While filming a supposed Iznik furnace, I discovered something unexpected. As I edited the video, I realized that something did not fit into the idea of a furnace….
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Walking the Ancient Ruins of Nicaea (Iznik, Türkiye)
2025 is 1700 years since the Nicene Creed was formed. The city of Nicaea offers many insights into the history of Christianity for those willing to seek them out. This tour will visit the key spots that tell the story of what happened since the time of the Nicene Creed. A good two-day visit will provide enough time to visit all the main ruins of this city. Here is my Google map walking tour.
Mark Wilson said, “The Modern name İznik is an abbreviated Turkish version of eis Nikaia.“[1]Biblical Turkey: A guide to the Jewish & Christian sites of Asia Minor, 2010. This phrase is the Latin for “into Nicaea.” Now, most people know this name (Iznik) as the location of famous Ottoman ceramics.
Council of 325
The Council of 325 decided many important theological issues, especially concerning the unity of the Trinity and the person of Jesus Christ. These early believers sought to define their understanding of Scripture by formulating doctrinal statements that would bring unity and focus to the church.[2]https://earlychurchtexts.com/public/creed_of_nicaea_325.htm There is still some debate on the location of the council meeting in a religious setting before moving to the Nicaea palace for greater space.
In my walking tour, I visit the Northern Walls, the Iznik Hagia Sophia, the Sunken (now partially exposed) Byzantine Basilica, and the Iznik Courtyard Museum. This page begins the write-ups, and please see my other blogs for more details.
The (Un-) Sunken Basilica of Neophantos
Youtube Exploration of this site:
Walking tour map of Ancient Nicea. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1s2OfrX7zySILIBLY98lQphorMbHQUzk&usp=sharing
Key Displays on Rudaki Street in Dushanbe
When ever I visit Tajikistan, I always enjoy a walk down Rudaki street. On and near this street are a few very interesting displays or monuments that every visitor should see.
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Something amiss – Cultural gone awry at Starbucks
Walking into Starbucks after our years in Central Asia, I knew something was amiss – the culture had gone awry. In language learning, we are taught to speak the language of those we have come to serve. Even culture anthropology says that “we should seek to understand another person’s beliefs and behaviors from the perspective of their culture rather than our own.”[1] https://pressbooks.pub/perspectives/chapter/the-culture-concept/ Yet, I had to learn a new language and culture at Starbucks.
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| ↑1 | https://pressbooks.pub/perspectives/chapter/the-culture-concept/ |
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Analyzing the Synagogue in Side, Pamphylia
As I delved into the Byzantine history of Side, I discovered that a recent archaeological dig found a synagogue. While navigating the streets of Side searching for this significant site, I received invaluable help from a Turkish man who guided me to its location. It’s important to note that the site is not well-marked, which adds to the challenge of finding it.
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Analyzing the 12 churches and chapels of Side, Pamphylia
In my research of the Side Ancient City and the maps of Archeology ruins, I have discovered at least 12 churches and chapels of Side. Many have remains today to show what existed before, but a few have limited ruins to show today. In most of the write-ups, three Basilicas dominate the discussions.
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