Dr. Keith Eitel, Cross-Cultural Specialist, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary “Dr. Cathey truly has a special calling to lead groups. Like the Apostle Paul he’s willing to meet people in the highways and byways. Traveling with him is a lesson in doing what Paul did, where Paul did it.”

Billie McDonald, Retired Teacher “Turkey, what a pleasant surprise to find such a beautiful country full of such warm, kind, and beautiful people. I had in mind that it would be like other Third World countries I had visited, but it is not. In eight days, I learned more history than I ever thought possible. The people won my heart and I will be going back in the spring and hopefully take another Team of tourists with me.”

Dorothy Solomon, Retired Teacher “Going to Turkey was a most incredible journey. There is so much history there. Dr. Cathey is very knowledgeable about the country and the people. I enjoyed hearing about it. Turkey is a beautiful place with a lot of mountains in the east where we traveled.

The people are very friendly. I didn’t know what to expect about the food. I found that I liked most everything. Having cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and cheese for breakfast was a surprise, however it was very fresh and good. I loved the fresh bread, which we had every meal.

The ruins at Ephesus were the most interesting to me. I can see what a beautiful place it once was and imagine all the people that filled the city. I was interested to hear about the Muslim religion, I would love to go back and spend more time with the people and really get to know some of them.

I hope more people will be interested also in going. We need to build a bridge between our countries and our religions.”

Ricky Missildine, Cowboy/Ironworker “The thing I love most about my trip to Turkey was when we were traveling and stopped in and talked and drank tea with people. As a young boy I sat at the feet of my Grandfather, old ranchers, farmers, and fishermen and listened to their stories. Many places in Turkey reminded me of this.

One place we stopped at was a town square and all the old farmers and shepherds were sitting around drinking tea, telling stories, having a good time. As Americans we are busy and worried about much. Instead we should take time to sit at the feet of the Lord who might be sitting in a coffee shop, grocery store, old folks home or under two old elm trees in my yard.

I saw beautiful mosques and works of art. I also saw the ruins of great works. The most beautiful and best thing I saw was sitting at the feet of these loving Turkish people, which will never go to ruin in my memories.”

Dr. John Allen, DOM, Enon Baptist Association “I enjoyed visiting Turkey. It was hard because I was on a cane following knee surgery. I saw the great need for [people to go]. The country is beautiful, the ruins are something to see.”

Dan Chrestman, Pastor “Allow me to say how profitable our excursion to Turkey proved to be spiritually. The Turkish people extended a warm safe welcome as we visited many ancient sites. These sites brought the Bible to life for me and gave geographical context to the Apostle Paul’s life.

The Turks were kind, grateful, and receptive while we participated in helping them build a new structure. We got better acquainted with the Turks as we shared our mutual beliefs. The Turkish styled barbeque reminded me of home in the United States. We are looking forward to coming over again.”

Shirley Lott, School Superintendent: Special Ed “During a casual conversation I was invited to a lady’s home for tea. When we arrived the whole family came; sons, daughters, in-laws, and children. We talked about everything from Turkish cooking to child-rearing practices and religion.

They wanted to teach us Turkish cooking that evening. They were curious about the different Christian groups and why there were so many differing beliefs and practices. They were interested in eternal life and thought that someone believing they had eternal life was a form of arrogance. They are waiting for us to come back for a visit.

On another occasion, I ventured into an old secluded graveyard and found a man crying. Muslims have no assurance of eternal life, so they pray for God’s mercy to be shown to those who have passed to the other side. I could not speak Turkish but I came closer to this man and prayed for him. He was grieving the loss of his only son who died in an earthquake. He felt all hope for his future and family name was lost. The man was touched by my gesture of sympathy and invited us to his home for tea.

At his home we met his son’s widow and children along with his wife. They shared their sadness with us and gave us the pictures of their son from their living room wall. We refused, but they insisted. We explained how our faith in Jesus Christ was our only way to deal with life’s problems and our own sin problem. They gave their prayer beads as we prayed for them. We were adopted as their children and invited to come and stay anytime. They are also waiting for us to return for a visit.”

Mack Roller, Pastor “While traveling through Nicaea we came across a man taking his cow to the local doctor. We struck up a conversation and discovered the man’s cow was sick from eating green apples. The farmer was carrying a large knife to butcher the cow if she died.

As the farmer began to share his problem with us, we asked if we could pray for his cow. The man seemed delighted that we would care enough to pray for him. As we prayed God worked. The cow recovered from being foundered which was evidenced by her ears perking up, among other things.

The farmer was so excited that he ask us to stay the week with his family. We shared our beliefs with him and he gave us an open invitation to come and stay as long as we can. Hopefully this coming year I will return. It seems it is true that God “did make little green apples”.”

Justin Patrick, Salesman/Student “We were on our way to Pergamum, traveling through the beautiful countryside when we got stuck in a traffic jam of sheep and goats. A shepherd came out of the woods and was surprised we were willing to speak with him. He was so happy, friendly, and eager for us to visit with them. We told him we didn’t have time for a visit.

We were surprised when he said since we couldn’t visit then we should come for two or three hours and drink some tea. He was disappointed that we didn’t stay but was glad we shared our lives with him for the brief encounter that we had with him. I am sure he remembers us just as we remember him. I plan to return with another group this next year.”

Dwight Swindle, Telecommunications Planner “God reveals His greatness clearly at Assos (Acts 20:13,14) and in the mountains near Sardis (Revelation 30). These places overlook the Aegean Sea and picturesque valleys respectively. It was easy to point out to everyone that God had blessed this area just because of the beauty. Everyone would agree as we all shared our faith and testimonies about God’s grace. All of us were blessed beyond words as we tried to love people just as Jesus loves us.”

Sandy McLaughlin, Director of Bethany Christian Services/Social Worker “I have lived in Turkey and visited Turkey many times. Everytime I visit my Turkish friends we always hug and cry with joy to see each other again. Their faces always are glowing and they have delightful smiles. Some say they are neither Muslim nor Christian and that it is hard for them to sort out what is culture and what is belief.

The many conversations about faith, beliefs, and life in general which I had in Turkey with my friends were some of the most honest and open conversations I have had with anyone. They say, “God brought you here to be our friend. God bless you.” I am planning to take a group to Turkey soon to join up with Dr. Cathey and immediately go visit my dear friends.”

Dickie Hill, Rancher “We were planning to go to the mouth of the Euphrates River to visit a prominent Sufi leader’s camp in order to learn about Islam and share our Christian beliefs. The longer we traveled the less sure we were of going over to the Euphrates, so we headed south toward Antioch.

What a great reception we received from so many Turkish people. Everyone was so warm, open, and hospitable to us. The entire Tarsus – Antiochian region was one of the friendliest areas we visited. I was so glad we felt we should change directions and take our time, since we got to meet more people, plus see different ancient sites. Almost everyone we met was desirous to talk, learn, and share their lives and thoughts with us.

It was so different to the reception one may get in the United States. It was refreshing and a great blessing. We are planning to send numerous groups back to the very places where the Apostle Paul lived and walked. I plan to be in one of those groups. It is unusual that the hearts of the people of Turkey are so open and hospitable.”

Jean Ann Tidrow, Beautician “We traveled through the ancient Bithynian capitol now named Bursa, as we went toward Ephesus. It was difficult to imagine this was the end of the silk route that originated in China. The old silk market’s silk worms, mulberry trees, and merchants are still active in old Bursa.

We admired the silken wares and spoke openly about our beliefs as Christians on our way to Ephesus. We stopped everywhere and looked at antiques, visited with families, toured rug shops, and even stopped at a mine which was special for me since my husband works at a mine. Everyone was so generous and hospitable, the Turks are truly a precious people. The entire trip was one of sharing thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and meals. I especially liked the small country roads where we were led to travel.”

Melissa McPherson, Court Stenographer ” We traveled to small villages and immediately developed good relationships with people. I celebrated my birthday in a small town near to Ephesus. People I barely knew gave me gifts and celebrated as if it were their own birthday. Some of these people I had never met personally treated me with great affection. That’s just the way they love you in Turkey. I still remember my Muslim friends and pray for them. I will never forget my trip to Turkey and I must say the entire journey was a wonder in of all places-Ephesus.”

Sharon Wendel, Housewife “We were near the Aegean Sea when a Turk said a freak snowstorm was coming and we had to leave. We all laughed knowing he was joking since it rarely snows near the sea. Two days later as we passed through the old region of Galatia we were not allowed to enter Bithynia because of an ice storm. We were forced to stay in an old hot springs resort which was inhabited in ancient times by Phyrgians.

We enjoyed the evening around a fireplace in the Galatian mountains. Our hosts were gracious and since there were few customers we enjoyed each other’s company and learned a lot about everyone’s religious beliefs. Our Muslim hosts were interested to know what we thought about Jesus the Prophet and about heaven. The Apostle Paul was not allowed to enter Bithynia because of God’s providence, just as we weren’t. I am planning to return in the next few months to see what other roads will open or close.”

Dr. Rick Garner, Pastor “Fortified city walls, ancient monuments, Greek and Roman architecture, and the remains of many civilizations are seen everywhere in Turkey. For someone who loves history, this is as impressive a place as you will ever see. It is so easy to speak about our Christian heritage and to point to the very place where the Early Church Councils were held, such as Nicaea.”

Thomas Harlow, Teacher/School Counselor “We went to Perge (Acts 13:13,14), Tarsus and Antioch (Acts 13:1-4). While touring the ruins, we had many providential encounters with the Turkish people. Our visits with the people slowed us down in regards to touring but we were delighted to live with and learn about the people. In all we did I can say we were divinely directed. After having traveled in Turkey, I can now say that even the maps in the Bible are inspired.”

Judy Daniel, Retired Pharmacist “We admired the beauty of the countryside as we traveled in the region of ancient Lydia on our way to Laodecia. We had a great time engaging Turkish ladies in conversation. There was such a sense of curiosity and interest between us.

We learned much about rural life and religious customs in the villages. We had such precious visits with these country folks. We were given beautiful scarves and copies of the Quran as gifts. We also shared special gifts with our dear hosts. I expect to see some of these dear folks again someday, that is how wonderful our visits were.”

Bobby “Pops” Bonner, Retired Businessman “I really liked the beauty of the landscape and terrain in Turkey, the rivers, the seas, and the mountains. I enjoyed the fact that the people received my greetings completely. Out of the few weeks that I was in Turkey, not one person rebuffed me in any way.

I found that when I broke the ice with each Turk they responded with warmth and smiles. Few people spoke English, but the body language of everyone came through as warm and friendly. Since this is the first time that I left the United States, I am thrilled that I went to Turkey and had such a pleasant experience.

My wife an I plan to spend 4 months in Turkey in 2006. While being with Dr. Cathey, I enjoyed learning about history, but I enjoyed sharing and learning with the Turkish people much more.”

Roy Comeaux, Jr., Maintenance Man/Bivocational Pastor “Going to out of the way places where the Apostle Paul traveled was an experience beyond my imagination. Swimming in the Mediterranean with snowcapped mountains in the distance near to Antioch where people were first called Christians is one of the highlights of my entire life.

Going to ancient Hittite sites where few tourists go and to think that the earliest civilizations began here was mind boggling. I had no problems of any kind, except I couldn’t lose weight since the food was so good. I was surprised by the beauty of the mountains, valleys, and seas and consider this the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

The Turkish people are very friendly and observe everything that goes on around them. It made me uncomfortable by the way they stared, but I learned it was out of curiosity and interest. In my opinion Istanbul must be the greatest city in the world for history and beauty and I hope to return as soon as I can.”

Doris Bell, Great Grandmother/Retired Civil Servant “I was warned in the United States that I would be in danger, but never once did I feel any danger. Our hosts were very protective and helpful.

I was moved by walking where the Apostles Paul and John walked. I was impressed to visit ancient cities such as Ephesus, Pergamum, and Nicaea. When I saw the goddess statue Diana I imagined the riot Demetrius started against Paul. I never thought you could visit such well preserved historical places.

The amphitheater of Ephesus is something I will always remember. I loved Nicaea’s old walls, lake, and people. The people everywhere were so friendly and showed great respect because of my age.

I think the whole of Turkey was so interested in my fasting as a Christian during Ramazan. I never dreamed so many people would be so open to sharing and gift giving. I am humbled by the hospitality of women to accept absolute strangers in their homes and prepare meals for us. I truly had a wonderful time and learned a great deal of history also.”

Most Muslims are told what Christians believe by other Muslims, but have never spoken with a Christian. A Muslim friend asked, “How can so many people be wrong?”

Are you willing to participate in a Muslim – Christian dialogue? Most Muslims do not know Christians like you exist, even though they see old church buildings.

Muslims say, “I have never heard of a Protestant, what is one?” “I didn’t know Christians lived moral lives as good or better than Muslims.” “For a Christian to believe he will go to heaven seems to be arrogant.”

Are you willing to share your life and love with those who are curious about Christians? Then come to Turkey!

Muslims view Western society through the eyes of Hollywood and the media.

“Because of what I’ve seen on TV, I thought Christian women were all immoral.”

“Christians are polygamous since they marry and divorce readily.”

“How can an educated society have so much crime and drug abuse?”

Muslims’ understanding of Christianity builds upon centuries of tradition.

“I never knew Christians fasted. I thought we were the only ones that did that.”

“How can you have four different gospels or New Testaments that are contradictory to each other?”

“For God to offer forgiveness shows weakness.”

“Muslims honor their sons, so it is inconceivable for God to have a son and to forsake him.”

“I never knew most of the prophets are found in the Old Testament.”

How will you respond to these statements?

Muslims realize the Koran has much to say about Jesus.

Muslims believe guests could be God’s friends and welcome you.

Muslims respect prayer since prayer makes up a large part of their lives.

Muslims are curious about Christians and their family life.

Muslims wonder why there are so many Christian groups and versions of the Bible.

Christians can use both the Bible and Koran to explain the truth of Jesus Christ.

Christians are humbled by Middle Eastern hospitality and the open door to share their faith.

Christians find it easier to pray and to explain their beliefs in a society that makes no distinction between the secular and the sacred.

Christian’s home life will be challenged and enriched while interacting with Muslims families.

Christians can explain from the Holy Book how God is a Redeemer and not just a Judge.

Come and converse with friends that are incredibly hospitable in a Mediterranean culture.

If you are interested in coming to Turkey to participate in Cross and Crescent Conversations, please contact us. The cost is minimal and the rewards are great.

What the majority of Christians do not know is that Turkey is “the other holy land.”

Faith Tourism: Turkey, led by Dr. David Cathey, invites you to go to the place where the Gospel was first proclaimed by the Apostle Paul. He invites you to come and study the scriptures in the very place where many of the books were written.

Travel down the hall of history through Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, Pisidia, Phrygia, Mysia, Pamphylia, Lydia, and Thrace as you learn about these ancient regions from New Testament times.

You will live and learn among the local people. See and experience the Bible in its historical roots.

Will you begin your journey of faith? Come to Colossae and study the book of Colossians. Study the book of Ephesians in the city of Ephesus. Read Galatians as you travel through Galatia.

Walk the streets where the people of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor from the book of Revelation walked. Pray and prepare for God to do a great work through you.

Turkey is heaven for history! Going from place to place to face to face. You will never look at this place or people the same again. While studying the Word of God in Turkey, YOU have the opportunity to interact with those around you.

Can you imagine that in a country where people were first called Christians, there are only 3,000 evangelical Christians today?

Would you like to see the land where the Apostle Paul preached and worked? Would you like to meet the people who live and work there but have never met a Christian? Then look into a Faith Tourism: Turkey trip and prepare to be changed.

The menu on the left has a “Travel Opportunities” button. Follow this to Turkey and be blessed!

This tour provides an opportunity to study the Bible in a biblical land. Join Dr. David Cathey, Christian Professor of History and Philosophy, on a Bible study tour like no other.

Can you imagine reading the book of Ephesians in Ephesus? Or while walking down the streets of Galatia and other Biblical places? These trips are a blessing to everyone.

We do not have set dates for these trips. As much as possible we attempt to work around your schedule and plan accordingly. At some point we may need to have set dates, but until that time comes please take advantage of our flexibility and come when you can.

Trips are held throughout the year. If you would like to participate, please go to our Contact Us page and fill out the enquiry form. Let us know when you would like to come and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Estimated cost per person:

Round-trip airfare plus daily ground costs. Please contact us to see what the current cost is for hotel, food, and local transportation. Any purchases you may make beyond these items are your own additional expenses.

Cross and Crescent Conversation Tours

Travel throughout the country meeting Turks and sharing your life with them. Most Turks have never met a Christian and relish the opportunity to know one. Cross and Crescent Conversations trips are a fantastic and informal way for the two to interact.

Upon your arrival at the Istanbul airport you will be met by Dr. David Cathey. He will personally accompany you to cafes, markets, and anywhere else you need to go in order to meet the local people.

Cross and Crescent Conversations trips are being held throughout the year. If you would like to participate, please go to our Contact Us page and fill out the enquiry form.

We do not have set dates for these trips. As much as possible we attempt to work around your schedule and plan accordingly. At some point we may need to have set dates, but until that time comes please take advantage of our flexibility and come when you can.

Estimated cost per person:

Round-trip airfare plus daily ground costs. Please contact us to see what the current cost is for hotel, food, and local transportation. Any purchases you may make beyond these items are your own additional expenses.

• is known as the Cradle of Civilization
• borders three major seas (Black, Aegean, Mediterranean)
• was known as Asia Minor (Anatolia)
• is where the first Human Rights Declaration was stated in1463
• is where Alexander the Great cut the Gordian knot
• is the birthplace of King Midas
• has 70% of the population under 35
• is where the train the Orient Express was destined
• was the center of two empires (Byzantine and Ottoman)
• provides the world with 70% of it’s hazelnuts
• has a 650 year old shopping mall with 65 streets and 3500 shops
• is the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus)
• became a modern republic in 1923
• is where Noah’s Ark landed
• witnessed the first international treaty in 1284 B.C.
• is where the world famous Iznik tiles originated
• had two of the Seven Wonders of the World
• has historical relics pertaining to three of the world’s major religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)
• has the world’s most valuable silk carpet
• provided water to the Garden of Eden from the Euphrates and Tigris
• is the birthplace of the Apostle Paul
• is where the Jews found refuge during the Inquisition in Europe
• is the location of Troy where the Trojan wars were fought
• had the world’s first Supreme Court woman judge
• is a member of the UN since 1945
• is one of few places where you can hear the native language of Jesus (Aramaic)
• was producing wine in 4000 B.C.
• is where Jesus’ followers were first called Christians
• is the site of the world’s oldest temple (Urfa)
• is where the first cherry tree was discovered
• first introduced tulips to the Dutch
• has the world’s oldest landscape painting
• has the world’s 3rd greatest cuisine
• has the Bosphorus dividing two continents (Europe and Asia)
• has more ancient sites than any other country
• was the first country to produce and use coins
• is 80% mountainous with many lakes and turquoise blue seas (Aegean and Mediterrean)
• is location of the Seven Churches of Asia
• and is one of the safest countries in the world.

Interesting is an inadequate word when we try to describe Turkey.  Most of this taken from “Best Kept Secret” by Christopher Lawerce and John Melby.

Ancient Ephesus was the largest city in Roman Asia and one of the largest in that era.  Today Selcuk-Ephesus is smaller than the many neighboring seaside resorts, but more frequented by tourists.

Ancient Ephesus had the greatest wonder of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Temple of Diana/Artemis.  Today Selcuk-Ephesus has the house of the Virgin Mary according to the Roman Catholic Church.

Ancient Ephesus had the Apostle John’s Tomb and St. John’s Basilica.  Modern Selcuk-Ephesus continues to be a pilgrimage site for Christians.

Ancient Ephesus was a center for learning.  Today Selcuk-Ephesus is a center for historical-archeological studies.

Ancient Ephesus was a cosmopolitan port town where new ideas were exchanged.  Modern Selcuk-Ephesus is a popular destination for cruise ships and tourists from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Ancient Ephesus was noted for gladiatorial combat and sports.  Today Selcuk-Ephesus has water sports, beach, camel wrestling, and is near to the yet to be opened international golf course.

Ancient Ephesus was at the crossroads of both land and sea travel and commerce.  Modern Selcuk-Ephesus is near to the new Izmir International Airport Terminal next to the Aegean Sea.

Ancient Ephesus was a world-class port with major roads leading to Babylon, Smyrna, and Miletus.  Modern Selcuk-Ephesus is near to a port town and freeway/autobahn, plus has a train station and bus terminal in the city center.

Ancient Ephesus was famous for the “Agora” where ideas and goods were traded.  Today Selcuk-Ephesus continues to be an open market interacting with tourists in the trading of ideas and the providing of incomparable fresh produce.

Ancient Ephesus was a sacred destination for those visiting the Temple of Diana/Artemis.

Today Selcuk-Ephesus is a sacred place for Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants because of the New Testament and the New Testament’s personalities associated with this place (John, Paul, Mary, Apollos, Aquilla, Priscilla, Gaius, Aristarchus, and the Early Church Fathers).

Ancient Ephesus was noted for its broad marble streets and beautiful flowing fountains.  Modern Selcuk-Ephesus’ wide boulevards are enhanced in beauty by the esplanades with palms and flowers.

Ancient Ephesians watched ships on the Aegean Sea while being entertained at the amphitheater.  Today modern Selcuk-Ephesus continues to host performances in the amphitheater while the sun sets in the Aegean Sea amidst Greek Islands to the west.

Ancient Ephesus is preserved in the city’s archeological museum.  Today Selcuk-Ephesus is on exhibit as possibly the world’s greatest open air museum.

Life is based on group decisions.  A proverb says,”The one who runs ahead runs alone.”
This culture is shame based so to be expelled from the family or community is the greatest fear.

For example, in the West, which is a guilt based culture, people break the law and either pay the penalty and/or are forgiven.  Yet in a shame based society, loss of face, exposure of wrong-doing, and rejection are powerful deterrents that lead one to work toward social acceptance.

In this society “privacy” as foreigners know it is hard to come by. The entire community is involved in all of life’s issues and to not let others be involved is rude.  Here one’s contacts or circle of friends is more important than the rule of law.

In Turkish culture time is not as important as friendship, family, and being with people. Westerners want to “do something” whereas Turks are more concerned with being with their friends and family.  Westerners tend to be independent and self-reliant, but in Turkey one’s identity is bound up with the group.

Eastern culture views accomplishment as less important than maintaining relationships. Westerners tend to talk through their problems, but in Turkey politeness/harmony are more important than openness and honesty.  In the East, appearance and seeming respectful or honorable is more important than dishonoring oneself through self-disclosure.

Westerners tend to view accomplishments as a gauge of someone’s value, not birth or status.  Easterners see personal goals are subject to the group’s goals.

Westerners tend to have shallower, short-term, casual relationships. Easterners look at relationships as developing into obligations, duties and resonsibilities to each other.

These cultural perspectives are represented in the following proverbs:

Western Proverbs

• A penny saved is a penny earned.
• Time is money.
• God helps those who help themselves.
• Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
• You’ve made your bed now sleep in it.
• A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
• There is more than one way to skin a cat.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
• A squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Eastern Proverbs

• Two captains sink a ship.
• The sick man must be in bed, the soup in the bowl.
• The sheep separated from the flock is eaten by the wolf.
• One hand doesn’t clap two hands do.
• Many ants kill a camel.
• A lake forms a drop at a time.
• A guest comes, with 10 blessings, eats one and leaves nine.
• The master of the house is servant to the guest.
• Do not speak of rope in a hanged man’s house.

In coming to Turkey people will learn alot about themselves and others, as we see what things are important, what values one has, and what rules or directs one’s life.

The Didache was found by a Bishop from Nicomedia, who lived in the area of ancient Bithynia.  Written in the 1st century the oldest text of the Letter of Barnabas was found in an old church in Istanbul.

Early Church Father and martyr, Ignatius of Antioch, wrote letters to the earliest Christian communities in Anatolia at Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Philadelphia, Smyrna. He also penned a personal letter to Polycarp of Smyrna which added to our understanding of early Christian beliefs and practices.

Polycarp, who heard the Apostle John speak, wrote a theological letter/epistle while in Smyrna and became famous since his martyrdom was one of the early churches’ oldest recorded scandalous events.

Papias of Hierapolis (Laodecia) possibly heard the Apostle John and was a friend of Polycarp.

Many others wrote from the Asia Minor region (Euphrates, Phrygia, Patara ( Mediterranean coast), and Sardis) during the earliest beginnings of the Church.  The earliest Church Councils (Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, Chalcedon) which influenced Christian doctrine for every Christian denomination all took place in this historically rich region.

Some of the prominent theologians and preachers in ancient times were from the area such as, Evagrius of Pontus,  the three Cappadocian Fathers – Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianz, and Gregory of Nyssa, Amphilochius of Iconium, Theodore of Mopsuestia (Tarsus), and John Chrysostom of Antioch/Constantinople.

After the Apostles, Christianity in the early centuries was rooted and grew first in ancient Anatolia (eastern Turkey).  What a place, where the Garden of Eden was located, where Noah settled, where Job supposedly lived and died, where Abraham dwelt, where the Apostle Paul grew up and traveled, where believers were first called Christians, and  where the early church flourished, was persecuted, and hammered out her theology.

Dr. David V. Cathey is a Christian Professor and the Director of the Ephesus Learning Center, Selcuk (Ephesus), Turkey.

Even the ancient language Aramaic, which Jesus spoke and is rooted in Old Testament times, is spoken in Turkey today.

Ancient regions that bleed over into New Testament times and found in Turkey are: Cilicia, Lycaonia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Pisidia, Galatia, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Bithynia, Lydia, Lycia, Mysia, and Thrace.

The Apostle Paul traveled zealously through these regions. He was a native of Anatolia in Tarsus and frequently visited Antioch,  Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Perge, Alexandria Troas, Ephesus, Miletus, Antioch of Pisidia, Attalia, and Assos. And these are only the major centers mentioned.

Tradition says that the Apostle John and Mary both lived in Ephesus and that John’s tomb is situated there now among the old church ruins. Although this cannot be proven, John’s address to the seven church congregations of Revelation (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) indicates he had first hand knowledge of this area.

Tradition also has it that many of Jesus’ early followers were dispersed throughout the Anatolia region. Barnabas was from Cyprus but operated out of the commercial center of Antioch and traveled into the interior of Anatolia.

John Mark went to the southern coast to Perge and possibly is referred to in the epistle of Colossians, which means he was a resident in Anatolia.  Luke stayed close to Paul and visited Alexandria Troas and Miletus. This coincides with the tradition that Luke painted a picture hanging in a monastery located on the Black Sea.

Peter did come to Antioch and seems to have had personal contact with believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

As tradition goes, Matthew, Phillip and Andrew all spent time in what is now Turkey, but there is no biblical support for this.  Some scholars say Matthew avoided persecution and wrote his Gospel while in Antioch.

Early church historians claim Philip lived in Laodicea and had daughters in Ephesus. This may be true since his supposed tomb was found in the Laodecia area (Hieropolis).  Andrew is thought to have traveled to Byzantium (Constantinople, Istanbul) on his way north. Tradition says he is buried in present day Istanbul under an old cathedral.

Thomas and Thaddeus are said to have traveled to Ur where Thaddeus is now buried. Timothy is of course a home grown lad from Anatolia near Iconium.  Lydia is probably from Thyatira near to Smyrna.  Aquila was a native tentmaker of Pontus and worked with Paul in Ephesus.

Philemon and Onesimus are from Colossae. It is said that Onesimus, a former slave, became an early church leader.  Apollos was for some time in Ephesus.  Many, many other believers are mentioned briefly and lived in cities throughout ancient Anatolia.

Without a doubt Anatolia had great historical significance for Christianity in the New Testament era.

Dr. David V. Cathey is a Christian Professor and the Director of the Ephesus Learning Center, Selcuk (Ephesus), Turkey.

Mount Ararat is in the far eastern side of Turkey and is higher than any mountain in Europe.

Noah’s son’s sons trace their heritage and family names to areas in what is now Turkey. Japeth’s decendents that were in this region were Gomer, Gog, Magog, Madai, Mesech, Tiras, Javan, Tubal and Togarmah. Shem’s link to this area is found through Nahor, Terah, Abraham, Asshur, Aram, and Lud.

Ham’s lineage can also be traced to eastern Turkey through Cush, Heth and the Hittites, and Nimrod.

Many place names have faint resemblances to these figures and personalities today.  The oldest known city in the world (Catal Hoyuk) is located just outside of ancient Iconium, today called Konya, in central Anatolia and dates to 6000 B.C.  In this Mesopotamian region ancient stories, “Gilgemesh Epic;” ancient treaties, “Treaty of Kadesh;” and ancient legal codes owe their origins to this “cradle of civilizations.”

The different peoples such as the Chaldeans, Assyrians, Aramaeans, Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Persians , all lived in, battled throughout and contributed to the development of Mesopotamia and are referred to in the Old Testament.  Abraham and his son’s home was Harran and Urfa in Anatolia and is a pilgrimage site today for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Even Isaac and Jacob looked back to the homeland area of Harran inorder to marry.  So for generations, even today, people continue to live  in the present in light of the past.  The Old Testament is as much a part of this country as it is for any other.

Dr. David V. Cathey is a Christian Professor and the Director of the Ephesus Learning Center, Selcuk (Ephesus), Turkey.