Day 03 - Central Turkey: Pisidian Antioch, Pamukkale

Our third day in Turkey began early, with a filling breakfast at the Ramada Hotel in Isparta. By 8:05am, we were off to Pisidian Antioch, our first destination of the day. As we traveled, we were treated to a stunning view of Lake Eğirdir, its serene beauty a perfect start to our morning.

Pisidian Antioch Tour

By 9:40am we reached the Pisidian Antioch Theater. We gathered at the ancient theater of Pisidian Antioch, where our guide, Ozan, shared the history of this remarkable city. Pisidian Antioch was a pivotal Roman colony in Turkey, known as one of the cities Paul visited during his missionary journeys. It was here that Paul’s message began to resonate, challenging the traditions of the time.

We then walked up to the Temple of Emperor Augustus, where Ozan offered another history lesson on the significance of the site. Built to honor Augustus, the temple symbolized Rome’s power and the empire’s presence throughout Turkey. The city was also of strategic military presence for the Romans.

After Ozan's teaching, Marty shared a powerful message. In light of the Emperor’s temple, Marty asked, “It's not a question of do you worship but instead what or who do you worship?” Paul’s visits to Pisidian Antioch carried a radical message, challenging both Gentiles and Jews. Paul invited his listeners to break free from Rome’s imposed worship and their own religious traditions, pointing them instead to Jesus as the center of everything. It was not just about a destination in the afterlife; Paul called people to live in the fullness of God right here and now. It was stirring to imagine the revolutionary nature of Paul’s words in such a setting where Emperors and god's were clearly worshipped.

We were fortunate to witness an excavation in progress, watching as archaeologists carefully uncovered layers of history. Seeing their meticulous work offered a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to preserve the stories of this ancient place.

Our next stop was St. Paul’s Church, the best-known location of the synagogue where Paul preached in Acts 13:31-51. Cheryl read this passage aloud to the group, reminding us of the weight of Paul’s words. Sitting where Paul once taught, we felt a profound sense of connection to his message and his mission.

Journey and Arrival at Pamukkale

After a morning filled with history and reflection, we enjoyed a lunch of Turkish pizza, which was delicious and energized us for the journey ahead. Following lunch, we set off toward Pamukkale, a three-hour journey filled with scenic landscapes. As we traveled, Ozan shared insights into Turkey’s rich history, touching on its many eras—from the ancient civilizations that flourished here to its modern-day significance. Turkey’s landscape bears traces of countless empires, making it one of the world’s most historically layered countries.

At 4:00pm we arrived in Pamukkale, known for its remarkable white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the hillside. Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, has been a natural wonder and health destination since ancient times, attracting visitors to its therapeutic waters. Our accommodations for the next few nights are at the Doga Hotel. We took the evening to settle in, with some of us exploring the streets and markets, while others enjoyed the spa and natural thermal pools offered by the hotel. Dinner was a delightful buffet, showcasing a variety of Turkish dishes. With full hearts and eager anticipation, we look forward to tomorrow’s exploration of Hierapolis, Laodicea, and Colossae. The journey continues!