Our last day in Turkey

Last day in Turkey

We awoke to another crisp, cool, beautiful day in Istanbul.  We have been so blessed with great weather and enjoying the beginning of spring.  The flowers here are magnificent!  A bit of trivia:  Did you know that tulips originated in Turkey, not Holland?  One of the ancient rulers took the bulbs to Holland on one of his visits, and they began propagating them.  Once we became aware of this new fact, we began to notice the tulip motif in the Turkish tile work, wrought iron and stone carvings.  And they are now blooming everywhere in Istanbul, along with the most brilliant primroses I’ve ever seen, as well as daffodils, hyacinths and other flowers.  There are literally hundreds of well manicured flower beds all over this city!

Today we visited the world famous mosques located in the historic sector of the city.  The Blue Mosque is one of the most famous buildings in the world, built in 1609, “new” construction for this ancient area of the world where many of the sites we’ve seen date back to BC and early AD.  To convert the cathedral into a mosque, six minarets were added to the huge complex, similar to Mecca.  The name comes from the incredible tile in the interior where blue dominates.  We’ll have to include pictures from this portion; it’s hard to describe the detail, columns, and massive domes. 

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From here we walked across the beautiful park connecting the Blue Mosque to Haghia Sophia, one of the most beautiful and famous Byzantine churches, and said to be the tallest in the world. Construction of the cathedral began in the 6^th century.  After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the cathedral was converted into a mosque, adding minarets and the niche facing Mecca and special balconies for the sultans. Outside we found the remains of the cathedral pulpit. Inside, you see beautifully painted plastered walls, but learn that plaster was used to cover massive mosaics depicting figures of Jesus, Mary, Gabriel, John the Baptist and emperors.  Now that the Sophia has been converted to a museum, the plaster is being removed to expose these amazing mosaics, rare treasures.  Walls, enormous domes, all are covered in these intricate, often gold, small tiles, creating such detail that you can forget it is composed of tiles rather than paint. Part of the original design included metal crosses imbedded into the stone walls, as well as carved crosses in stone.  Though the metal crosses were removed when converted into a mosque and the parts of the carved crosses scraped away, the outline still remains, even after all these centuries.  Massive reconstruction is underway as they prepare for an International World Cultural  Center for 2010.  Just the shaffolding reaching to the ceiling was massive and impressive, much less such detailed work being done at these heights.

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The last stop was at Topkapi the palace compound of the sultans for 400 years, which is also nearby the Blue Mosque and Sophia.  Now open to the public as a museum, the interior park grounds are beautifully maintained and full of spring flowers. Inside the palace walls, numerous buildings were built for official meetings of the sultans, their harems, huge kitchen to cook for the 6,000 people residing within the compound, medical building, pool and pool house, with many other reception halls, as well as it’s own mint for coins. There was also a school to train soldiers and civil servants.  Again, the walls are covered in elaborate tiles with enormous domed ceilings and fringed by ornate porches to view the surrounding Bosphorus Strait. Topkapi ceased to be used as the official palace in 1853 and opened to the public as a museum in 1924 following Turkey’s independence.  The museum houses many of the “crown jewels” of Turkey, including the 3^rdlargest diamond in the world.

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You can’t help but be impressed by the architecture, craftsmanship and artistry exemplified by these buildings.  As we walked up to the mosque this morning, the sun was shining brightly behind the massive dome and reflecting off the minarets, creating quite an amazing view.  It reminded me that despite how things may seem at the moment, or what has gone before, the Son truly does reign over all the earth, just as the sun illuminates every corner of the globe.

We have been challenged, awed, and touched by our time in Turkey. Those we met with during the conference have left an indelible imprint on our lives; we look forward to sharing more details about that face to face with many of you.  Tracing our early church history has truly brought the scriptures to life, caused great reflection and serious examination of the letters to the churches and what He is saying to us today.  We have formed new, dear friendships; have been blessed in enormous ways,  and have so much to pray about.  We’ve discovered what someone called “the forgotten Holy Land,” and come to appreciate so much of the richness of history and culture intrinsic to Turkey.  Our prayer is to remember--- our heritage, our “family,” our purpose and refine our focus on His plan until that day when His reign is complete.

We have arrived in Istanbul

First day in Istanbul-where east meets west

Last night we flew from Izmir to the sprawling ancient city of Istanbul, now home to 15 million people. 

Formerly known as Constantinople and now Istanbul, it truly is the city where Asia and Europe meet, the only city in the world with that distinction.  Separated by the Bosporus Strait, the city is a collection of contrasts, with modern construction in the shadows of centuries old buildings.  We first went to the ancient Hippodrome, once known for its horse races around the oval track.  Today there are remains of ancient pillars, exquisite mosaic gazebos and beautiful gardens in the center of an oval pathway rather than horse track.  From there we boarded a ferry boat for an amazing tour around the Bosporus Strait, getting a bird’s eye view of ancient mosques, universities, palaces and summer homes of sultans on both the Asian and European sides of the city.  Then we experienced the Spice Market, dating from the 1500's, where many of the local people buy their spices, fruit, plants, as well as local handcrafts.  The smell of the spices was enticing, as well as the fantastic Turkish treats, all sorts of fruit bars filled with pistachios and other nuts.  One of the historic sites here are the underground cisterns which provided reserves for the city's water supply from 500 AD.  We were surprised by what we saw as we went down into the cistern area: scores of ancient pillars supporting huge domed ceilings made to allow a huge supply of water to accumulate.  Today the lighted pillars cast an ethereal glow on the shallow water that remains today.  The ingenuity and “recycling” of pillars from other temple locations is amazing.  Then we moved on to the famous Great Bazaar with more than 4,000 shops. We had been prepared for a much more chaotic conglomeration of stalls, but in fact, it seems to have been modernized within the ancient structure in a fairly organized way.  Hundreds of famed Turkish carpets, mosaic and painted tiles, blindingly shiny gold jewelry and scarves of every color and pattern combine in an endless display.  Though there were many visitors and shoppers in both markets, we were surprised that it wasn’t more chaotic and confusing.  It is definitely the place to experience the sights and sounds of Istanbul and where you can soak up the local flavor.  Here Constantine relocated the new center of his empire and declared Christianity as the official religion.  Much has certainly changed since that era as the skyline is now punctuated with minarets of mosques.  This area has experienced such enormous change as power shifts have occurred throughout the ages, and elements of these eras meld into the vibrant city we see today.  We marvel at the rich history of this city and region, realizing that all history is His-story.  Looking back, we are appreciating those who have gone before us, knowing that His hand continues to control the big picture, finding great comfort in His sovereignty.

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Last of the Seven Churches

Last of the Seven Churches

Today we completed our journey through the seven churches of Revelation.  We went to Pergamum, considered one of the most dramatic sights in Turkey.  High above on the top of the mountain are the remains of the Temple of Trajan, the famed library, agora marketplace, theater, and one of the largest temples, the altar of Zeus.  The Pergamum acropolis overlooks a huge valley, where the people lived and still live.  The buildings were constructed so that  when anyone looked up at the mountain, they would have full view of all the temples.  The library held 200,000 scrolls, one of the largest libraries in the world.   Mark Anthony gave the contents of the library to Cleopatra as a wedding gift because her scrolls in Alexandria had been destroyed by fire.  Quite a gift!  As in all the locations, Greek and Roman gods took center stage, but here the first emperor worship also began.  The great altar of Zeus was one of the largest, most important monuments of the era; it is now housed in the Berlin museum.  We looked at pictures of the altar, and it is hard to imagine the enormity of it.  The people brought their sacrifices to the altar before they went further into the acropolis area, where the priests kept the fires burning day and night.  Only the priests could enter into the main chamber of the temples; they offered the sacrifices on the people's behalf.  It is thought that this altar is the throne of Satan referred in the Pergamum letter.  Jesus praises the people for holding fast to their faith, even in the face of the martyrdom of Antipas and continual presence of pagan worship.  But He did have some things against them; apparently there were those compromising by eating the food sacrificed to idols and indulging in immorality as the pagans.  They are told to repent, that He will give a new name to those who persevere.  

More of the last day of churches

Also located in the Pergamum area is the most important medical complex of the day, the Asclepieum.  It was indeed interesting to hear about the various methods of healing used here.  To preserve the reputation of providing healing, priests examined those wanting to come in, with those truly ill turned away.  The others were allowed to go through a series of “cures,” including walking over hot stones, bathing in various pools, and walking through tunnels where “speaker holes” are still visible where the priests would “speak” to the patients walking through, as if spirits, whispering “You will be healed,” and other encouraging phrases; ancient version of the power of positive thinking.   Drugs were administered, causing hallucinations, dreams, and priests were handy to help with interpretation to provide guidance. There was even role play therapy in the theater area.  All in all, it appeared to be the ancient version of an exclusive health spa of today mixed with a version of psychotherapy.

Then we traveled to the site of the 7^th church site, Smyrna, now modern Izmir.  A large harbor city on the Aegean coast, Izmir has few visible ruins as the city is built on top of the ancient city.  As we looked at the letter to Smyrna, we see a contrast to some of the other letters.  Here Jesus says that He knows the sufferings they have endured as well as their material poverty, but that they are spiritually rich.  He tells them not to fear future suffering, even if it means prison, but that they who endure will receive the crown of life, that He would preserve them. 

It has been very sobering to study the letters to the churches as we have stood on the sites of the Revelation churches.  As we reflect on the issues that Jesus condemned, as well as those He praised, we see that there is truly nothing new under the sun.  Man has always attempted to create his own means of immortality, create god in his own image, his heaven on earth, all to no avail.  The warnings of these letters not only applied to these churches centuries ago, but to us today as well.  The corrections were serious, as well as the consequences of the sin; they are equally as serious today.  As harsh as the condemnation was, Jesus always offers grace, urging repentence, turning back, second chances.  But He also reminds us that He is returning; there is an end point.  We dare not ignore these messages, lest we suffer the same end as the people of these churches as well.

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Philadelphia, Sardis and Thyatira

The steadfast few and those lured away

Bountiful fruit; Philadelphia is known for it's vineyards, delicious grapes and wine.  Row after row of grapevines line the roads.  The most familiar name to us, since one of our historic cities is named Philadelphia, the name means brotherly love, based on the devotion of an early leader and his elder brother.  But in the letter to the church, we see that the church must have endured tremendous pressure.  Here there is no condemnation, but encouragement to endure and a declaration that God loves them.  The only thing He asks is that they hold firm, that they are eternally His. The buildings that remain include a huge gymnasium where the people came to exercise, socialize, exchange the news of the day and enjoy community.  Ornately built and decorated, it was probably the "place to be" of the day.  Everyone was welcome to the gymnasium, but first one had to bow to the statue of the emperor before entering.  Pressure to be "in" with the society must have tempted many to bow down to be able to enter and take part in society.  Apparently a number remained firm, unbowing; these the Lord commends.  The letter encourages us to withstand the same sort of temptations present today.

Next we went to the site of ancient Sardis, established more than 3,000 years ago. Rich in gold, and was one of the most prosperous cities of the region. Though appearing to be doing well and "alive," the letter to the church describes it as appearing to be alive, but dead.  Apostasy, following false prophets, the church declined, as well as the city.  However, Jesus says that there were a faithful few; they "had not defiled their garments."  They are promised rewards, having their names preserved in the book of life.  We were struck with the beauty of what remains of the city today.  Pillars, remains of churches, walls of the central market are surrounded with beautiful wild flowers, blanketed with vibrant spring colors.  The 4th largest temple in the region, Artemis Temple, is found here; next is the shell of an early church.  It is thought that there was a large Christian community in Sardis, as well as the early presence of a Jewish community after the fall of Nebuchadnezzar.  There are still remains of a large synogogue here with intricate mosaic floors and hallways.  What an encouragement to know that there is always a remnant of His faithful ones, and they will indeed be rewarded.

Our last stop was in Thyatira.  The other locations have been in the countryside, but the site of this ancient city is now in the center of today's city of  Akhisar.  Fenced and surrounded by businesses and cafes, the remains of this church could and seem to be easily overlooked.  The remaining pillars and pieces of walls stand in the shadows of modern buildings and busy streets.  It seemed very sad to see people walking all around it, yet ignored.  As we read the letter to the church in Thyatira, we heard how Jesus praised them for the growth they had shown in service, yet He condemns the tolerance of a false prophet, Jezabel, who drew many astray.  To those who did not fall into her trap, there is praise and no other pressure put on them but to endure.  History shows that there had been several periods of persecution here, but at this point, sexual immorality promoted by this prophetess had caused great damage.  Probably least is known historically about Thyatira, but the longest letter of all the churches is addressed to it, which seems to emphasize the graveness of the consequences of immorality when it becomes accepted practice.

We have two more "letter sites" to see tomorrow, but what we have seen so far  has reminded us of basic truths:  many of the cities were affluent, prosperous and of influence and elaborately constructed.  Though remains can still be seen today after hundreds of years, they are still mere remains, a collection of stone and marble.  Man's creations will never match God's creation.  There are always consequences to ignoring, compromising or denying God's commands.  Most of the letters offer warnings for all to heed, even today.  It is causing us to examine how we stand up to His standard as churches and individual believers.  The truth does and will forever endure, but how much of the world today goes about business as usual, as in Thyatira, with truth in sight, but ignored or overlooked. 

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Laodicea and Hierapolis

Lukewarm

We're now tracing the path of the seven churches of Revelation.  We have already been to Ephesus with the conference group, so today our team began our travels together to Laodicea and Hierapolis.  The drive there was spectacular!  Surrounded by snow capped mountains, we felt as though we were in Colorado or the Alps.  Miles of rich, green pastures, dotted with herds of sheep, gave way to orchards of olive trees, oranges and other groves.  The temperature has remained very cool and at times, chilly, and today was no exception.  As we explored the remains of Laodicea and viewed reconstructive drawings of the city, it was easy to imagine the affluence of the city in its prime.  Theaters, huge market place, intricate aquaduct systems show the ingenuity and material achievements of the people.  Being in these places  truly makes the scriptures come to life.  As our guide explained the lay of the land, outlets of thermal heat from near surface magma giving off steam that generates power, heats homes and produces the thermal pools existing still today, the instructions given to the Laodicea church became especially significant.  Being neither near to the source of the purifying hot water nor the clear, pure cold water on either sides of the city, Laodicea was indeed lukewarm.  The water was considered difficult to drink, often inducing vomiting, explaining Jesus' comments of spewing the water out.  In its affluence, the Laodiceans had become self-sufficient, proud, materialistic, indeed withdrawn from their source, Jesus, for life.  As we discussed this letter, applications to our society today were sobering.  Each of the letters cause us to examine our societies, churches, and personal life, and we are impressed even more by the experiencing these sites in person.   

We continued on to Hierapolis, a nearby area known for it's cascading waves of calcium deposits that give the appearance of sand dunes on the hillside.  As the hot thermal mineral waters  poured over the hilltops, calcium deposits were released, coating the surface and creating a deep build up of "steps."  The mineral baths are considered to have many healing properties, and people through the centuries have come here to enjoy their benefits.  Even in this "off season," we were surprised at the number of visitors.  Though cold outside, many of us couldn't resist pulling off our socks and shoes to step into the waters of these calcium steps.  As long as we were near the source of the water at the top, it was very warm and soothing.  As you stepped further down the steps, the water progressively cooled, another very vivid picture of the Laodicean letter.

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Ephesus

In the Footsteps of John and Paul

Ephesus; ancient commercial center of Asia Minor, with one of the ancient wonders of the world, the Temple of Diana, where the apostle John came, bringing Mary with him, and Paul spent several years of ministry, prompting the letter to the Ephesians and subject of the first letter to the churches in Revelation.  Today we walked in the footsteps of John and Paul as we walked through the ruins of this ancient city, saw John's tomb in what is left of St. John's Basilica, the remains of Diana's temple, and imagined the beauty of this ornately constructed city when it was a bustling center.  It is surreal to walk those same steps, think of the early church, the not too distant island of Patmos where John was exiled and recorded the Revelation of the Lord.  It was a wonderful experience for all those attending the conference.  On a light note, the first sign we saw on the shops as we pulled up to Ephesus was "Genuine Fake Watches Here."  As one gal said, "That's the most honest advertising I've ever seen." 

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Shopping, shopping and more shopping

Oh I am just waiting for everyone to purchase their new rugs for their homes back in the U.S.  They are all beautiful.

Of course there is always gold and other things to buy in the bazaars.  I believe Diane thinks that they are calling her to this special store.

Now this is what we call telling it like it is from the pulpit

This was taken outside of the oldest church maybe in the world, built in 350 A.D. in Istanbul.    

Haghia Sophia Church.  We probably should not have done this but what the heck.                                                      

Genuine Fake Watches

Of all the places we have been this is probably the most truthful advertising in the world.  It does not get any better than this.