Christian Heritage · 5 sites
Far from the Aegean, the southeast of Turkey is home to some of the oldest Christian communities on earth. Syriac Christians still pray in Aramaic, the language of Jesus, in monasteries founded over 1,500 years ago, while on an island in Lake Van, a medieval Armenian church is carved with scenes from the Bible.
Plan your private tour5 sites
Founded in 397, Mor Gabriel is one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. Monks and students still live, study and pray in Aramaic within its honey-coloured walls. Walk its quiet courtyards and ancient chapels, and feel a living tradition that has never been broken.
Known as the Saffron Monastery for the warm colour of its stone, Deyrulzafaran was the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs for nearly eight hundred years. Set in the hills just outside Mardin, its vaulted chapels and centuries-old liturgy offer a rare glimpse into one of Christianity's oldest traditions.
Tucked into the stone lanes of old Mardin, Kırklar Church is dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and is still used by the city's Syriac Orthodox community. Its arched nave, carved stone and candlelit icons make it a moving stop on any walk through the old town.
A short boat ride across the blue waters of Lake Van brings you to Akdamar Island and its tenth-century Armenian church. Its outer walls are a stone picture book of the Bible. Look closely for Adam and Eve, David and Goliath and Jonah with the whale, carved more than a thousand years ago.
Around the shores of Lake Van, ruined monasteries, churches and medieval stonework recall the Armenian Christian communities who lived here for centuries. Explore with a guide who knows the region, and you discover a deeper and more varied picture of the faith in eastern Anatolia.
Let's plan your holiday
Tick the sites that inspire you, here or from any other theme, tell us how many of you are travelling and how long you have. We will write a private itinerary just for you and send it by email with a personal price.
Choose the places you would love to see, how many of you are travelling and for how long.
We write a private programme just for you and email it with a personal price.
Change anything you like. We refine the programme with you until it feels just right.
Christian Heritage
7 sitesThe Seven Churches of RevelationThe seven communities of the Book of Revelation, all in western Turkey.
4 sitesBiblical Sites & the Journeys of St PaulAntioch, Tarsus and Perge, on the roads of the apostles.
6 sitesSacred Churches & Pilgrimage SitesThe House of the Virgin Mary, St Nicholas and the churches of Istanbul.
7 sitesCappadocia's Rock-Cut Churches & MonasteriesPainted cave churches and monasteries carved into volcanic rock.
3 sitesAncient Councils & the Foundations of ChristianityNicaea, Ephesus and the places where Christian belief took shape.Ready when you are
Tell us which places you would like to see. We will design your private itinerary and send you a personal proposal.
Plan your trip