Turkey and the Old Testament

Many are unaware that approximately 60% of the locations mentioned in the Bible are situated in Turkey. According to the Old Testament, Noah, his family, and the animals from the ark began the repopulation of the Earth from Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey. It was in Harran, also in southeastern Turkey, where Abraham received his call to greatness; this region was known as Ur of the Chaldeans.

Archaeological findings reveal that various ancient civilizations, such as the Hittites, Urartians, Assyrians, Phrygians, Cimmerians, and Lydians, once thrived in this area, all of which played significant roles in biblical narratives. The history of these peoples is documented in Anatolia, spanning from the time of Noah to that of St. Paul.

In Anatolia, two rivers are said to have marked the boundaries of the Garden of Eden. Most of the Old Testament sites referenced in the Bible can be found in eastern or southeastern Turkey, often referred to as Northern Mesopotamia.

Each member of Noah's family is symbolically represented in Anatolia: Shem's descendants include Asshur (the Assyrians), Arphaxad (connected to Nahor and Abraham's family in Harran), and Lud (the Lydians); Ham's descendants feature Mizraim (the Lydians and Caphtorites) and Canaan (Heth and the Hittites); while Japheth's lineage includes Gomer (the Cimmerians), Magog (the Scythians), Madai (the Medes), Javan (the Ionians), Tubal (in Cappadocia), Meshech (the Mushki), and Tiras (the Thracians or Etruscans). These cultures have left behind aqueducts, fortifications, burial mounds, commercial records, bas-reliefs, and even everyday household items. While some of these artifacts remain in their original locations, many can be viewed in museums, particularly the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.