Christianity carries with it traces from several other religions and belief systems. It earned its first traces from 3 Pagan gods: Mitra, Dionysos, and Attis. Interaction among these three mysterious cultures exercised a direct influence over this.
Pope Francis’s recent pilgrimage to Iznik, modern-day Turkey, has cast a brilliant spotlight on one of Christianity’s most foundational texts: the Nicene Creed. Once known as Nicaea, this historic city was the crucible where the early Church wrestled with profound theological questions, culminating in the formulation of the Creed that defines Christian doctrine to this day. This papal visit is …
Phaselis Ancient City, believed to have been founded in the 7th century BC on a small peninsula extending into the Mediterranean, was discovered in 1811. It takes every visitor on a journey back in time, right into the heart of nature. Some sources identify Phaselis as a Lycian city, while others consider it part of Pamphylia. Founded by Rhodian traders, …
The “rooftop churches,” built on the inns constructed at the end of the 1800s in Istanbul to accommodate Russians traveling to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, still open their doors today to those who wish to worship. Throughout the ages, Istanbul has been known by many names. After becoming a settlement during the Roman Empire, it turned into one of the most …
Overlooking the vast Mesopotamian plain from just 4 kilometers east of Mardin, Deyrulzafaran Monastery stands as one of the oldest and most revered Syriac Christian sites in the world. Also known as the Saffron Monastery (from the Turkish “Safran”), this extraordinary spiritual complex is not only a religious pilgrimage site but also a powerful symbol of cultural resilience. Originally constructed …
Balıklıgöl, also known as the Pool of Sacred Fish, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Though modest in size -just 150 meters long and 30 meters wide- its religious and historical significance far outweighs its dimensions. Revered by millions, Balıklıgöl is believed to be the very site where the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was miraculously saved from …
Located in the historic city of Hatay (Antakya), Turkey, Habibi Neccar Mosque is one of the most significant religious and architectural landmarks in Anatolia. Built in 638 AD by Muslim Arabs, it is believed to be the first mosque constructed within the borders of Anatolia. Beyond its historical value in Islam, the site also holds deep importance for Christianity due to its …
Türkiye is home to countless archaeological sites from different historical periods. While some sites like Ephesus, Göbeklitepe, and Hierapolis are widely known, other ancient cities in Türkiye remain relatively obscure despite their incredible beauty and historical significance. Below, we present a list of these lesser-known archaeological treasures, hoping that one day, you too will explore these hidden paradises. 1. Termessos …
We’re sure many people reading this title are thinking, “No way!” right now. But there are probably just as many saying, “I knew that.” Of course, we have nothing to say to those who already know, but for those who want to remember that our country has such a unique geography, let’s dive into this trip plan and discover fairy …
Iznik, a village of Bursa, stands as a testament to our historical legacy. From mythological times, it has been a focal point of attraction and remains one of the most distinguished cities today. Enriched with both nature and historically significant sites, Iznik reflects a thousand years of Anatolian history. Located northeast of Bursa and housing 50,000 inhabitants, this little town …