Developments in the scope of technology,without an exemption of all national boundaries, bring people close together. Since the discovery of writing, perheps 9.000 or 10.000 years ago, certain places in the world were the grounds for close contacts among different cultures, civilizations and religions.

The foundations of the various ancient civilizations' on the lands of Anatolia, the settlement of the disples during the first quarter of Christianity in Anatolia or that of Jewish people who were subjected to the policy of annihilation in their homelands during the Mediaeval Ages inevitably provided the Anatolian region to embody various synagogues and churches besides the Islamic works of arts belonging to the Turkish nations.

The fact that these works of art have attained to our times as a result of our nations' notion of respect and high esteem to other religions enable Turkey to gain an advantageous position among the other countries.

The evaluation of the interests of people to visit religious centers out of the consideration of regular fulfilments can be identified as Faith Tours in the scope of tourism phenomenon.

 

Saint Nicholas Church (Kale - Demre): Myra (Demre) is known as the place where Saint Nicholas, known as Santa Claus (Father Christmas) in Christianity world, had performed his duty as a bishop. Moreover the church was constructed during 6th century as a memorial to Saint Nicholas after his death.

Some remnants of Saint Nicholas tomb which has been stolen to Bari city by Italian sailors during the second half of our century are currently exhibited in the Antalya Museum. International Santa Claus (Father Christmas) Festival organized every year in Kale(Demre) and Kaş between December 6-8 turn into a symposium where foreigners have also participated in Antalya recently.

Aya Yorgi Church (Alanya): It is thought that the church within the Alanya Castle, was constructed by Byzantium during 6th century A. D.

 

Goncalı Church (Laodicia Church): Laodicia Antic City, which is six kilometers north of Denizli, is founded on the hills between the current location of Eskihisar and Goncalı Villages. It took its name from Selekoses King, Antiochos' II(250 B. C.) wife, Laodice, who was ruling the region. It was formerly known as Rhoas or Dios.

Two theaters, stadium, basilica, nymphaeum, temple, street with statues are monumental structures constructed during Roman age among the main ruins, which can be seen at the surface today.

The time when Laodicia had reached its highest wealth level coincided to the Roman and early Christianity period, and late Bizantium age. City was also improved as a therapy center at the same time due to the curing characteristics of hot water in city, which was coming from a foundation near Hierapolis.

As it is understood from the Holy Bible and other documents the natives of the city was totally indifferent to the new religion. First missionaries had believed that this behavior stemmed from their wealth, which prevented them to share. Laodicia was an important bishop center where Ecumenical Committee had met during 4th century A. D. In addition to this, its name is mentioned as one of the seven churches in revelation part of the last section of the Holy Bible. It means "Sound of Public" in Latin.

St. Philıppe Marytyrion (Ottogon, Pamukkale): It was constructed in the name of one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, St. Philippe, and on a high hill at the north of Hierapolis antique city center. St. Philippe had firstly come to Hierapolis in 80 A. D. and wanted to extend the believers of Christianity,however he had been killed at the place where Martyrion had been constructed. It is known that Martyrion was constructed in the memory of St. Philippe during the end of 4th century or at the beginning of 5th century. The grave of the St. Philippe is thought to be within this central chamber.

Hierapolis St. Cathedral: It is in the city center of Hierapolis, between Agora and Theater and north junction point of Column Street.

Church: Excavation of the church, which is approximately 150 m. away from the north of Hierapolis Theater, was performed during previous years. The church is dated to the 5th century with its rectangular plan.

 

 

İzmir Church (Center): It is said that İzmir Church, which is the second one of the seven churches mentioned in Holy Bible, means "Followed" and "Be Faithful". The period, when İzmir Church was important, is II. and III. Centuries A. D. Ruins of this church are mentioned as at Çeşmelik district, at the sameplace with St. Polikarp church by some archeologists and Christian religious writers.

Karataş Beth Israel Synagogue: The synagogue, which is on Mithat Paşa Boulvard, is witnessing marriage ceremonies with its last century particular Victoria style architecture.

House of Virgin Mary (İzmir- Selçuk): It is thought to be constructed during IV. Century A. D. Of this place, also named as "Panaya Kapulu" by Christians on 420 meters high Mount Bülbül which is nine kilometers away from Selçuk. On the niche part, which remembers an oven, precious heart of Jesus Christ is represented. Such before the crucifixion, Jesus Christ entrusted his mother to his friend and disciples.As St. Jean thought that to stay in Jerusalem would be dangerous for Virgin Mary after the curicifixion of Jesus Christ, he took her here. Though these rumours are confused with legends, there are evidances proving that these have great deals to do with reality. Having undertaken a sacred mission as to spread Christianity, St. Jean chose Efes as the biggest city of the era, and secluded Virgiv Mary at a hut in a wood of trees very close together on the skirts Bülbül Mountain because he did not want Virgin Mary to live in a place where idol worshippers would annoyed her.

Every day St. Jean secretly visited her and took to her food. It has been considered that Virgin Mary lived and died there when she was 101years old. Then St. Jean buried Virgin Mary again at this secret place which was unknown to anyone except himself. After Christinaity became world wide, a church with "Cross" like layout was constructed of this sacred place of Virgin Mary.
This house is declared as the holy place of Christianity by Papacy in 1967. A ceremony is organized here during the first Sunday of following 15th of August, and people, who came here become hadji.

St. Jean Basilica (İzmir-Selçuk): Perched on Ayasuluk hill, it was constructed by Byzantium Emperor Justinien as a dedcation to St. Jean in VI A.D. In the middle of the basilica, under the dome and at the eastern side of the grave of St. Jean which is lower than the ground level, there are the places of the priests. These structures are separeted from the church with their half squares. At the northern section of the cemetery, monograms of the Emperor Justinien and his wife were perched on a restored pedestals of a church decorated with the frescos of the paintings of the saints.

Bergama Church (İzmir-Bergama): It is among one of the seven churches mentioned in the Holy Bible and the location of which is known and the basilica known as "Red Courtyard"by the people of the Pergamum carries the meanings of "Serapien"( as it was devoted to the God Serapis) and "Where on earth or in heavens". After the death of Jesus Christ, it had a crucial postion in between the years 313-500.

 

Lower Church (Panayia Pirgiotissa Church-Fethiye): It is within Kaya village. Mostly standing church, is used until modern times. Original wings of the north gate, are still exhibiting in Fethiye Museum. Most parts of the Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples are protected.

Upper Church (Taxiarthis Church-Fethiye): It is in Kaya village. Its construction time is not definitely known, and thought to be constructed before lower church.

Ships Island Church (Fethiye): There are four big churches and various chapels among ruins of V. Century on Ships Island and Kaya Village. Two big churches at the peeks of the island and approximately 80 meters long tunnel, which binds the east direction church to each other, is composing a strange structural group. Japan declaration, which had performed a research within the region, is mentioning that this structural group is related with a special religious ceremony.