Day 03 - Central Turkey: Pisidian Antioch

After refueling with a delightful breakfast complete with various coffee choices, we left the quaint town of Isparta and journeyed to Pisidian Antioch. While on the bus, Ozan taught us three ways to say “thank you” in Turkish: Merci (as in French), sagol (thanks-as to a friend) and the formal thank you: Tesekkur ederim. We had a great time practicing that one!

We drove through one of Turkey’s rural agricultural areas: Ffertile fields, imposing mountains, aqueducts everywhere - on the hillsides and meandering through the fields. We drove through what appeared to be the largest apple-producing area with hundreds of orchards and several large packing sheds. It very much reminds us of California’s Central Valley.

We arrived in Yalvac, a city of approximately 100,00 population. It is the closest city to the ruins of Pisidian Antioch, our destination. Pisidian Antioch was strategically located at the crossroads south, central, east, and west Turkey. Although the area had been settled since approximately 3000 BC, it became a strategic military and trading area for the Roman Empire. King Antiquios, who succeeded Alexander the Great, built 17 cities to delineate the presence of his empire. Pisidian Antioch was one of the largest cities Antiquios built. In Roman times it was the most notable city after Perge. Rome intended to protect trade by stabilizing the area. 12,000 soldiers (and their families) were brought in by direct order of Augustus. By protecting trade, Pisidian Antioch grew to be a very prosperous city. Many Jewish people settled there as well as many Romans, Greeks and other peoples. Well before Romans came, Pisidian was a bustling and prosperous city of up to 60,000 at its peak. After Pax Romana was over, the empire was split into two and the importance of Pisidian Antioch waned, eventually being abandoned due to wars.

Europeans began looking for early church sites and Pisidian Antioch was discovered in 1770. Six churches were found on the site.

Christian heritage had a great influence on Turkey and Pisidian Antioch was an important early city.

Jesse challenged us while speaking in the ruins of the Sanctuary of Augustus which is located in Pisidian Antioch. Paul had come there to speak with the Jews to tell them about Jesus. He traveled over 100 miles on the Roman Road from Perge with Barnabus. The longest speech by Paul was delivered here to both Jews and gentiles (Acts 13:14-14:19). Almost the whole city came out to hear Paul. They had never heard of Jesus , the work he had done on the cross or of his resurrection. Using the Old Testament, Paul proved to the people that Jesus is the Messiah they were looking for. As a result, many people came to faith. But the Jewish leaders would have nothing of it. So Paul told them that he would take the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles. He then suffered great pain and loss to deliver this Good News over 4 missionary journeys.

The challenge for us today includes our preparation for sharing the gospel with people we know. Imitate Paul using truth, reason and history. Know the simple gospel well enough to share with others. Learn the evidence of the resurrection and be able to share. Jesse asked us “what are you sacrificing for the kingdom?” The story of Paul’s sacrifice to get the gospel out is a compelling story and food for thought.

Before leaving Pisidian Antioch, we picnicked on Turkish pizza called peda. We then traveled to Pamukkale which features a great rock formation which looks like snow. It is called the Cotton Castle. It is an amazing site. Tomorrow we may have an opportunity to hike on it.

Turkey is a beautiful country about the size of Texas. It holds a rich heritage for the Christian church as we remember the love and sacrifice Paul made to let people know the Good News of Jesus. He left an amazing legacy and a challenge to believers through the ages to let others know about the truth of Jesus and how much God loves each of us.

Kathy Fox