts 2:9, 1 Peter 1:1), Cappadocia shelters ancient cave churches that bear witness to the early Christians' resilience in the face of persecution.
As you explore these underground sanctuaries, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the strength of faith that guided these early believers through challenging times.
4. Antioch (Antakya): Birthplace of the Term "Christian" Antioch, a city of immense historical and religious importance, is where the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians." This designation carries profound weight, encapsulating the identity of believers throughout history.
Antioch is also notable as a base for many of Paul's missionary journeys. A visit to the cave carved into Mount Starius, where Peter preached and established a Christian community, transports you back to the roots of Christian fellowship.
5. Tarsus: The Cradle of Paul's Faith- Tarsus is revered as the birthplace of the apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. This city played a pivotal role in Paul's life and ministry.
Walking the streets of Tarsus allows you to connect with the formative years of the apostle who would later become a beacon of faith.
6. Mount Ararat: A Link to Noah's Ark - The towering Mount Ararat, an emblem of the faithfulness of God, is believed to be the resting place of Noah's ark.
This ancient connection to the Biblical story of the flood speaks to the enduring power of God's promises and invites you to contemplate the significance of this historic event.
Have you been to Turkey or have a place we should add to the list? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below.
More Resources
If you’re into Biblical Archaeology, check out the documentary The Last Apostle with Biblical archaeologist and professor, Dr. Mark Fairchild.