| |
Owing to the fact that Turkey, with its friendly
and hospitable people and government, had played an important role
in the history of three of the world’s great religions:
Christianity, Judaism and Islam, tourism officials in recent years
adopted a marketing program to promote the country’s religious roots
through Faith Tourism. Thus, the aggressive and open invitation for
the whole world to visit the country’s historic and biblical
landmarks, such as Corinth, Ephesus, Lydia, Colossae, Cappadocia,
Pontus, Pisidia, Phrygia, Mysia, Thrace and Pamphylia, where Paul,
the apostle to the Gentiles preached and taught the Christian Gospel
and where much of his letters or epistles were written.
Consider also the fact that the Seven Churches founded by the
apostle Paul and distinctly mentioned in the Book of Revelation, can
also be found in Turkey.
Initiated by Dr. David Cathey, professor of history and philosophy,
faith tourism in Turkey has over the years gone full swing,
undeterred by any religious restrictions, thus gaining a lot of
mileage and following in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, the
Pacific and Asia.
|
|
| |
Following are some significant and interesting historical facts and
valuable information about Turkey for world travelers:
1. Known as the
cradle of civilization;
2. Bounded by
three major seas (the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Agean
Sea);
3. Where the
Gordian Knot was cut by Alexander the Great;
4. Was the
center of two great empires, the Byzantine and Ottoman;
5. Was known as
the New Testament’s Asia Minor (Anatolia);
6. Provides the
world with 70% of its hazelnuts;
7. The
birthplace of King Midas;
8. Site of the
first Human Rights Declaration in 1463;
9. Where the
Arc of Noah landed;
10. Where 70%
of the population is under 35 years of age;
11. Where the
Orient Express was destined;
12. The
birthplace of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus;
13. Witnessed
the first international treaty in 1284 B.C.;
14. Has a 650
shopping mall with 3,500 stores and 65 hallways;
15. The origin
of the world famous Iznik tiles;
16. Became a
modern Republic in 1923;
17. Previous
site of two of the Seven Wonders of the World;
18. Has the
historical remains of Judaism, Christianity and Islam;
19. Birthplace
of the Apostle Paul;
20. Watered the
Garden of Eden from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers;
21. Site of
Troy, where the Trojan wars were fought;
22. Source of
the world famous silk carpet and the end of the historical silk
trade;
23. Refuge for
the Jews during the European Age of Inquisition; and
24. Also known
as the Other Holy Land.
|
|
CITIES
