In one part of the Bible, the holy book of Christianity, Saint John, the Prophet who came across him in a vision. After saying that Jesus asked him to send a letter to seven churches, he lists these churches and the contents of the letters to be sent. All of these early churches, which are mentioned and have a very important place in the history of Christianity, are located in Turkey, in the Aegean Region. Since the region was considered an Asian province in the Roman Empire at that time, these churches are also known as the Seven Churches of Asia and are considered sacred places of visit for many Christians. A route that will be prepared based on these churches, all of which are an important part of the common cultural heritage of humanity and are found in the ruins of ancient cities, can create the plan of a magnificent cultural trip. Let's get to know the 7 Churches of Asia closely.
Ephesus (Ephesus) Church
The church, the ruins of which are located in the Ephesus Ruins in Izmir, has an important place in the history of Christianity. It is believed that the tomb of St. John, who made a great contribution to the spread of Christianity against pagan beliefs, is also located here. Ephesus (Ephesus) is also the Holy Place of the Virgin Mary. It is the place where Jesus is thought to have lived after his crucifixion. There is a structure believed to be the house of the Virgin Mary in the ruins and this structure is a holy place for Christians to visit. Ephesus (Ephesus) Ruins, which is an important center of the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire, is an ancient settlement that must be seen with its other ruins.
Smyrna (Izmir) Church
Today, it is possible to see what remains of the Ancient agora of the city in Izmir, one of the most important cities of Turkey. The Jewish population of Smyrna, which was an important port city in the past, plays a major role in the spread of the religion by accepting Christianity en masse. One of the seven churches where St. John wrote letters is also sent to the church here. You can see the ruins of this important ancient city at the Izmir Agora Ruins. In addition, you should definitely visit the Izmir Archaeological Museum, where many ruins found in the city are exhibited.
Pergamon (Pergamon) Church
Pergamon, which was the capital of the Asian province of the Roman Empire, is also home to one of the seven churches that take their place in the Biblical narrative. The letter advises the church to “avoid false teachers”, most likely emphasizing the strength of the pagan faith in the city. To learn more about the Pergamon Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape Area, you can watch the Uncovering: Pergamon video on the Turkish Museums Youtube channel.
Thyatira Church
The church of the Ancient City of Thyatira, located in the Akhisar District of Manisa, is also one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Bible. There are also remains from the Tepe Cemeteries of Thytira in Akhisar, which is thought to have developed on the area where the ancient city is located. The Akhisar Great Mosque, the exact date of which it was built is not known and was later converted into a mosque, perhaps this church mentioned in the Bible is the same one, who knows?
Sardes Church
The city near the Salihli district of Manisa is known as the capital of Lydia and the place where money was printed for the first time under state guarantee in history. The church of the city, where there are Roman buildings that have survived to the present day by being very well preserved, is criticized in the letters of St. John. The city is famous because of its wealth, but its inadequacy in terms of faith is criticized and it is advised to strengthen its faith. The Sardes Archaeological Site, which contains the remains of a very important center that has not lost its importance for hundreds of years, deserves to be visited with its place in the history of Christianity as well as other cultural values it has.
Philadelphia Church
Although most of the ancient city located on the borders of the Alaşehir district of Manisa remained under the modern settlement, the ruins of the city's theater and a temple were unearthed. In the biblical letter, the city's church is praised for its steadfastness and patience in the faith. The St. Jean Church, which is one of the ruins of the city and suggests that it is a very magnificent structure with its three surviving pillars, is also found here.
Laodikeia Church
3 bc. Laodicea, a Hellenistic city founded in the century, has been one of the important centers of the region for centuries. AD 4. many unique remains have been unearthed during the excavations that are still ongoing in the ancient city, which has been recognized as one of the sacred centers of Christianity since the century. One of them is the house in which the remains of a “secret church” are found. There is no obstacle in the way of imagining that this house, which people used to worship in secret before Christianity was liberated in the Roman Empire and the church was built, is the church mentioned in the Bible.
The route you will draw to see the ruins of the ancient city where these churches are located, all of which are located in the Aegean Region, will open the doors of a magnificent historical trip for you. In addition, these areas, many of which have unique natural beauties and wonderful beaches for swimming nearby, will also be very suitable for spending your vacation. The 7 Churches of Asia are waiting for their visitors.
SOURCE : https://turkishmuseums.com/blog/detail/turkiye-de-bulunan-asya-nin-7-kilisesi/10070/1
