Exploring Türkiye

İznik: The Ancient City of Nicea, the Nicene Creed & A Punchy Saint Nicholas

View of the snow-capped mountains and ancient Byzantine walls of İznik, formerly Nicea.

Bithynia in the New Testament

Here’s a view taken on a winter’s day from İznik, in northwest Türkiye. I scampered to the top of the Late Roman/Byzantine fortifications and pointed my camera lens into the wind and to the distant mountains, still blotchy with snow. This region appears in the New Testament as Bithynia (Acts 16:7, 1 Peter 1:1).

The Birthplace of The Nicean Creed

İznik was once called Nicea. This was the site of the first and seventh ecumenical councils of the early Christian Church. Here (in AD 325), surrounded by these same mountains, the words of the Nicene Creed were hammered out. These words are still repeated by many of us today:

“We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. . . ”

St Nicholas got punchy here

On a lighter note, at this same council, Saint Nicholas (the historical figure behind Santa Claus) punched a bishop in the face. The reason? The Arian controversy. This debate centered on the nature of Jesus Christ and His relationship to God the Father. It prompted the first Nicean meeting, creed, and memorable punch.

It’s was a hot time in the old town that night.

The Black Wool of Laodikeia and the White Garments of Revelation.

Shepherd and flock, outside of Laodikeia, Türkiye.

I shot this photo hanging out the window and thinking about the ancient message to the church of the area. In the first century, Laodikeia was famous for its textile production (among other things). Glossy, black, and soft fleece tunics from here were coveted around the Mediterranean world. (These outer wraps were nicknamed trimata, suggesting either "three-shades" or "three knits." Laodikeia itself was even known as Trimataria or "trimata-town"!).

Black Wool vs. White Garments

Not surprisingly, John of Patmos declared that the Laodikeians were not as well-covered as they thought themselves to be. He urged them to reconsider the source of their wealth and to trade in their iconic black shells for "white garments" (Gk, himatia). Read the critique for yourself in Revelation 3:14-22.

See Biblical Türkiye with Fresh Eyes

Interested in reading the Bible with fresh eyes? See biblical Türkiye and the ruins of Laodikea. We are headed back there this summer! For details, follow this link to the brochure.

For a complete list of planned excursions to Europe, Asia, and Africa, see our trip list here.

Pondering the Harbor Road, Ephesus

Try to imagine what the view from the Theater to the Harbor (area) looked like in the biblical period.

Harbor Road, connecting the harbor of Ephesus to the Great Theater, was the path used by sailors and kings to enter the city. Built in the Hellenistic period, the road was not just lined with columns, colonnades, and sculptures, it was also lit with 50 street lamps after dark. Innovative for the period, it was one of only three illuminated streets in the Mediterranean basin.

We'll be returning to Türkiye and Ephesus next summer, June 27-July 8, 2026. Price is $3,300 (land only) for 12 days of archaeological illumination. You won’t find a better experience for the price!

Surprise Snowstorms: Following History to Sardis & Laodicea

Map showing the locations of Laodicia and Sardis in snow during a winter study-tour in Türkiye.

The Winter They Didn't See Coming: Lessons from Laodicea and Sardis

I'll never forget a January tour to Türkiye about 20 years ago when we visited the site of Laodicia in a snowstorm. We operated as usual (note the map in the snow!) and our students were undeterred.

I am reminded of how Cyrus the Great surprised the Lydians by marching through the winter cold to Sardis. Croesus, the Lydian king, had disbanded his army for the season, as was the habit in those days. I guess the Persians didn't get the memo. They did take Sardis tho! The year? 547 BC.

Note: For more on the wintertime defeat of the Lydians, see Herodotus's Histories (I.79-81 and I.84) or Xenophon’s Cyropaedia (2.1.6 and 7.1.23-28).

Join Us in the Sun (Not the Snow!)

Fortunately, we won’t face those freezing challenges when we visit Sardis and Laodicea next summer. We are heading back to these incredible biblical and historical sites in 2026, and we would love for you to be part of the journey.

Tour Details:

  • Destinations: Key sites across Türkiye, including the Seven Churches of Revelation.

  • When: Summer 2026.

  • Full Itinerary: Download the Türkiye Program PDF here.

Will you join us for this once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity?

White Storks, Roman Ruins & Biblical History

The Storks of Ephesus: Where Ancient History Meets Natural Wonder

Here is a perfect intersection of interests: White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) nesting atop a Late Roman column in the heart of Ephesus.

For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed to this corner of Türkiye to pray, study classical history, and probe deep New Testament connections. Ephesus remains one of the most vital sites for understanding the world of the early church and the journeys of the Apostle Paul.

Nature’s Annual Pilgrimage

But pilgrims aren't the only ones drawn to these ruins. White Storks flock to Ephesus for the rich wetlands and balmy Mediterranean summers. Their migratory patterns are remarkably consistent:

  • Arrival: They touch down in mid-March, just as the spring wildflowers begin to bloom across the ruins.

  • Departure: They depart for their wintering grounds in Africa during August.

Whether you are a "birder" tracking the Ciconia ciconia or a history enthusiast walking the Marble Road, Ephesus offers a unique glimpse into both the mysterious past and the vibrant present.

Join Us in Ephesus in 2026

We have curated three distinct opportunities to experience the wonders of Western Türkiye next year. Whether you prefer the cool spring or the golden autumn, we have a seat for you:

  • Spring Expedition: Mid-March 2026 (Perfect for stork sightings!)

  • Summer Journey: Late June 2026

  • Autumn Pilgrimage: Late October 2026

For details on these and other curated journeys, consult our Bible Land Explorer trip list here.

Türkiye and the Early Church, 2026

Türkiye and the early church! Join us as we tour Istanbul and "the 7 churches of Asia Minor," June 27-July 8, 2026. This biblical archaeologist is teaming up with a dear friend and local (culinary) guide to offer a cultural-archeological-theological experience that you can savor. It's National Geographic quality at a Wal-Mart price! Inclusive land-only guided tour for only $3,300.

Find the link to the brochure by clicking here.

At a Crossroads

The site of Laodicea (Laodikea) is represented by remains found on a grassy ridge near the Lycus River in modern Türkiye. In the period of the NT it straddled a trade route and grew wealthy. Ongoing excavations here today offer testimony to the wealth of its generous patrons. Views in all directions suggests great fertility and beauty.

Laodicea is mentioned in the NT by the Apostles Paul (Col 4:13) and John. The latter includes it as one of the "Seven Churches of the Revelation" (Rev 3:14-22). Emphasis is placed on its admitted wealth: "You say, 'I am rich'; but the Spirit says "you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." Counsel is given to seek a different kind of company and a wealth that endures.

We will be visiting the site of Laodicea on our Mar 31-Apr 11, 2025 tour of "Türkiye and the Early Church." This unforgettable journey is priced to go. Check out the details.

Sunset on the Dardanelles

Known by several names, the Dardanelles, the Hellespont, or the Strait of Çanakkale is a narrow body of water separating Europe and Asia. It is narrow but deep and forms a part of a system of waterways connecting the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

History here is deep and colorful as well. The site of Troy guards the western end of the strait, Gallipoli watches the east end. Imagine the traveler Odysseus sailing in the stretch.

My favorite story of the spot, however, comes from the hand of Herodotus. The Persian king Xerxes built pontoon bridges here to invade Greece. When the bridges were destroyed by a storm, he had the water cursed, whipped, and branded. He must have shouted, "That'll learn ya" (or something similar!).

I chuckle at the thought as I sit under an ancient oak tree with my camera and watch this sunset.

Bible Land Explorers are returning to the Dardanelles and Türkiye March 31 - April 11, 2025, to investigate classical, biblical, and modern connections. I would love to have you join us. This special engagement promises to be full of wonder and is unmatched in price ($3,300 land-only). Click below for more details.

In Descent

The wild landscape of central Türkiye. Got this shot in descent from Mt Nimrut a couple of years ago.

Curiosity and faith propel us to interesting corners of the world. We are fascinated by expressions of faith and seek to experience places connected with the early Christian movement. Türkiye, or ancient Asia Minor, was a home and a destination for NT-era travelers such as Paul, John, Timothy, and others. We seek to identify with their perspective and values.

We are forming a group to return to Western Türkiye, March 31-April 11, 2025. We won't be climbing any mountains this go-around, but the landscapes and sites will be equally fascinating. Ephesus, Miletus, Istanbul, and Troy will be among our stops.

Land-only price is $3,300. That number covers everything but your souvenirs and your flight. Hotels and food will be exceptional, I promise. Join us!

In Descent from Mt Nimrut

The wild landscape of central Türkiye. Got this shot in descent from Mt Nimrut a couple of years ago.

Curiosity and faith propel us to interesting corners of the world. We are fascinated by expressions of faith and seek to experience places connected with the early Christian movement. Türkiye, or ancient Asia Minor, was a home and a destination for NT-era travelers such as Paul, John, Timothy, and others. We seek to identify with their perspective and values.

We are forming a group to return to Western Türkiye, March 31-April 11, 2025. We won't be climbing any mountains this go-around, but the landscapes and sites will be equally fascinating. Ephesus, Miletus, Istanbul, and Troy will be among our stops.

Land-only price is $3,300. That number covers everything but your souvenirs and your flight. Hotels and food will be exceptional, I promise. Join us!