Videos of Dr. Yeatts speaking on the seven churches from their city sites in Turkey

I'm putting the videos in the order that we visited the sites and not in their biblical order, but watch them in whichever order you wish.

Also, two things I wish I had when making these videos--a tripod and mic! So turn up your volume as loud as it can go and bear with the inevitable hand shaking that will occur. Enjoy! --Dr. Ramey

Pergamum: Church III-Rev. 2:12-17

Thyatira: Church IV-Rev. 2:18-29

 

Smyrna: Church II-Rev. 2:8-11

Sardis: Church V-Rev. 3:1-6

Philadelphia: Church VI-Rev. 3:7-13

 

Ephesus: Church I-Rev. 2:1-7

Laodicea: Church VII-Rev. 3:14-22

Universality of Human Traits

By Ali Williams

            Now that we are home from our three week trip to Turkey, I remember not only the clear differences between American and Turkish culture, but also the similarities. Whether a person is in their own neighborhood or halfway around the world, certain traits are shared by all human beings worldwide. In my social psychology class this spring, we discussed how certain human behaviors are determined or at least strongly influenced by culture while others seem to be universal. I saw examples of both of these in Turkey; behavior that is uniquely Turkish that has allowed me to experience a culture very different from my own, as well as behaviors that remind me that human beings are all more alike than we are different. Biologist Stephen Jay Gould has stated that based on genetic similarities there is really only one race, the human race.

Crowds of people in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

            The main cultural difference between Turkey and the United States is collectivism versus individualism. At a glance, it can appear that Americans do not care enough about the collective good, or that Turkish culture does not focus enough on the value of the individual. I have learned that both of these concepts are simply characterizations, and that individualism and collectivism are just two different ways of organizing cultural customs around universal human needs. For example, everyone wants to be respected as an individual and to have the ability to pursue their own goals to some extent, but at the same time needs to have fellowship with other people. Our tour guide Cenk mentioned that when purchasing an apartment in Turkey, it is essential to meet your potential neighbors before making a decision. This is because in Turkey, neighbors become like family, which tends not to be the case in the more individualistic United States. When having dinner at my host family’s home, neighbors stopped by to give some of their dinner to my host family. This prompted my host sister to say that in Turkey if someone makes a meal they believe is good, they will share it with as many people as possible. Though this is such a small detail, I thought to myself that it would be nice if people in America were equally others-focused. Sure enough, upon arriving home I heard that my father had made soft pretzels for the neighbors and they in return gave us strawberries from their garden. Even in individualistic America, the collective good still matters. Likewise, individual freedom still is important in areas of Turkey, especially in more progressive cities such as Izmir. My host sister strongly valued the personal freedom that living in a secular nation brings, and mentioned her thoughts about becoming independent from her parents as a single woman. So whether one lives in an individualist or collectivist culture, there is always a balance between taking care of others and the need for independence.

Our collective group learning about Islam at the mosque in Istanbul.

            On multiple occasions, I noticed Turkish people showing a considerable amount of appreciation for my attempts at using the Turkish language. Many people would say “Hi” to me and would look pleasantly surprised when I would respond with “Merhaba”. Some people tested my knowledge of the Turkish language by asking me “How are you?” in Turkish, to which I would usually respond “chok iyi”, or “very good”. It was impressive to see how happy many Turkish people were to hear an American attempting to speak their language. My analysis of this, is that people want to feel that their culture and customs are important, and are grateful when visitors respect that and attempt to join that country’s way of life. It takes a certain amount of humility to try to speak another language since we probably sound a bit silly sometimes and may not always make sense, but it also is a subtle way to show people of another country that we care enough to try. Just as many Americans appreciate when visitors give the English language a try, just a simple “Merhaba” in a region full of tourists can mean a lot to a native of Turkey.

Our group was always smiling with new friends and having fun.

            Finally, people in Turkey want the government to promote a system that respects their religious beliefs or lack thereof, just like people from any nation in the world. The United States had freedom of religion written into its Constitution, but how this is actualized has been debated since the documents publication. Turkey faces similar questions of how to run a secular nation which has a predominantly Muslim population. To what extent should Islamic values affect law-making? Do people not ask similar questions in the United States, except with Christian values? The desire to have freedom to worship in whatever way a person believes is right is a trait that most human beings share. However, so is the tendency to mistrust people who see the world differently than we do. As I walked through a museum in Konya without a headscarf, I wondered if anyone thought negatively of my character…but as I saw two women walk past my home in Pennsylvania wearing headscarves yesterday, I could not help but wonder what challenges they have faced in this country while striving to remain devoted to their faith. Ultimately, people everywhere just want others to have respect for their culture, values, and beliefs and be a part of a community which welcomes them.

Ali in Cappadocia at the fairy chimney houses.

Türkiye: A Land where the Story runs deep

As I reflect on the experiences of the past three weeks, I realize that this trip has impacted me in profound ways.  The opportunity to travel this amazing country with a great group of students and professors, led by both a fantastic tour guide and wonderful bus driver, has been simply phenomenal.  The biblical significance of the historical sites, the culture of Turkey, and the beautiful landscapes and buildings have all captured my imagination.  More than anything else, however, these have been avenues through which I have encountered something even more captivating – something that inspires, something that infuses not only my experiences in Turkey but also all of life with purpose and meaning, beauty, and joy.

Ancient ruins at Troas, looking out to the seas Paul and Luke sailed.

Christianity is built upon the lives and teachings of individuals and communities in pursuit of that something.  It has been a surreal and powerful experience to travel the roads these men walked and to traverse the seas they sailed.  We have visited places where they preached the good news about a new kind of King, wrote letters of loving support and correction to communities they cherished, and even suffered imprisonment and persecution for their faithfulness.  The lives of Paul, Peter, John, and others have impacted this place significantly, and both we and others around the world are immeasurably affected by their legacies today.  They are examples of men who were captured and transformed by a truth that changed everything, who then tried to figure out what to do about it as they followed Jesus and pointed others to Him.

The city of Ephesus, a center both for Roman culture and the early church.

The nation of Turkey now only has a tiny minority of Christians, but glimpses of God’s presence and character are not absent.  Even in the culture and heritage of this country, predominantly Muslim and in many places staunchly secular, I have seen God at work.  As many times as I have read or sung about God working with our lives like a potter works with clay, I have never appreciated the depth and beauty of that metaphor as much as I do now, having seen a master at work in a pottery shop in Cappadocia.  

He is one of many in his family who is continuing this craft, and he performs it with confidence and excellence, molding the clay in ways I would not have imagined possible.  Sitting astride the potter’s wheel, red earth spattered across his work-worn clothes, his strong fingers coax beautiful lines and curves out of a shapeless mass, creating something wonderful and useful out of the mud.  The clay seems to come to life at his touch, responding exactly as he desires it to and leaping into a new form to serve the function the master craftsman designed it for.  Even when a less experienced artist tries his or her hand at the lump of earth on the wheel, the master knows exactly what kind of pressure to apply to correct any mistakes, and the lopsided or marred creation relaxes back into its proper shape.  The earth receives life from the hands of one who knows it intimately and is eminently capable of creating beauty from the dust.

Pamukkale

And the earth of Turkey does yield beauty.  This country is an astounding display of life and diversity.  At the shores and islands of Assos, where the water is astonishingly blue and crystal clear, the land and sea exude an atmosphere of peace.  The beauty is almost overwhelming, but even a mere day’s travel away, you would think you were in another world.  The calcium cliffs of Pamukkale, built up like glaciers over centuries from mineral-rich underground springs, are a natural wonder unlike anything in the world.  The terraced deposits collect pools of water from the hot springs trickling down from the mountains, a multisensory and entirely unique spectacle against the background of the beautiful mountains and hills.  Travel a few hours to the mountains and caves of Cappadocia, and you may question whether you have perhaps found yourself on another planet.  Not far from this rocky landscape lie shining lakes surrounded by evergreens and villages hemmed in by mountains where the clouds hang so low that it looks as though some sort of magical fog is descending on the inhabitants. 

Cappadocia

Wherever you go in Turkey, there is beauty and memory to spare.  At times it seems almost like a fantasy world, where the imagination of the author can bring about any conceivable landscape with an artistic flourish.  The hope of early Christians, at times driven into caves underground, sometimes whispered, sometimes sung joyously, still resonates here, and sometimes it seems to break through with the disjointed notes of an ancient narrative.

The stories of the history, of the culture, and of the land of Turkey itself all point to a greater story, one that tells of a God who created all, sacrificed everything to redeem that Creation, and is working to bring it back to wholeness.  The people of this land stood for their faith in Christ the Pantokrator, the Lord of All, opposed by those who claimed Caesar as Lord.  They exhibited treasonous obedience and dangerous loyalty to the One who embodied God’s kingdom, showed in His death and Resurrection the hope of new life and resurrection for all in Him, and imparted His faithful presence by His Spirit to empower these people, the Church, to witness to the victorious reign of God.

Michael Huerter

Lessons that Matter

By Jessica McElligott 

     

Introduction: I approached the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent with my own special brand of bitterness.   “Another pretty building,” I think.  “Great.  Who in the world cares?  I am not Muslim nor will I have more than brief contact with the people who worship here.  Why does this mosque matter?”

Past: 500 years ago there was a Christian Cappadocian family who had a son named Sinan, who was born in 1498.  When Sinan was a boy he joined the Ottoman army in Istanbul under Selim the Terrible.  (Selim earned this title for killing his own father to assume the throne.  During his reign he conquered Egypt in the 16^th century and became the Caliphate or leader of the Sunni sect of Islam.)  While Sinan was serving in the army he made bridges and eventually became the lead architect for the empire, serving four sultans in his time.  

We can learn from his loyalty.

Present: Looking up at the dome shaped ceiling, all I can do is whisper “wow.”

The ceiling of the Mosque.

Past: Sinan was awed by the beauty of the Hagia Sophia.  He desired to make similar structures, but he actually started by making schools.  When Suleiman the Magnificent, Salem the Terrible’s son, succeeded his father, Sinan was afforded the opportunity to build a large Mosque in the Sultan’s name.  (This, however, would not be the first Mosque Sinan built in Istanbul.  He built a smaller religious structure dedicated to the groom of Suleiman’s daughter.)  Suleiman ordered this Mosque so his wife Roxalina and he could be buried in the garden next to its beauty.  The Sultan also chose the location for this Mosque, one of the seven hills of the old city of Istanbul.  Unfortunately the soil at this spot was not the greatest for building on, thus prolonging the completion of the Mosque mainly to build the base.  As a matter of fact, Sinan started what was to become the largest Mosque in Istanbul in 1550, and it was finally finished seven years later in 1557 even with thousands of workers (fifty-three to fifty-six percent of these workers were Christian, by the way).  

We can learn from their perseverance.

This is the inside of the Hagia Sophia.  It was once a Church, then a Mosque, and now a museum.

Present: I meander across the floor, admiring the large structure of domes and the vastness of the Sacred Space.  But I also relish in the small things, the colors in the carpet, in the designs on the ceiling and walls.  I can remember the last time I created something from basic tools: crayons and a printout Disney princess.  I recall coloring outside of the lines on accident, and despite fierce internal debates, the colors on her still managed to not quite match well.  Nothing in the Mosque was an accident; the details seem perfectly put together with care.

The outside of the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque.  It is still pretty intricate, but it does not hold a candle to the inside.

Past: Once Suleiman the Magnificent came to visit the Mosque while Sinan was still in the process of construction.  The Sultan found the architect on the floor of the Mosque with no one working on the building.  Sinan also did not appear to be doing any work, as he was smoking a Nargile pipe (a.k.a. a hookah).  Understandably the Suleiman was a little upset by this.  When pressed for an explanation, Sinan replied that he was checking the acoustics, as the pipe tend to let out a “bloop, bloop” noise.  Furthermore, the architect continued, and said something to the effect of, “there will be candles in the Mosque when it is in use, and the pipe gives off smoke.  I am tracking where the smoke goes so I can ventilate the building properly.”  

We can learn from their craftsmanship.

Conclusion:  There is nothing new under the sun.  We can and must study the past unless we want to toil for truths ourselves.  So the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque might not mean anything to you or me.  Maybe we will not be able to comprehend why the building is important for those who pray there.  The Mosque might not actually matter in everyday American life.  But the lessons its history teaches do matter.

My Inner Struggle

                  As our trip through Turkey comes to a close, I have had some time to reflect on the multitude of things I have learned while living here and being immersed in this society.  Undoubtedly, I had numerous preconceived ideas about the Turkish culture, religions, and people in general.  Although some of my views have shifted throughout the duration of this trip, I have certainly been challenged in ways I did not anticipate.  So ... Here are some of the thoughts that have been crossing my mind the past three weeks, as well as some rambling about such thoughts. Bear with me as I try my hardest to convey my challenges, convictions, and most importantly my learning experiences.

Inside the Suleman the Magnificent Mosque

                  Prior to arriving in Istanbul, I learned briefly about the Turkish culture and history from our trip meetings.  However, I think I was ignorant to the idea that I would be learning and experiencing far more than I ever dreamed of simply by being here.  As a graduate of the Biblical Religious Studies department of Messiah, I knew coming into this trip I would be challenged spiritually as I entered into a country that is almost 100% Muslim. Yet, I do not think it fully sunk in until we were walking through ancient Pergamum learning about the biblical context when all of a sudden I heard the call to prayer from a nearby Mosque.  As we all sat and listened to Dr. Yeatts read the letter to Pergamum from the book of Revelation, Muslims were taking time to pray. Five times during the day we can hear a call to prayer as we navigate sites that have such rich Christian history.  It is a fascinating reality that biblical history is so prevalent in Turkey, yet there is such a small population of Christians living here today.

Center of the Mosque where men are allowed to pray

                  On the other hand, I cannot point fingers at modern Turkish people because the reality is that the nation was not founded on a particular religion.  Much like America, Turkey, from what I have observed, is more secular than I had originally anticipated.  Before this trip my ignorant view of Turkey was that it was an Islamic nation when in fact it truly is not.  Although the majority of its populace identifies as Muslim, it does not necessarily mean they are practicing this religion. In fact, after speaking with my host mother about this topic, she informed me that many people are afraid of the country becoming truly Islamic.  Although Christianity is not popular and there are very few churches in Turkey, Christians are still free to practice their faith despite the societal norm.   In the same way, America was not genuinely founded as a “Christian” nation, rather a place by which religious views of morality were instilled and religious freedom was made a priority.  Most Americans would identify themselves as Christians, and yet how many of us can without a doubt say that we are genuinely Christians?  For many Americans, Christianity is more like a nationality rather than a faithful relationship with Christ.  Many people globally, in my opinion, see America as a Christian nation, and yet I hardly think Americans understand what that actually means… just some food for thought.

Outside of the Mosque

                  Another thing that has shaken my view of this country and its religious content was visiting the Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque in Istanbul today. To be honest, I had my hesitations of entering the mosque, yet I was truly blown away after going inside. The entire place was decorated in chandeliers, marble pillars, stained glass windows, and beautiful Arabic characters. I have visited some incredible churches before, but honestly it felt as though I was standing in a church in many ways. There was a sense of peace in the place that I was at first unnerved by. Yet, as I continued to observe those around me, I began to respect what was taking place. Although these people were not worshipping in the same way I do as a Christian, I could not help but have an appreciation for their religious dedication. I may not have the same beliefs as those who surrounded me today, yet I was able to finally recognize they too belong to a faith family who were there to outwardly express their faith.  As our time came to an end, we met outside in the courtyard that was once clouded and rainy prior to our entrance. Now, the sun was shining and warming the ground where we avoided puddles, and I could not help but smile. This small weather change had shifted in the same way my attitude and heart changed toward the Muslim religion. I may not agree, but I certainly have a better respect for those I have been surrounded by here in Turkey.

Chrissy in the epigraphy museum in Ephesus

-Chrissy Brown

Sister Churches

Saturday we walked around in the old city of Istanbul all day.  We visited some of the most beautiful buildings and palaces that all of Turkey has to offer.  Our first stop was the archeological museum of Istanbul.  We then visited Topkapa Palace before moving on to the Hagia Irene and Hagia Sofia museums and then finishing at the impressive Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar.  Seeing these sights was incredible; however, the two sights that impressed me the most were the Hagia Irene and Hagia Sophia.

The Hagia Irene and the Hagia Sophia are very similar to each other.  They were constructed around the same time, and both competed to be the better church.  Both churches have had a colored history being repurposed, destroyed and remodeled over the years.  These churches' names are also very similar.  The word “Hagia” means “holy.”  The word “Irene” means “peace,” and “Sophia” means “wisdom.”  These churches are basically sisters, Holy Peace Church and Holy Wisdom Church. 

The Hagia Irene as it stands today

The inside of the Hagia Irene.  Note the simple interior.

In the 6^th century, the current Hagia Irene was built replacing another church that had stood at this site, which has had an important role to play in the history of the early church.  The earlier church was where the second ecumenical council, also known as the Council of Constantinople, was held in AD 381. These ecumenical councils were held with groups of elders within the church (as a whole) to help define the Christian religion.  Many of these councils happened in Asia Minor.  The second council was over the Apollinarius controversy.  This was an early church heresy that wanted to know what part of Jesus was divine.  This controversy was settled right here in the Hagia Irene and being in the church were this important council took place really made the history of the early church come alive.

When Constantinople was taken over by the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Irene was the only church to not be converted into a Mosque.  Due to its location within Topkapa palace it was instead repurposed into storage house for the Ottoman soldiers.  Here they stored all their weapons, armor, and other personal items, basically the church became a locker room.  Later on the church was again repurposed but now for its historical value.  The old church still stood despite the area being known for earthquakes. It is now a museum and can be rented out (as it currently is).  The church has some of the best acoustics despite being made back in the 6^th century.

The Hagia Sophia, a popular tourist location

The Hagia Sophia have a far more jaded history than her sister the Hagia Irene.  It is believed that the Hagai Sophia was constructed originally on the ruins of a Roman temple to Apollo.  When it was constructed, the church was meant to be a simple church; it was not originally built with such grandeur and majesty as it currently possesses.  Again it was a simple church, constructed along with the Hagia Irene in the 6^th century.  The original church was sacked and destroyed in 522.  Later on Emperor Justinian wanted to rebuild the church.  He hired the architect Miletus be his primary contractor.  The Emperor wanted to build a magnificent church; however, a lighter type of brick was needed to build as high and wide as Justinian requested.  Miletus sailed to the Greek island Rhodes and found that the soil there made bricks that were stronger and lighter than Roman bricks.  The church was thus constructed with Grecian soil.  It is this soil that gives the church a reddish glow in the sun.

Solomon you have been beaten

Upon completion of the church, Justinian and his royal soldiers rode down the main pathway, and upon entering the church, Justinian proclaimed, “Solomon! I beat you!”  Indeed the church lives up to this proclamation being incredibly beautiful.  My camera cannot even begin to capture its beauty.  The Hagia Sophia has the highest dome of any church in Turkey at 56 meters and is named among the largest churches of the world surpassed only by Saint Peters Church (a.k.a the Vatacan) and La Sagrada Familia in Spain.  

When the Ottomans took over Constantinople, The Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.  From 1453-1934 the Hagia Sophia was a mosque.  After the Independence war, Turkey was considered a secular nation.  Because of this, Christians living in Turkey petitioned to the government that the Hagia Sophia be given back to the Christians so that they may worship in their old church.  Ataturk ruled that the Hagia Sophia be converted into a museum instead to preserve it.

Like its sister the Hagia Irene played an important role in the early church.  The lesser known 5^th and 6^th ecumenical councils were convened in the Hagia Sophia.  

An ancient mosaic: Jesus is in the center, to the left is Mary and to the right is Saint John, the Baptist

One of the most unique things about the Hagia Sophia is its importance to both Muslims and Christians.  Christians feel that the church should be theirs because it was originally a church and that it should still be used for the worship of Christ alone.  Muslims claim that since it was a mosque for nearly 500 years it should remain a mosque.  In fact the main hall of the church has both Christian symbols like mosaics of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, crosses, etc. but also Muslim symbols such as Minarets and the Gate of Paradise.  In a way the Church is locked in a struggle, a war between two religions.  Today the church is a museum, and Christian, Muslims, and non-religious people all hold it in high esteem.  Yet despite being a museum, the minarets are still used for Islamic calls to prayer; a symbol of something to come…perhaps but that is another discussion for another time.

A painting of a Cherubim on the inside of the Hagia Sophia

by Daniel Postema