On my many visits to this city, I love visiting this area because there are many cafes along the water. Also, walking up the Setüstü streets from the Anadolu Fortress will provide amazing views and lovely houses. On one of my recent visits, we found that the road ends up as a walking path, which provided a natural experience on this hillside. Here is the overview of my walking tour in this historic area.
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Catacombs, Crypts, and Converts: Early Christian Life in Naples
The New Testament does not explicitly mention Italy’s Naples, which in Greek would be called Neapolis. Yet Acts 16:11 mentions the name Neapolis, but that refers to the Greek city, modern Kavala, Greece, a port where Paul first brought the Gospel into Europe. However, the Bible in Acts 28:13-14 states that Paul landed at Puteoli, which is near to the port of Naples. His ship journey from Malta towards Rome stopped in the Bay of Naples for a few days. In this way, early Christianity in Naples links to the pages of Scripture.
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Were Zoroastrians in Tbilisi?
Persian armies conquered Tbilisi again and again, yet Georgia remained firmly Christian. Why? Did the Persians deliberately avoid converting the population to Zoroastrianism, seeking peaceful coexistence, or was the empire’s ancient faith reserved for its own administrators and elites? The ruins of Tbilisi’s Fire Temple point to a striking paradox: an imperial religion present at the heart of the city, yet never fully imposed. This tension reveals a complex encounter between power, faith, and cultural coexistence.
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A Visit and Questions about the Zetinburnu Mosaic Museum
What a treasure trove to visit, where the elephant in the room is never mentioned. The most valuable aspect of this museum is its free admission and its many beautiful mosaics. Among the wealth of write-ups, videos, and display features, these mosaics offer a delightful surprise: a collection of nearly 100 cross-like designs, each more intricate and fascinating than the last.
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Jvaris Mama Church with its Armenian and Georgian Churches
In the walled area of the Jvaris Mama complex sits two churches that source in two different orthodox churches. The Jvaris Mama is Georgian while the St. Mary Church is Armenian. The Georgian is active while the Armenian building sits as a hollow shell reserved for pigeons. Let’s explore this monastery complex.
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Hidden Crosses at the Kocaeli Archeology Museum
The Kocaeli Archeology Museum in Izmit provides insight into the significant Christian history of Nicomedia. Numerous crosses on pillars, monuments, and oil lamps demonstrate how the cross became a life-changing and worth-dying-for symbol.
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