The Footsteps of St Paul in Turkey

In his day, Saint Paul travelled many miles, across more countries than present day Turkey. It took him years, compared to travel methods now when we can cross the world in just fifty hours in a commercial plane. He used methods of transport such as a horse or donkey to go from East to West spreading Christianity to the largely Jewish population.

The starting place for any tour should be the birthplace of Saint Paul. In history, the importance and size of Tarsus even outshone places like Alexandra and Athens. Attracting famous rulers and officials, Mark Anthony and Cleopatra had a romantic rendezvous in this city. Saint Pauls house and church has been renovated and opened for visitors.

Antakya is where Saint Paul helped establish the first church. Saint Pierre is a pilgrimage journey for many Catholics but there are also other churches in the region still in use. The mosaic museum in the city centre holds many artefacts from that era and it is eye opening to visit an old traditional house.

Near the cotton castle of Pamukkale is the ancient city of Hierapolis, another destination Saint Paul visited, so he could spread the word of Christianity. This city was also an ancient spa centre for healing Roman soldiers after battle, and a significant amount of it has been excavated. Lately, historians have uncovered “the gateway to hell”. In ancient times, anyone who went near it died so locals believed it was hell and sacrificed animals. Scientific explanations reveal that it was simply methane gas.

Although Saint Paul travelled to many other major cities including Pergamon, the prize jewel is Ephesus. Opposition to Christianity in this large seaside city was strong and many Christians prayed in secret. With Saint John though, Paul helped followers in their cause, despite Ephesus being the second largest city of the Roman Empire and the emperors being against Christianity in every form.

Christianity in Turkey

Turkey is a predominately-Muslim country yet many people are surprised to learn its history is steeped in Christianity, from the house of the Virgin Mary in Selcuk, near ancient Ephesus to the earliest known church in Antakya.

St Pierre Church

Biblical tours of Turkey are very popular with visitors from Christian countries, keen to learn more about how Christianity grew in this area to spread worldwide. Indeed, three saints of the Christian religion are called the Cappadocia fathers, due to their involvement in spreading the word even when faced with certain death.

Another Saint was Paul who was born in Tarsus, present day Mersin in the Southeast of the country. He was a Jew, and originally persecuted followers of Christ until in his own words; he experienced a miracle on the road to Damascus. From there, he vowed to spread the word. It is said that without people like the Cappadocia fathers, Saint Paul and John, Christianity would never have become as popular as it did. 

Looking for visiting Seven Churches of Asia Minor and Biblical Sites in Turkey? Then I would recommend you to check Turkey Tour Specialist company.

Is it safe to travel Turkey?

The Recent Terrorist Attacks in Turkey 2016

Unfortunately, Turkey is densely suffering from Syria problem during this period as well as PKK Kurdish Terrorists wants to control over the Southeast Region of Turkey. As a result of these, there were some recent bomb attacks in Istanbul and Ankara. Only one of them targeted tourists was in January 2016.

The other parts of Turkey remain safe so you can still consider travelling West and South of the country offers beautiful vacation deals for tourists.

As a Turkey travel specialist I would recommend you to keep an eye on the news and, closer to your departure date, talk to your travel provider for their latest advice. Additionally, leave organising your Turkey holiday money until closer to when you plan to travel to avoid any unnecessary exchange losses if you are unable to go.

If you would like to make a trip plan for alternative destinations you can contact Turkey Tour Specialists www.turkeytourspecialist.com and they will offer you some safe trip plans for Turkey.

How is general situation at the moment?

Being friendly and hospitable to visitors and guests is a part of Turkish Culture so don’t be surprised or think wrong when you see a Turkish reluctant to help you or welcome you in their house.

Of course, I am not talking about the guys hassle tourists walking around the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square. Be aware of them and do not accept any offers will end in a quasin’s shop!

However, we can still consider Turkey as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers.

Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey with its over 20 million population. With the recent Syrian war, Turkey gets many refugees to the big cities. You must be careful about Street Crime, Pickpockets, bag-slashers, bag-snatchers, con artists. Always hold your bag in front and closed. Never carry so much cash and avoid displaying your valuables. Its simple and same as you would do in any other metropolis such as New York, London or Shanghai.

Mugging and Rape by force is rate but might be danger for alone travelers.

Any danger for female travelers?

Turkish guys can be very flirtatious, you must avoid turning a nice conversation to a date and then expect a long-term and trusty relation. As long as you observe the cultural norms and behave accordingly, you will have no problem or physical danger in Turkey. Thus, you can consider Turkey as one of the safest countries for female travelers.

What about street protests and political unrest?

Turkey has a young, developing country and people trying to establish democracy in the country. Its not easy to do it in a country ruled by “Sharia” (Islamic Religious Laws) over 600 years. Think about Europe and United States and how many wars made between countries, how many people died for it?

Although there is a cold war in the country, they are trying to find the mid-way with peaceful protests. These protests running mainly in Istanbul (Taksim Square), Ankara ( Kizilay Square) and Izmir (Konak Square) and not covers touristic areas of the cities. As a tourist you must stay around the touristic areas and do not participate any of the political or civil protests.

Istanbul Museum Pass Is it worth to buy?

The Istanbul Museum Pass is for tourists serious and eager to visit major landmarks left behind by the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It gives discounted and free entrance fee to prominent, historical, and cultural sites of Istanbul, some of which date from over 9000 years ago. Landmarks and buildings free of charge with the Istanbul Museum Pass include…

• Mosaic Museum
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
• Archaeological Museum
• Topkapi Palace and Harem 
• Hagia Sophia
• Galata Mevlevi House Museum
• Yıldız Palace
• Museum for the History of Science and Technology in Islam
• Chora Church

The card also gives substantial discounts in museum cafes and shops, GES bookshops and other popular attractions throughout the city.

Where to Buy it?

You can purchase the card from various stations within Istanbul or if you already live in Turkey, can purchase it online from the Muze Kart Official website.

Is it Worth it?

This will depend on how much time you plan to spend in Istanbul and if you intend to visit most of the sites included within the program. Some guided tours may provide discounted prices, no need to queue, advantage of pre-arranged transport, and the services of a professional, qualified guide to help bring the city alive by recounting the historical value and significance of the landmark buildings you will visit.

Extraordinary Places to Visit in Istanbul

Despite being one of the most visited places in the world, Istanbul still holds a number of small gems that rarely feature in international guidebooks. Visited mainly by locals and tourists who are eager to get off the beaten track, they include museums, green parks, and areas known for cuisine excellence. If you have time while on a city break, explore these hidden places and experience the different side of this cosmopolitan city.

Hidden Attractions in Istanbul

A small iron gate leads from a side street in Galata to the whirling dervish lodge. Although it is a small complex, it has now been converted into a museum to highlight the life of a Sunni follower. As well as the museum, this is also the place to see a whirling dervish ceremony.

Rustem Pasa mosque is near the spice market and unlike its larger counterpart the Blue Mosque; it is rarely crowded with tourists. It is most well-known for its ancient Iznik tiles adorning the walls and offset by the red prayer carpet.

The Turkish and Islamic art museum is in the Sultan Ahmet area and an impressive collection of modern and ancient art and textiles.

The Chora church is considered one of the most impressive examples of religious Byzantine architecture. Built as a church, converted into a mosque, and now standing as a museum, it displays ancient mosaics and frescoes.

Construction started on the Yildiz Palace and Park in the early 19th century and continued until the end of the Ottoman Empire. Formerly used by the royal sultans, it is especially popular with locals at the weekend.

The Military museum holds an extensive collection of war and army artefacts from the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish war of independence. Visit in the afternoon to see the musical show depicting soldiers from the Ottoman army.

The multi culture back streets of Ortakoy are a favourite jaunt for locals who love a vibrant nightlife. Whether it is hard-core nightclubs and bars or a delicious fresh fish meal sitting by the water’s edge.

It is worth allocating a whole day to explore the Kadikoy district. Although mostly known for its narrow streets, market, and live music bars, Turkish street food sold here is highly recommended by local guides. Other attractions include the cinema, toy museum, and large helium balloon.

The Contemporary Art Museum sits on the shore of the Bosphorus in the Tophane neighbourhood and it has received rave reviews regarding its collection from modern day Turkish artists.

Camlica hill is the best place to head for an amazing sunset view among the minarets of the city. It is the highest natural structure and often used by locals at the weekend for family picnics.

Setustu Tea Garden also provides a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Sit by the water’s edge and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea served in a traditional way

Haci Bekir has been open to the public since 1777 and has a worldwide reputation for delicious lokum, known by foreigners as sweet Turkish delight. This is the place to buy your holiday souvenirs!

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Turkish Bath Experience in Istanbul

Beautiful marble sinks, brass fixtures and a gravity-defying dome deliver the right ambiance in a Turkish bath so indulge yourself in an old Ottoman tradition originally absorbed from the Romans. 

Recommended as something to be done on the first day of your holiday, the process leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed while your posture relaxes.
Visitors first sweat it out in a sauna room and then are asked to lie on the marble stone in the centre. There, a masseur will cover your body in soapsuds followed by a good, long, hard scrub with a loofer. Optional extras after are to finish with an olive oil massage.

Ladies and Gentlemen
As a rule, no self-respecting Turkish woman would let a man scrub her. So if a woman finds herself in a situation where a man was going to do the scrubbing she would be well within her rights to ask for a woman. (Sorry men, your washer will always be a man!)

Recommended Turkish Baths in Istanbul

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami
Restored and re-opened this year, the building and interior are exquisite: white marble with golden faucets and very clean.
Address: Cankurtaran Mah. Bab-ı Humayun Caddesi No:1 Sultanahmet
Tel: 212 517 3535
Opening hours 9:00am to 12.00am

Cagaloglu Hamami
You get points if you can pronounce this tongue twister of a name! It is a wonderful Hamam with atmosphere, personality, and celebrity status! Scenes from the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom were filmed here due to its exotic and glamorous setting. There are separate men and women’s sections.
Address: Yerebatan Caddesi 34, Cagaloglu
Tel: 212 522 2424
Opening Hours 8am-10pm

Cemberlitas Hamami
Where else can you relax under a 500-year-old marble dome built by Mimar Sinan - Chief Ottoman Architect to the Sultans? This bath is stunning and the lady masseurs are known to break into song while they scrub!
Address: Vezir Hani Caddesi 8, Cemberlitas
Tel: 212 522 7974
Opening Hours 6am-12am

How to find correct travel agent for Turkey?

Of course, you may check the travel agents in your country but why not to consider choosing a travel agent online? By this way you can reach a local agency in Turkey.

Due to time difference, language, safety concerns, it might be easier to communicate with the travel agent in your country but a local agent is a great resource for information and can provide you with an entire range of services, which will make your trip run smoothly, as well as save you time, problems, and money.

So how to find your correct agent?

First, you should make a list of the things you will need such as date, place, and price range of your trip,questions...

A good quality travel agent will ask you to outline your trip. They will ask where you’re going and why, how you would wish to travel, how long you plan to stay, and what your travel budget is. Be open and honest with your answers. A good agent will gladly put together a sample tours that describe transportation, accommodations, and estimated costs.

A good travel agent will always take your needs into consideration. However, while an agent will typically ask questions to get this type of information from you (and you should take it as a bad sign if the agent does not), you will also need to do your part by speaking your mind.

Once you have your choices, call around to ask questions. You should ask most of these questions to person :

-         If they are member of TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agents). These are professionally trained travel agents who offer financial protection for a large number of travel purchases, they are highly trained and traveled and look after you when things go wrong.

-         If you are living in the USA, ask the agency if they are also member of  ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents). By this way, you may learn if they are used to have American travelers.

-         If they will have a direct contact in Istanbul or in the cities you are going to visit because its important to have a local contact during your travel.

-         If their tour guides and transportation are licensed.