HOME
INVITATION
EPHESUS TOURS
ISTANBUL TOURS
CAPPADOCIA TOURS
SHORE EXCURSIONS
FOR CRUISE GUESTS
EPHESUS & KUSADASI
HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY
SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIAMINOR
ISTANBUL
TASTE OF TURKEY
SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS
TAILOR MADE TOURS
PRIVATE TOURS
REGULAR TOURS
SAILING TOURS
DAILY TOURS
MINI TOURS
BIBLICAL ANATOLIAN TOURS
JEWISH HERITAGE TOURS
STUDY TOURS
CAR RENTAL
PHOTO ALBUM
GUEST PAGE
CONTACT

Your Special Guide of The House of Virgin Mary & Ephesus Shore Excursions - Helliantus Anatolia Tours

EPHESUS KUSADASI & HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY SHORE EXCURSIONS
WELCOME

LINKS

www.houseofvirginmary.info
www.ephesuskusadasiguide.com
www.ephesusshoreexcursions.com

<< BACK


BIBLICAL ANATOLIAN TOURS

WHERE TO FIND THE BIBLICAL SITES OF TURKEY IN THE BIBLE

NOAH: THE FLOOD -
MOUNT ARARAT

Genesis 6:5
Genesis 6:11
Genesis 6:14
Genesis 8:4
Genesis 8:11

ADAM AND EVE -
GARDEN OF EDEN

Genesis 2:11
Genesis 2:9
Genesis 2:13

HITTITES

Genesis 10:15-20, 23:09-39
JDG 1:26
ISA 26:6
EZE 16:3

URARTU

GE 8:4
EZR 4:7
ISA 37:38

 

ABRAHAM

HARRAN Genesis 11:31
CANAAN Genesis 12:7
NIMROD Genesis 10:8
UR Genesis 11:28, NE 12:27

Cities

of the Book of Revelation

Ephesus
2: 1-7
Smyrna
2: 8 -11
Pergamum
2: 12-17
Thyatira
2: 18-29
Sardes
3: 1-6
Philadelphia
3: 7-13
Laodecia
3: 14-22
Event or Place
Reference in King James Version of the Bible
Paul was born in Taraus
Acts 21:39; 22:3
Cilician Gates Acts 15:41
Mysia Acts
16:7,8
Phrygia and Galatia
Acts 16:6
ANTIOCH AD ORONTOS
Acts 16:7
Iconium
Acts 14:1
Antioch (in Pisidia)
Acts 14:14
Lystra and Derbe
Acts 14:6
Patara Acts 21:1
Myra
Acts 27:5
Philemon
Philemon: 8
Colosse
Coll 1:2
Troas
Acts 16:8,11; 20:5,6; 2 Cor 2:12; 2 Tim 4:13
Assos
Acts 20:13,14
Troas
Acts 16:8,11; 20:5,6 ; 2 Cor 2:12; 2 Tim 4:13
Miletus
Acts 20:15, 17
Perga
Acts 13:13,14; 14:25
Ephesus Acts 18:19,21,24; 19:1,17,26,35; 20:16,17; 1 Cor 15:32; 16:8; Eph 1:1; 1 Tim 1:3; 2 Tim 1:18; 4:12; Rev 1:11; 2:1
Attalia Acts 14: 25

Three Days Mini-Seven Churches

Istanbul - Izmir - Pergamon - Thyatita - Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale - Laodicea - Aphrodisias and Ephesus

One Week Seven Churches of Asia Minor

Istanbul - Izmir - Pergamon - Thyatita - Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale - Laodicea - Aphrodisias and Ephesus

In the footsteps of St. Paul and St. John

Istanbul - Iznik(Nicaea) - Bursa - Alexandria - Troas - Assos - Pergamon - Ephesus - Laodicea - Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia - Istanbul

Cities of Ecumenical Counsils

Istanbul - Iznik(Nicaea) - Bursa - Izmir - Pergamon - Ephesus - Laodicea - Pamukkale

Sailing with St.Paul

Antalya - Perge - Aspendos - Finike - Andriake - Myra - Kekova - Kalkan - Patara - Xatos - Gemiler - Agalimani - Caunos - Loryma - Knidos - Bodrum - Istanbul

Click Here To REQUEST A TOUR & INFORMATION

SAILING WITH ST.PAUL

The Early Church and the Seven Churches of Asia Minor

Perge - Aspendos - Andriake - Myra - Simena - Teimussa - Kalka - Patara - Xantos - Gemiler - Caunos - Loryma - Knidos - Iasos - Miletus - Didyma - Halicarnasus/Bodrum - Epheus - Smyrna - Pergamum - Philadelphia - Sardis - Laodicea - Istanbul

Day-1 Home-Istanbul

Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport meet and drive to Htl.Welcome coctail,dinner and overnight.

Day-2 Istanbul

We visit Istanbul (Constantinople).The Byzantine Emperor Constantine elected to move the capital of the Roman Empire to the small trading colony of Byzantinium,which straddled the divine between Europe and Asia. He was crowned here in 330 A.D..The Empire was to last over 1100 years. Upon arrival, drive along the Sea of Marmara to the Sultan Ahmet Area (Old City).We will visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, and the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) the Church of Holly Visdom.In Its present from it was built during the reign of Justinian in the 6th century A.D.Also visit the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace before proceeding to the hotel, Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day-3 Istanbul

After breakfast ,We leave hotel to have short visit to famous Egyptian Spice Market and a Cruise along the Bosphorus and lunch and drive on land to visit the High Lights of Istanbul with Theodosius Walls, the Aqueduct and the Church of the Chora,with mosaics.Also Grand Bazaar will be visited. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day-4 ISTANBUL-ANTALYA-PERGE-ASPENDOS-FINIKE

Early Morning flight from Istanbul to Antalya ,ancient Attalia.Transfer to our hotel in Antalya and we drive to the ancient Roman city of Perge,the site where St.Paul preached. We will spent the time exploring this magnificent site with its massive Gate towers,Stadium,amphitheatre and agora.Perge was once a Bishopric. From Perge we continue to another classical site,the ancient city of Aspendos Its amphitheatre is the most magnificent in the world and can seat over 20. 000 spectators and its still used today. In the afternoon we drive along the shore of ancient Lycia,with dramatic scenery of the Taurus mountains, to Finike,where we embark our yachts. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day-5 FINIKE ANDRIAKE-MYRA

After breakfast on boards we sail to the ancient port of Andriake to explore Myra – Paul`s first landfal on his Journey to Rome –with its fine Roman theatre and world famous Lycian tombs. Visit the Byzantine Church of Saint Nicholas(Santa Claus),Bishop of Myra in the 4th century AD. Returning to the yachts we sail into the roadstead of Kekova,possibly the most beautiful and remote part of the Mediterranean coast. In the late afternoon we cross the the sound to the tiny hamlet of Kalekoy.Disembarking at the landing stage visit this fascinating Turkish village, site of the calssical town of Simena.Along its stepped streets are ancient blocks used as cafee seats.Lycian sarcophagies,marble colums at which fishing boats tie up.The dramatic citadel has Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman remains as well as a haunting Lycian necropolis. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day-6 KEKOVA AND KALKAN

A morning sailing around the islands and inlets of Kekova,including a visit to the Byzantine `sunken city` and the necropolis of ancient Telmussa.Sailing west to Kalkan,a small town and harbour,stopping en route for swimming, lunch and relaxation.Kalkan is a busy little port with plenty of shops and bars.Dinner and overnight on board in Kalkan.

Day-7 PATARA-AND XANTOS

Drive to the Xantos Valley, hearth of ancient Lycia.First we shall visit Patara,where Paul stopped on his third journey. Once a Roman city, its ruins rise above waving fields of wheat. After, we shall visit the remains of ancient Xantos,from which came the famous Nereid Monument now in the British Musseum.Xantos has a vast early Byzantine church and marble baptisery.We continue up the Xantos Valley and rejoin the yachts at Oludeniz for dinner and overnight on board.

Day-8 GEMILER AGALIMANI

We are moored in the lee of Island of Gemiler,the Byzantine town of St.Nicholas.This monastic community thrived between the fourth and seventh centuries AD,and though now in ruins a visit will conjure up the majesty of high Byzantine in the 5th and 6th centuriesAD.The island of Gemiler include no fewer than Byzantine churches, some with their apses still standing. An outstanding feature of Gemiler is the vaulted processional way linking the top of the island with a large ecclesiastical complex lower down. Overnight moored by the island of Gemiler.Sail to the bay of Fethiye,a most picturesque part of the Mediterranean, and arrive at the tiny inlet of Agalimani.Time for swimming or walking up the old Roman pack way to the explore the wildly-sited Roman city of Lydia sites include well preserved mausolea,and fort. Return to our yachts. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day-9 CAUNOS-EKINCIK

A morning sail west into ancient Caria brings to Ekincik.From here we shall take a river boat into the reed-fringed marshes of Dalyan river and visit the Roman city of Caunos.Walking from the landing stage, we see the well-preserved theatre,Hellenistic in origin and rebuilt in Roman times, the ancient harbor installations with statue bases and quayside Stoa,Byzantine churches and a vast Roman bath complex. Afterwards we continue up-river view the spectacular 4th century rock –cut temple of the Carian kings hewn out of the dramatic cliff-face, before returning to the vessel at Ekincik.dinner and overnight on board

Day-10 LORYMA

After breakfast we sail down to Loryma Peninsule whose mountains tops are guarded by impressive fortresses of Hellenistic age to the ancient inlet and harbour of Loryma.The harbour is overlooked by one of the finest Hellenistic forts in the ancient world, built most probobly by the Rhodians after resisting the siege of Demetrius Poliorcetes,son of Alexander`s successor Antigonus the One Eyed. There is much in the area of Loryma reminiscent of the time of Alexander and immediately afterwards,together with aspects of warfare in the changing Hellenistic world. Return to our gulet.Dinner and overnight on board.

Day-11 BODRUM

After breakfasts sail across the Ceramic Gulf to Bodrum,ancient Hallicarnassus was the capital of the Hecatomnid King Mausolus whose wife built the mausoleum in his honour around 350 BC.Afternoon at leisure to visit the remains of the ancient site of Hallicarnassos including the remains of Mausoleums (the Mausoleum) Satrap of Caria in the mid 4th century BC,which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The harbor is dominated by the Castle of St.Peter, built by the Knights of St.John of Jerusalem. The Crusaders town was called after this petronium,from which the modern Turkish name derives. Also you may wish to visit the Castle Museum -Under water Museum which houses an underwater archaeology museum. Overnight on board.

DAY-12 IASSOS

A morning sail to relaxing along the coast .After lunch sail sought to the ancient city of Iassos and moor in the Roman harbour.We walk in from the ancient harbor to visit remnants of the classical and Byzantine site of Iassos,beginning with its superb agora, in its present form in design. Being recently excavated, this colonnaded market place is still in good condition, on the one side of which is a well preserved bouleterion,or council chamber, of the polis of Iassos.The city was famous for its fish, then as now, and Alexander granted the city the use of `the little sea`, a vast inlet of the gulf. Atop the acropolis are the fragmentary remains of a beautifully situated theatre.Amid the remains of the market place are a number of interesting Byzantine churches. Dinner and overnight on board.Iassos has a typically Turkish Atmosphere and a delightful little village.

Day-13 MILETUS AND DIDYMA

Morning sail to Didyma–Akbuk where we disembark and check out after breafast to visit the cities of the ancient Gulf of Latmos, beginning with Miletos St.Paul sailed into Miletus on his return during his third journey, where he foretold his imprisonment before leaving for Jerusalem.Miletus was the scene of a famous sea battle of Alexandra's time. The Roman theatre is especially fine again gives a good impression of the city in St.Paul`s time.After Lunch, visit the sacred site of Didyma,an oracular temple to Apollo, almost as famous as Delphi and one of the largest temples ever constructed dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day-14 KUSADASI-PERGAMON

This morning after breakfast we drive via Ephesus, to Pergamum, another of the seven Churches, an ancient Hellenistic city renowned for ots wealth of Graeco-Roman remains. In Hellenistic times it was the rival of Ephesus in the field of commerce and of Alexandria in the field of learning and the arts.Pergamum was the city that invented Pergamen Paper(parchment) after Egypt cut off its supply. The city dates back to the Attalids who ruled during the height of artistic and scientific discoveries in the third and second centuries BC.On the citadel today the monumental foundations of the altar of Zeus remain as well as the Temple of Athena and spectacular theatre.There are also the remains of the great library of Pergamum which housed over 200.000 volums.Also visited is the Aesclepion ,the healing center where Galen practiced. Drive to Izmir for dinner and overnight in Izmir.

Day-15 SARDES-PAMUKKALE

After breakfast drive to Sardes ,the fourth of the Seven Churches. Sardis was a capital of the Lydian King Croesus, who obtained gold from from the near by river.The remains are well preserved here, with a famous gigantic temple of Artemis,alongside which is a Byzantine church. There is a superb reconstructed Gymnasium and a Synagogue. Continue driving to Alasehir ancient Philedelphia,another of the Seven Churches, before driving on to Laodicea,the sixth of Seven. The remains are quite evocative. On the cliffs above is Hierapolis was where St.Phillip was buried, and there is a Byzantine Church here with a martyrion.We then spent the rest of afternoon exploring the city of Pamukkale and its famous calcified terraces. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale.

Day-16 EPHESUS-KUSADASI

After breakfast drive the to magnificent site of Ephesus the old Greco-Roman city with its commercial and Stage Agora, Celsus Library, baths, temples and colonnaded streets, the great theatre where Demetrius harangued the the crowed against St.Paul are still in good conditions.

The last of the Seven Churches. After visiting the Mary's Church in Ephesus (Double Church),drive to House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last number of years. Lunch and drive to Basilica of St.Jhon drive back to htl in Kusadasi dinner and overnight.

Day-17 IZMIR-ISTANBUL HOME

Early morning breakfast and drive to Izmir Airport to fly Izmir-Istanbul and Home.

Click Here To REQUEST A TOUR & INFORMATION

 

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL AND ST. JOHN

Istanbul - Iznık - Bursa - Izmır - Ephesus - Laodıcea - Pamukkale - konya - cappadocia - Istanbul

Day-1 Home-ISTANBUL

Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport meet and drive to Htl.Welcome coctail,dinner and overnight.

Day-2 ISTANBUL

We visit Istanbul (Constantinople).The Byzantine Emperor Constantine elected to move the capital of the Roman Empire to the small trading colony of Byzantinium,which straddled the divine between Europe and Asia. He was crowned here in 330 A.D..The Empire was to last over 1100 years. Upon arrival, drive along the Sea of Marmara to the Sultan Ahmet Area (Old City).We will visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, and the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) the Church of Holly Visdom.In Its present from it was built during the reign of Justinian in the 6th century A.D.Also visit the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace before proceeding to the hotel, Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day-3 ISTANBUL

After breakfast, We leave hotel to have short visit to famous Egyptian Spice Market and a Cruise along the Bosphorus and lunch and drive on land to visit the High Lights of Istanbul with Theodosius Walls, the Aqueduct and the Church of the Chora, with mosaics.Also Grand Bazaar will be visited. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day-4 ISTANBUL - IZNIK - BURSA

Early Morning departure for Iznik - Nicaea where the two councils of Nicaea were ecumenical of the Christian church held in 325 and 787.we will have a nice ferry ride about 45mins on Marmara sea and arrive in Iznik , is one of the unique town with Christian heritage after Fourth Crusades captured Constantinople and created Latin Empire. The Byzantine Emperor fled to Iznik as Byzantine capital.

Iznik bears special importance in Christianity. We visit the Church of Hagia Sophia and the Nilufer Hatun Iznik Museum and drive to Bursa. dinner and overnight in Bursa.

Day-5 BURSA

After breafast will visit the Green Mosque and Green Tomb and Ulu Cami-Great Mosque, and Kozahan after lunch drive to Assos dinner and overnight in Asssos. After breakfast drive to Alexandraus Troas after v the visit drive to Pergamum visit Acropolis and Healing centre Aesclepion and drive to Izmir, dinner and overnight in Izmir.

Day 6 IZMIR - EPHESUS

After breakfast drive to Ephesus to visit ancient city of Ephesus with the magnificent remains of Ephesus including the Great Theatre where St. Paul preached, also visit The Basilica of St.John and the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last number of years with St John in Ephesus area. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day-7 KUSADASI - PATHMOS

In the morning after breakfast we sail to sacred island of Patmos where St.John the Divine, after he was exiled from Ephesus, wrote the Book of Revelation. will arrive at the harbour of Skala,than we walk up to the Chora.we visit the Monastery of St John,The museum here preserves some of the most important manuscript and religious collections found anywhere in the World.We will also visit the Monastery of Revelation built around the rock where John heard the voice of God. Sail back to Kusadasi by Ferryboat dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day-8 KUSADASI - LAODICEA - PAMUKKALE

Drive to Laodicea and visit ancient Laodicea and drive to Pamukkale-Hiearapolis visit St Philip church in Hiearapolis and enjoy the thermal pool in SPA htl at Pamukkale dinner and overnight at Pamukkale.

Day-9 PAMUKKALE - KONYA

Departure after breakfast drive to Konya ancient Ikonium we visit a church and the Mausoleum Mevlana ,founder of the sect.A sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.dinner and overnight in Konya.

Day-10 KONYA - CAPPADOCIA

We depart this mornig for the unique Cappadocia region.In the afternoon we visit underground city o9f Kaymakli and drive to our htl dinner and overnight in the area.

Day-11 CAPPADOCIA

We will have ful day visits of Goreme Open-air museum with all rock-cut churches, Ferry chimneys,Uchisar and Guvercinlik dinner and overnight in Cappadocia area.

Day-12 CAPPADOCIA-ISTANBUL

We return to Istanbul via Kayseri to Istanbul and flight home.

Click Here To REQUEST A TOUR & INFORMATION

 

IZNIK - NICAEA

Iznik is of of the most unique town in the World with fertile soil,natural beauty,historical and cultural heritage,production of all kinds of fresh produce,lakes and a world famous art of tile making,not to mention a pleasant climate.

It is understood that the city`s footprint on civillization can be Great, Antigonos Monophthalmos had reconstructed the city and named it `Antigonia` in accordance with the traditions of his era.After the death of Alexander,his generals Antigonos and Lysimakhos started to fight to rule the territory.Lysimakhos defeated Antigonos in 301 B.C. whereas he promptly named the city `Niceae` after his beloved wife.

Soon after this,the King of Bithynia,Zipotes,conquered Nicaea and made in his capital.During the Bithynian era,gold coins were minted in the city,gaining it the name of the `Golden City.` the Battle between the Roman Empire and Bithynian Kingdom lasted for most of the 3rd century B.C.In the end,the Roman Generals defeated the Bithynians and sieged the city.

In 259 A.D.,disaster struck when the Goths plundered the city.After his invasion,Rome had it rebuilt once again whereby they surrounded the city with nearly five kilometers of walls and 16 gates,four of which were main gates.Many of the monumental structures were destroyed in earthquakes that struck the area in the years 123 B.C., 358, 362 and respectively.Arab hordes en route to Constantinople besieged Niceae during the 7th century.Prior to this invasion,the city walls were strengthened and the Arabian troops were repelled.

The Roman Empire was divided into two Empire was then called Byzantine.Niceae was reconstructed during the Byzantine era whereas churches,aqueducts and cren were built.

The Seljuk Sultan,Alparslan Suleyman defeated the Byzantines at the battle of Malazgirt in the year 1071,whereas one of his commenders conquered the city in 1075.The city`s name was thereby changed to Iznik and it became the capital of the Seljuk Empire.

The first Crusades,who were commanded by Godfrey De Bouillon,assailed the city in 1079.The attact,which was supported by the Byzantines,lasted in 37 days.The Seljuks had to evacuate the city to prevent it from being pillaged.In 1204,the Fourth Crusades captured Constantinople and created the Latin Empire.The Byzantine Emperor fled to Iznik,declaring Byzantine as an Empire and Iznik as its capital.The walls were reinforced during his era.In addition,another front wall was built to protect the city.In the year 1261,Emperor Michael VII capotured Contantinople which beome the seat of the Byzantine Empire once again.

Ever since the founding of the Ottoman Empire in 1299,Iznik was one of the cities desired to be captured.It was conquered in 1331 by Sultan Orhan.After 234 years,was put under Turkish rule.Iznik was reconstructed,with several mosques,medreses(schools of theology),Turkish baths and caravanserai built particularly during Sultan Murat II and the Candarli family ear.Iznik had become on of the major stopovers and temporary quarters on the way from Istanbul to Anatolia cities for the Ottoman Army.Between the 14th-16th centurries,Iznik played an impotant role in the an advancement of Turkish cultural life.It became a cultural center where savants of Islam,Moslem theologians and poets were bropught up.During this period, eminent islam scientists thaught lessonsnIznik was then called `The Hometown of Eminenet Scientists`Iznik began to experience a decline after Istanbul was conqured imn 1453 and the subsequent sttttrengthening of Ottoman power over the rest of Anatolia.

Moroover,the Candarli family lost its prominence when Grand Vizier Candarli Kara Halil Pasha was beheaded in 1453.

Beginning in the 15th century,the rich and powerful failies of Iznik began migrating to Istanbul,whereas Iznik was practically abondoned losing its prosperity.

Today,Iznik is one of the unique cities in the world which integrateds the remains of the Roman,Byzantina,Seljuk and Ottoman monuments and historical sites.In this respec,Iznik has maintained its laboratory-like character with a combined architectural heritage.

Iznik is a touristic town 85kms from Bursa.ring 753sq km in area,It has a population of 50 000.

THE FIRST and SEVENTH EUCUMENICAL COUNCILS

Iznik bears special importance in Christianity.The 1st Council met in the Senate Palace in 325 A.D. with the participation of 218 bishops.There were two main issues discussed during this momentous assembly.The first one was that Christ was a humble man and not the son of the Almighty.This thesis was supported by Airus,a theologist from Alexandria,who found quite a lot of supporters though most bishops reacted againist this thesis.In the end,subsequent long drawn out debates dealt white the disssertation of Christ being the son of God gained approval.

The dates of Christian holidays and text comprising of 20 article known as Nicaea Edicts were put into effect subsequent to this Council.The 7th Council was also held in the Nicaea Hagia Sophia in 787 A.D. which put to end to the ban imposed on church icons.

THE ART OF TILE MAKING

During the 15th-17th centuries,Iznik tiles were widely used in Ottoman architecture as a decorative element and incredibly developed.These tiles were used in mosquesk,bathslibraries,pavillions and palaces.Iznik tiles were to have an significant impact upon Turkish architecture and decorative art.The beauty and magnifience of the buildings gained significance through the decorative embellishments utilized,augmenting the art value and esthetical beauty of the buildings gained significance through the decorative embellisment utilized,augmenting the art value and esthetical beauty of the stuctures.In additiond,bowls,plates,cups,teacups,oil lamps and mugs displayed in many of the major museums were made in the Iznik tile furnices.

According to The World renown Turkish Traveller Evliya Celebi,wrote in his book of travels that there were more than 300 tile furnice in 1648.

Due to the provailing economic crisis and a lack of state order,the decline of tile production had begun by the end of the 17th century,whereas one was not able to trace the footsteps of the tiles by th 18th century.

MONUMENTS OF IZNIK

The Roman Period: The Walls

The city walls surrounding iznik measures 4970 Meters in length and were built in the pentagon shape.They have four main and 12 secondary gates.The main gates are called Istanbul,Lefke,Yenisehir,and Gol.Four gates can be seen when you stand at the junction of the two main roads to thje city.Averaging 11-13 meters in height,the city walls have a total of 114 towers which were origionally round-andsquare-shaped.

The Palce of Senate: Presently known as Inciralti Sarayi,the Place was constracted on the shores of Iznik Lake durind the 4th century A.D.Decisions affecting Christianity were taken by the First Council,which convened under the roof of this palace.

The Monument of Bestas(Obelisk): This monumental tomb rises out of a vineyard which is stuated on the sside of old Roman Road,five kilometers from the city centre.

From the Greek inscriptions, it is understood that this tomb beloged to Cassius Philicus from 1st century A.D.The monument rieses on top of a pedestal shaped like rectancular prism.Five stones have been carved into triangular prism and placed on top of the rectangular basemThis monument stands 12 m,high and it is believed that Philicus was buired on one side of the monument.

The Antique Theater: The teatre is located on a large piece of land between Yenisehir Gate and the Lkae,and was constructed during the reign of Emperor Traianus by the Bithynian Consul Plinus between 98-117 A.D.Like the Side Teatre in Antalya it was built on Plain.This teatre is one of the unique monuments of its sort.This magnificent building rises,obove seven trapezoid vaults and 24 cradles,whereas the satge was decorated with marble frescos.

The Berber Rock: Situated on the soughteast slope of Abdulvahap Hill, east of Iznik,this rock is a monument tomb which was carved from asingle rock.It is a distinctive example of Hellenistic Era craftsmanship in Iznik.Known as 1Berber Rock` BY THE LOCALS THIS monumnet was built for Bithynian King Prusias II (185-149B.C.)

Docorative embellishments,molders and bas-relief designs were etched on the side of this rock.

Stone Bridge (Tas Kopru): This bridge is located to the west of Iznik 3kms outside Orhangazi.It was built during the Roman Era and is situated on the historical Silk Road.

MONUMENTS of the BYZANTINE ERA:

The Church of Hagia Sophia:This church is stuated in the exact centre of town two main roads meet at the junction of the four main gates.It was built in the Byzantine era during the 4th century A.D.The originakl stucture of the church was altered greatly as a result of the damage caused by the numerous earthques that have struck the region.The Ottoman Sultan Orhangazi converted the church into a mosque went through a major renovation by Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.The 7th century Eucumenical Council was held in this church in the year 787 (Sept.24-Oct.23).It is for this reason that the Hagia Sophia is important for Christian pilgrims.

HYPOGE:

Built in the 4th century A.D.,the Hypoge is and underground tomb located in the Hespekli Distirict of Elbeyli .Tyhe grave chamber is covered with a vault,whereas the ceiling and walls were docorated with colorful early CXhristian frescoes.Plant and geometric desgns and animal figures can be seen in these frescoes,which have maintained their artistic beauty as they were drawn with natural pigments.The Hypoge is a unique monument which shows Christian religious designs in conjuc tion with Byzantine artwork.

AQUEDUCTS:

The aqueducts are located on the east side of the Churcyh of Koimesis and erected during the 6th century.To enter this well-preserved monument,you have to take eleven stairs that led underground and near baptism pool shaped like cubic prismn.

Stones with inscriptions and figures in Greek and Hebrew were dismantled from other buildings and placed around the pool.

THE CHURCH OF KOIMESIS:

The church which is located on Mustafa Pasa Street in Yenimahalle was built in the eight century by Bishop Hyacinthhos.It was section of the Hyacinthos Monastery.Mosaics decorated the dome ND THE VAULTS.On the apse vault was a mosaic with a golden background of the Virgin Mary embracing Jesus Christ.On each side of this mosaic were four mosaics of angels dressed in emperor`s clothes.Another four mosaics consist of the for gospel writers showing the times they wrote their gospels.There were also some icons and paintings in the church.One of the paintings in the church.One of the paintings portrayed the meeting of council that was held in the year 325.The Church is almost completley demolished today.Only some parts of the foundation and floor mosaics remain.

THE CHURCH OF HYGIOS TRYPHONOS:

This church is situated on the left side of the AtaTURK Boulevard which enters though the Istanbul Gate.The Building technique and the cross shape plan of the church indicate that it was from 12th century Byzantine period.The ruins of the church had been found in the year 1946.Today only the remains of some walls and few floor mosaics exist.

Monuments From Ottoman Period:

The Green Mosque
The Nilufer Hatun Soup Kitchen The Iznik Museum
The Haci Ozbek Mosque
The Seyh Kutbettin Mosque and Tomb
The Esref-I Rumi Mosque and Tomb
The Mahmut Celebi Mosque
The Yakub Celebi Mosque and Tomb
The Mosque and the Bath-Hamam of Orhan Gazi
The Suleyman Pasha School of Theology
The Bath of Ismail Bey
The Bath of Murat II Haci Hamza Hamam
The Bath of Konak
The Tomb of Kyrgyz
The To,b of Sari Saltuk
The Tomb of Alaaddin-i Musri
The Tomb of Abdulvahap Sancaktari
The Tomb of Candarli Halil Hayrettin Pasha
The Tomb of Candarli Ibrahip Pasa
The Tomb of candarli Kara Halil Pasa
The Tomb of Esref Baba
The tomb of Ahiveyn Sultan - Afyon Sultan
Tho Tomb of the Moodies-Huysuzlar
Natural Landmarks
The Arab Mosque Namazgah
The Excavation Zone of the Iznik Ovens
Ministry of Culture and Tourism Brochure

Click Here To REQUEST A TOUR & INFORMATION

© 2006 HELLIANTUS ANATOLIA TOURS