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PAUL IN TURKEY (ASIA MINOR)
PAUL IN TARSUS
Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, is a city with historical significance and is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. There are several places to visit in Tarsus related to Paul’s life and legacy:
CHURCH OF PAUL
- : A monument museum today, this church is situated in the Ulu Mosque quarter. Originally constructed in the 11th-12th centuries, it underwent major renovations in 1862. The church features frescoes of Christ and the Four Evangelists with Angels. It hosted the "St. Paul Symposium and Ceremony" organized by the Vatican in 1992-93.
PAUL'S WELL
- : Thought to be located in the courtyard of Paul’s house, this ancient well is situated in the Kizilmurat quarter near Cumhuriyet Meydani (Republic Square). The water level remains constant and is believed to possess healing properties.
ANCIENT ROAD
- : This basalt stone road, used by Paul during his travels, is still preserved today. Located 300 meters south of Paul’s Well, this ancient path allows visitors to travel back in time to the years Paul lived.
PAUL IN ANTIOCH
Antioch, named after Antiochus, the father of Seleucus I, is a city rich in history. It was the fourth-largest city in the Roman Empire and served as the starting point for Paul’s missionary journeys. Paul and Barnabas were guided by the Holy Spirit to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. Antioch marks the beginning of Paul’s journeys in 46 AD when he sailed from Seleucia Peria (Samandag) to Cyprus. Later, Antioch became the base for Paul’s subsequent travels.
Cave Church of Peter
- : Located in the northeast of Antioch, this is considered the oldest church in the world. Here, Peter, Barnabas, and Paul prayed together, and it was the site of the first Christian meeting, where the term "Christian" was first used. The church contains mosaics dating back to the 5th century AD. In times of persecution, a tunnel was constructed for the church members’ escape. The church underwent renovations by crusaders in the 11th century and Pope Pius IX in 1863. In 1963, Pope Paul IV confirmed it as a Christian pilgrimage site. Every year, on June 29th, a religious ceremony takes place in the church, attracting visitors from all over.
Samandag
- : Located on the highest peak of Samandag, the Monastery of Simon commemorates Simon, who spent many years living atop a 13-meter-tall column. Samandag derives its name from Simon, and it is literally translated as "Simon’s Mountain."
PAUL IN MERSIN
Located on Turkey’s southern coast, Mersin was visited by Paul during his second journey. Traveling through Tarsus, Silifke, and Mut, you can visit places associated with Paul’s life and early Christian churches dedicated to him and others.
PAUL IN PERGA
Paul visited Perga (Perge) twice during his first journey, arriving by sea at the beginning of his journey. On his return trip, he preached in Perga again, spreading Christianity. The churches in Perga, mostly basilica-style structures dating from the 5th and 6th centuries, are a significant historical heritage. The symmetrical towers on either side of the city’s most important entrance gate are believed to be the route Paul took when entering the city.
PAUL IN PSIDIAN ANTIOCH (YALVAC)
During his first journey, Paul visited Psidian Antioch twice. His speech had such a profound effect that many people wanted him to return. However, some opponents of Christianity persecuted him, forcing Paul and Barnabas to leave. Despite this setback, Paul succeeded in spreading Christianity. In Psidian Antioch, you can visit the ruins of the Church of Paul, built in 325 AD on the site where he first preached. The church is adorned with mosaics and includes the name of Bishop Optimius, who participated in the Ecumenical Council of 381 AD. Additionally, visitors can explore the Temple of Augustus, the Theatre, Roman Baths, and the Yalvac Museum.
PAUL IN ICONIUM (KONYA)
After leaving Yalvac, Paul and Barnabas continued to Konya. There, they made influential speeches, converting many people, including St. Thecla, who became one of the foremost missionaries of Christianity and the first female martyr. However, opposition arose, and Paul and Barnabas had to escape from Konya to continue their journey to Lystra and Derbe.
PAUL IN LYSTRA (HATUNSARAY) & DERBE
In Lystra, Paul performed a miracle by healing a crippled man, which led the people to mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods. When they tried to offer sacrifices, Paul and Barnabas intervened, urging them to turn to the one true God. However, opposition forces from outside the city stoned Paul, causing him severe injury. Nevertheless, Paul continued on to Derbe, where he successfully converted many people. He also visited Lystra and Derbe on his second journey, finding Timothy in Lystra, who became one of his greatest supporters.
PAUL IN EPHESUS
Paul’s first visit to Ephesus was during his second journey. On his third journey, he stayed in Ephesus for three years, preaching and performing miracles. Ephesus is significant in Christian history, home to one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation and the site of the third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD. It is also where the Gospel author John the Evangelist lived. Visitors can explore the Cave of Paul & Thecla, the Church of John, and other historical sites in the area.
PAUL IN TROAS
Paul first visited Troas during his second journey and returned during his third journey, spending seven days preaching there. One of his miracles was resurrecting a child who had fallen from a window while listening to him. After leaving Troas, Paul continued his journey by walking to Assos and then traveled by sea to Miletus.
PAUL IN DEMRE
Demre was the first port where Paul’s ship docked on his way to Rome. Additionally, St. Nicholas, who was born in Patara and served as the Bishop of Demre, is associated with the origins of Christmas traditions. St. Nicholas is remembered for his generosity, especially his custom of leaving gifts for the poor, which later evolved into the modern Christmas tradition of gift-giving.