Interfaith Turkey

Istanbul and Asia Minor have been a crossroads of peoples and faith communities over the centuries. The greatest centers of early Christianity were located in this region and most early ecumenical councils took place in what is today modern Turkey. Islam became the dominant religious faith later under the Ottoman Turks. The Ottomans offered hospitality and welcomed a sizeable group of Sephardic Jews who were forced to leave Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century.

Today, Istanbul boasts a unique religiously plural population - with Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish and Muslim communities. The seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, it is also the final resting place of the Prophet Mohammed's relics. It is an ideal venue for exploring the beliefs and practices of these communities, their common and distinct heritage, and ways they have fostered mutural respect, compassion and collaboration. Turkey is unique - a predominantly Muslim country modeled after European lay/secular systems where government and religion are separate. This provides an interesting context to explore not only interfaith relations but also address questions about the relationship between religion and society.

Illume hosts interfaith groups in Turkey. Some highlighed visits include Hagia Sophia (a basilica that became a mosque and is now a musuem, once the largest religious structure in the world), Sulemaniye Mosque with its charitable and educational institutions that took care of Muslims, Jews and Christians, the sumptuous Topkapi Palace, the historic synagogues of Ahrida, Haskoy and Hemdat that date back centuries, and Orthodox churches such as St. Savior in Chora and Mt. Mary of the Mongols.

In Istanbul, Illume facilitates interfaith dialogue and experiential activities with local Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups.

Visits to archaeological sites in Western Turkey underscore the shared heritage of Turkey. Venues include Ephesus (spectacular archaeological park and site of one of the original seven wonders of the ancient world - the Artemisia), Sardis (one of seven churches of John's Revelation and site of a beautiful ancient synagogue), Pergamon (one of the seven churches of John's Revelation and site of a hauntingly beautiful acropolis and an extensive Asklepion where ancient physicians practiced mind-body healing). Other important sites include Troy, Assos, Hierapolis, Aphrodisias and Miletus. Some groups wanting to explore Byzantine heritage include a visit to Cappadocia. In the summer months, there are nice cruises from Turkey to Greece stopping in Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini.

Email or contact us to learn more about how we can customize this program for your specific interests.