Biblical importance
of Turkey/Turkiye—Part 1
Here is my new post about
Turkey/Turkiye. I am not uploading pictures
of each places but giving very short informations about the sites.This is Part
1 .. Hope that you like it.
First of all , lets take look the
country of Turkiye ;
Straddling Europe and Asia , Turkiye
has very special location in the world.3% of the land is at Europe continet and
97 % is in Asia..
Capital of the country Ankara which
is the second largest city in Turkiye.
Largest city is Istanbul that was
once called Constantinopolis.Well actually Istanbul is the largest city at
Europe with a population of 16 million.
Size of the country 783.000 km2 that
means it is slightly larger than Texas state, 3 times bigger than UK.
Population of the country is 86
million.
Because of it’s special location,Turkiye
has became home of great civilizations throughout history such as ;
Hittites,Asssyrians,Persians,Egyptians , Ancient Greeks,Romans,Byzantiums,Seljuk
Turks and Ottoman Turks.
But the name of the country was first
Anatolia (From Greek Anatole : East). This name was given by Geographer
Strabo (1.c Bc) . However the name was not widely used by the inhabitants of
the region until late Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
If you visit American history museum
in Washington D.c , walk into Stories on Money hall , you will see one of the
first coins (sample) of the world from 7th c BCE,written from Anatolia!!
Thats Turkey – Turkiye.
The name Asia Minor (from
Greek Mikra Asia : Little Asia) was first coined by the Christian historian
Orosius (375-418 CE) in his work Seven Books of History against Pagans in 400
CE to differentiate the main of Asia from that the region
which had been evengelized by Paul
the Apostle.
The term "Asia" appears in the Bible
multiple times, particularly in the New Testament. It's important to
note that in the biblical context, "Asia" generally refers to the
Roman province of Asia, which corresponds to the western part of modern-day
Turkey/Turkiye.
Bibical places in Turkiye/Turkey ;
Mt. Ararat : Located
eastern part of the country , it is highest point of Turkiye that altitudes of 5,137
m / almost 17,000 feet. Interesting part is rocks in shape of a ship that some
believes petrified ruins of original Noah’s Ark.It is 29km-18miles away from
Mt.Ararat.Greenpeace organization built a ship to take people attention to
climate change in 2007. See the Pictures 😊
Euphrates and
Tigres rivers ; Both of them
originate in Turkiye, and they flow into Persian Gulf. 47 % of Euphrates and 25
% of Tigres are in Turkiye , Euphrates join the Tigres before they flow into
Persian Gulf.Between the rivers is called Mesapotamia. Gen 2:14; Jer
13:4,6, Rev 9:4;16:12
Sanliurfa; Located in Mesapotamia, ancient name of
the city ‘Edessa’ or ‘UR’. Although ancient city of Ur is believed located South
of Iraq , some believe that city of Urfa at southeast of Turkiye may be the
birthplace of Abraham. Here is a amazing discovery of archaeologists ; Gobeklitepe
! Earliest temple of the world,10.000 BCE, has been discovered at this city. I
will write about it soon.The town of Haran (Gn 11:31;12:4-5;27:43;28:10,29:4, 2
Kings 19:12, Isa 37:12, Ezek 27:23, Acts 7:2-4 ) is also located
at Sanliurfa city.
Hittites ; A civilization frequently mentioned in Old testament
actually lived around 2,000 Bce at central Turkiye.Their capital city was Hattussa
and they became superpower of the world at that times.Here is the question ;
What made them superpower 4,000 years ago ? Flight jets?Nuclear weapons?I will
write detailed search about them soon..But they disappeared mysteriously from
the page of history.Why?
Tarsus ; is the birthplace of Apostle Paul. He is also
known as ‘Saul of Tarsus’.He did his most of missionary journeys through Turkiye
that was a part of Roman Empire.Where he got his education?How he travelled
through Turkiye?I will write soon. Tarsus in Bible ; Acts 9:11;9:30;11:25;21:39;22:3
Antioch; is also known as Antioch on Orantes,located at
the South of Turkiye,(where February 6 earthquakes took place in 2022) was the
3th largest city of Roman world.The city is mentioned at Bible 19 times. Acts
11:19-27;13:1;14:26,15:22-35,Gal. 2:11, 2 Tim. 3:11
Assos ; mentioned at Acts of Apostles 20:13,14 a place
where Paul and Luke stopped on their way from Troas(Alexandrea Troas,North of
Assos) to Mytlene. Acts 20:13,14
Cappadocia ;
Today it is very famous with underground cities and hot air balloon ride , once
it was a place where ancient Christians escaped from Roman persecution and sheltered
into caves and underground cities.It is mentioned Acts 2:9 , and Pet. 1:1 .
Colossae ; It is one of thousands of ancient cities in
Turkiye that hasn’t been excavated.The letter of St. Paul to Colossians
contains important teaching about the supremacy of Christ,the dangers of false
teaching and the implications of the gospel for everyday life and work.
Colosians 1:2
Derbe ; Another archeaological site that has not been
exctensively excavated but some inscriptions and coins have been found that
confirm its identity. In summary, the
biblical importance of Derbe lies in its association with the early missionary
activities of Paul and Barnabas. It was a place where the Gospel was preached,
disciples were made, and Christian communities were established. Additionally,
Derbe is the setting for the introduction of Timothy, who later becomes a key
companion and co-worker with the apostle Paul. Acts 14:6-20;16:1;20:4
Ephesus ; As you know Ephesus is
one of the most important Biblical site. In summary, Ephesus holds biblical importance as a
key location for the ministry of the apostle Paul, the recipient of one of his
letters (Ephesians), and as a church addressed in the book of Revelation. The
events and teachings associated with Ephesus contribute to the broader
narrative of the early Christian church in the New Testament. Acts 18:19-24;19:1-35;20:16-17;21:29, 1 Cor 15:32; 16:8,
Tim 1:3 2 Tim 1:18; 4:12, Rev. 1:11,2:1
I will write a detailed Ephesus soon.
Galatia ; is a name
given to central Turkiye that lies from Blacksea to Mediterrenean. The
importance of Galatia in the Bible is closely tied to the formation of the
Galatian churches, the challenges they faced, and the theological discussions
and teachings that emerged from Paul's letters to them. The Epistle to the
Galatians is a key part of the New Testament, addressing foundational aspects
of Christian faith and practice.
Acts 16:6;18:23, I Cor 16:1,Gal 1:2;3:1,2 Tim 4:10,I Pet 1:1
Hierapolis;Because
of its hot spring waters,it is very famous with white cliffs and the city of
Hierapolis is located right on top of it. While the direct biblical references to Hierapolis
are limited, the city played a role in the broader context of early Christian
communities in Asia Minor. It was part of the region where Paul's letters were
circulated, and it was connected with the work of Epaphras in spreading the
Gospel.Interesting
facts about excavations ; at the eve of cancellation excavating licience of
Italians,they said ‘one second!! Look at what we have found !! It is the grave
of St. Philip the Apostle!!! ‘ in 2011 . So ..It is believed that St. Philip
was crucified upside down at Hierapolis and buried there.Hierapolis in Bible ; Colossians 4:13
Iconium; the
city of icons… Iconium—Iconia today it is called Konya.. The
biblical importance of Iconium lies in its role as one of the cities visited by
Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey. The events in Iconium
are part of the broader narrative of the early Christian church's expansion and
the challenges faced by missionaries in proclaiming the message of Christ. Acts 13:51;14:1-21;16:2,
2 Tim 3:11
Also
the earliest village of the world is in Konya , named Catalhoyuk from 6,500
BCE. I will write it soon.
Laodicia; As
all you know , it is one of seven churches mentioned in Revelation.It is the
only ancient city who has 2 theatres and largest after Ephesus.Did you know
that the earliest church from Constantine the Great time has been discovered
and restored by Turkish archaeologist there?Why was it difficult for Christians
to spread the religion in Laodica? I will write it soon..
Col 2:1;4:13-16, Rev 1:11;3:14
Lystra; Located at the south of Konya city ,
it is another biblical ancient city in Turkiye. The biblical importance of Lystra lies in
its association with key events during Paul's missionary journeys, including
the healing of the lame man, the response of the people to the Gospel, and the
introduction of Timothy as a significant figure in early Christianity. The
events in Lystra contribute to the broader narrative of the spread of
Christianity and the challenges faced by those who carried the message of
Christ to various regions.
Acts 14:6-21;16:1-2, 2 Tim 3:11
Miletus ; It was once the largest
city in Asia Minor at 6c BCE. Located on a peninsula at that times,today it is
about 4 miles away from sea cause of silting up of Meander river,it had 90
colonies from Blacksea to Mediterrenean. I will write interestin history of
Miletians soon. Here is the biblical importance of the city ; Miletus
is closely tied to the poignant farewell address that Paul delivered to the
elders of the Ephesian church. This address provides valuable insights into
Paul's ministry, his relationship with the Ephesian leaders, and important
teachings on Christian leadership and commitment to the Gospel.
Acts 20:15-17, 2 Tim 4:20
Myra ; The ancient city is not specifically mentioned in the Bible.Myra
receives only brief mention in the Bible. Acts 27:5-6 It was one of the cities at which the ship
transporting Paul from Caesarea to Rome landed around 59 c.e. The reason I
mention Myra is we are at the eve of Christmas time.Everybody knows Santa Claus
or Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century
Greek Christian bishop of Myra (now Demre) in the region
of Lycia in the Roman Empire, today in Turkey. Nicholas was
known for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three
impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they
would not have to become prostitutes.His churh and sarcophagus is still there.Let
me tell you funny thing ; The place he lived never get snows!! 😊
Pergamum/Pergamon ; As all you know it is ‘the place where satan has his
altar’. Rev 1:11;2:12… Possibly refer to Zeus
altar..Where is it today ? It is in Berlin Pergamum Museum.! By the way … If
you ever visit Pergamon Museum in Berlin,after seeing Zeus altar and shocked ,
do not skip to see Agora Gate of Miletus at the next hall,it is as big
as Ephesus Library. It is one of the best preserved ancient site in
Turkiye.Located on top of the hill , 95% of the ruins from Hellenistic
times-4-3 c BCE. I will write it soon.
Philadelphia ; Located on a flat area
and the lack of natural protectional hills , Philadelphia suffered a lot by
invaders since it had been founded at 2th c Bce.In the letter of Revelation
the
mention of an "open door" is often interpreted as a reference to
opportunities for spreading the Christian message, and it signifies God's favor
and guidance. Rev 1:11;3:7
Psidian Antioch ; The city of Pisidian Antioch holds
biblical significance primarily due to its association with the missionary
journeys of the Apostle Paul. Pisidian Antioch serves as an example of the
expansion of the Christian message beyond its Jewish origins and the inclusion
of Gentiles in the early Christian community. The events in Pisidian Antioch
are part of Paul's first missionary journey and are significant in the context
of the spread of Christianity in the Greco-Roman world. Acts 13:14;14:19-21, I
Tim 3:11
Sardis ; One of the most important ancient
city .. A place where the coins were first time invented at 7c BCE. Capital of
Lydians..And also one of Seven Churches where an ancient synagogue has
been restored by Newyork and Hardvard Univercities.This synagogue is one of the
3 ancient synagogue that has been scientifically verified by archaeologists. As with
the other letters to the seven churches in Revelation, the message to Sardis is
both a specific admonition to the local Christian community at that time and a
broader spiritual lesson applicable to churches and individuals throughout
history. The biblical importance of Sardis lies in the theological and moral
lessons derived from the message to this particular church. Rev 1:11;3:1-4
Symrna ; Only an ancient agora has been left
from ancient city that is called Izmir today.One of Seven Churches ‘These are
the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life
again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!...’ Rev 1:11;2:8 St. Polycarp was the bishop of Symrna at 1c
AD.He was tortured and killed and today his church is most visited place in the
city. I will write soon.
Thyatira ; Just like Philadelphia ,
the city of Thyatira was founded on a flat area with the lack of protectional
hills.For that reason not so much ruins left.In the letter of St. John ;Jesus
addresses the church and commends them for their love, faith, service, and
perseverance. However, he also rebukes them for tolerating a woman named
Jezebel, who is described as teaching and seducing the servants of God to
practice sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. Rev 1:11;2:18-24… Thyatira is also mentioned in Acts 16:14 . I
will write it soon.
Troas ; also known as Alexandrea Troas
located at the south of Troy ancient city. In Acts 16:8-11, Paul receives a vision of a man from
Macedonia urging him to come and help. As a response to this vision, Paul and
his companions set sail from Troas to Philippi, marking the beginning of the
Apostle Paul's missionary journey in Europe. This event is considered pivotal
because it represents the expansion of the Christian mission beyond Asia Minor
into the European continent. Acts 16:8-11;20:5,6,2 Tim 4:13, 2 Cor 2:12
Did you know that first 7 Ecumenical Council organized
in Turkiye?
·
First Councilof Nicaea (todays Iznik city) 325 AD ; started at
May 20 , ended in June 19. It was presided by Constantine the Great. (the city of
Istanbul was called Constantinopolis after his death).
·
First Council
of Constantinople(todays Istanbul) 381 AD ; May – July
·
Council of
Ephesus 431 AD ; June 22 –
July 31
·
Council of
Chalcedon(todays Asian side of Istanbul,Kadikoy area) 451 AD ; October 8 – November 1
·
Second Council
of Constantinopolis 553 AD ; May 5 – June 2
·
Third Council of
Constantinopolis 680-681 AD November 7 –
September 16
·
Second Council
of Nicaea(todays Iznik city)787 AD September 24 –
October 23
Hope that you enjoyed !! For locations and more information please contact with us ;
Luxury Tours to Turkey
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