Biblical Turkey

17/03/2026

THE SPIRITUAL "SECURITY SYSTEM" OF ANCIENT MILETUS
​If you’ve ever walked through the magnificent Great Theatre of Miletus, you might have noticed these curious "bubbles" carved into the pillars of the facade. These aren't just decorations—they are a 1,500-year-old spiritual shield!
​What are we looking at?
Dating back to the 5th or 6th century AD (Byzantine era), these seven panels are official invocations to the Seven Archangels (like Michael and Gabriel).
​The Magic in the Stone:
Each oval repeats a powerful protection prayer in Ancient Greek:
​"One God, the living One, Holy One, guard the city of Miletus and all those dwelling in it."
​Look closer at the top...
Above the ovals, you’ll see the letters ΙΑΩ (IAO). This is the Greek way of writing the sacred name of God (Yahweh). In ancient times, carving this name was believed to physically ward off bad luck, plagues, and enemies.
​Why the Theatre?
By the time these were carved, the city was transitioning into a Christian society. By placing these "Seven Sentries" on the theatre—the largest public building in the city—the citizens were effectively "claiming" the space and putting the entire population under celestial protection.
​It’s a beautiful reminder that even 1,500 years ago, people were looking for ways to feel safe and protected in their homes.
You can also watch my short video about Miletus.
https://youtu.be/j5DG_4sgeFI?si=jxb4_cnGADSEq_-H

10/03/2026

Walking the Streets of the New Testament.

​Have you ever wondered what it felt like for the Apostle Paul to stand before the crowds in Ephesus? Or what life was like for the early believers in one of the Roman Empire's greatest metropolises?
​In my latest blog post, I’m diving deep into Biblical Ephesus—exploring the history, the archaeology, and the spiritual legacy of this incredible UNESCO site. Whether you’re a history buff or a pilgrim at heart, I’d love for you to check it out!

Ephesus is one of the most important biblical cities in the world. Located near modern-day Kusadasi in western Turkey, it was a major center of early Christianity and played a key role in the lives of the apostles and the development of the New Testament. In the first century AD, Ephesus was one of....

06/01/2026

For many years, while explaining Pergamon during our Seven Churches tours, I naturally identified the Altar of Zeus as “Satan’s throne” an interpretation that is well known and widely accepted. Yet deeper study of Pergamon as a Roman provincial capital—where imperial authority, emperor worship, and judicial power converged—raises a more challenging question: was Satan’s throne solely a reference to the Zeus Altar, or did it also reflect the presence of Roman authority itself, exercised through the ius gladii and affirmed in Revelation 2:12?

What is Satan's Throne in Pergamon? Explore its historical links to the Zeus Altar, Roman judicial authority (ius gladii), and Revelation 2:12.

01/01/2026

This inscription, found in Ephesus near the Library of Celsus, dates to the Flavian period (late 1st century AD). It is dedicated to Emperor Vespasian (r. AD 69–79) and his son Titus Caesar Vespasianus Augustus.
The text records the gratitude of the cities of the Roman province of Asia and neighboring regions — Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, Pisidia, Paphlagonia, Armenia Minor, and Cilicia — for the benefits, privileges, peace, and security granted under Roman rule.
Notably, several of these provinces are directly mentioned in the Bible, especially in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles:
Asia, Galatia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Pisidia (within Galatia), and Cilicia were regions where early Christian communities formed and where Saint Paul and the Apostles traveled and preached.
Erected by provincial authorities, this monument shows both the breadth of Roman authority in Anatolia and the very same geographic world in which the early Christian message spread.
A powerful reminder that Ephesus stood at the crossroads of Roman imperial power and early Christianity.

31/12/2025

Basilica of Nicaea (Iznik)
Hidden beneath the waters of Lake Iznik lie the remains of the ancient Basilica of Nicaea, built in the early Byzantine period. Discovered in 2014, this remarkable underwater church is believed to be connected to the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325, a turning point in Christian history. Today, it stands as a silent witness to faith, earthquakes, and centuries of history resting just below the surface.

10/12/2025

A remarkable and rare wall painting portraying Jesus Christ as the "Good Shepherd" has been discovered in a chamber tomb at the Hisardere Necropolis in ancient Nicaea (modern İznik), located in Türkiye’s Bursa province.
This depiction is currently regarded as the only known example of its kind in all of Anatolia, making it an extraordinarily important find for both Turkish and global archaeology. The discovery was first announced by the Turkish archaeology news platform Arkeolojihaber on social media.
The ongoing excavations at Hisardere Necropolis are conducted with official permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The project is led by İznik Museum Director Tolga Koparal, with scientific oversight provided by Prof. Dr. Aygün Ekin Meriç of Dokuz Eylül University’s Department of Archaeology. Expert team member Gülşen Kutbay is also contributing to the research.
The necropolis served as a burial ground from the 2nd to the 5th centuries CE, accommodating both affluent families from ancient Nicaea and members of lower social classes. Various types of graves coexist here, including distinctive chamber tombs roofed with terracotta tiles—a feature considered characteristic of the İznik region.
The newly revealed chamber tomb (a type known as a hypogeum) was unearthed during the 2025 excavation season and has attracted special interest due to its well-preserved wall paintings, among which the Good Shepherd scene stands out as particularly significant.

13/11/2025

Join us for a special talk in Singapore — a journey through the land where much of the Bible unfolded! Discover how the stories of faith come alive in the ancient cities of modern-day Turkey.

🗓 Saturday, 22 November
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Ascension Hall (L3), Church of the Ascension, Singapore
🎤 Speaker: Ertunga Ecir
💥 Admission is FREE!

Come and be inspired — see the Bible through the land where it happened.

01/11/2025

https://www.felicitytravelturkey.com/pilgrimage-routes-in-turkey-a-journey-through-faith-and-history/

Whether you are seeking a connection to the divine, exploring cultural diversity, or traveling for self-reflection, Pilgrimage Routes in Turkey offer a profound experience to everyone.

20/08/2025

⛰️ The House of Virgin Mary: A holy place hidden among the mountains!
This place, which is of great importance for the Christian world, is a peaceful refuge where Mary is believed to have spent her last years.
📿 Silence, prayer and the serenity of nature combine here.
💧 With its holy water fountains, wishing wall and simple stone architecture, it offers a heart-touching experience.
📖 Considered a pilgrimage point, this house remains a spiritual center for Catholics and Orthodox.
Here you will find not only history, but also faith, peace and healing...

+90 534 645 38 69
https://www.felicitytravelturkey.com/

06/08/2025

Turkey is home to some of the most important locations in early Christian history. One of the most meaningful journeys you can take is a biblical tour following the footsteps of St. Paul, the Apostle who helped spread Christianity across the Roman Empire. This...

05/08/2025

https://ertungaecir.com/blog/ephesus-riot/

Uncover the story of the Riot in Ephesus, sparked by Paul’s teachings and the silversmiths’ economic fears. Explore the history of Artemis and her influence on Ephesus.

25/05/2025