Biblical Field Studies in Turkey

Biblical Field Studies are funded study trips to biblical sites in Turkey for Bible scholars and teachers in the Majority World. The program is designed to equip Christian teachers and professors who work in the Majority World by introducing them to the geographical, historical, and social contexts of early Christianity. Biblical Field Studies are organized and funded by the Asia Minor Research Center, a US-based 501(c)3. Apply here.

Content: The program involves traveling to and learning at key biblical sites in western Turkey. Each training lasts about one week. The first day includes classroom teaching to introduce the concepts and prepare participants. The other days are spent exploring various biblical sites. Content is provided en route and on-site. The schedule is rather intensive, as a typical day includes multiple site visits and several hours of bus driving. The teaching emphasizes the geographic, historical, archaeological, political, and cultural context of first-century Asia Minor. This provides background to understand the history, literature, and mission of the early Church. Participants are provided learning workbooks and are expected to complete learning assignments throughout the study trip. Approximately 15 applicants are invited to join each year's study tour.

Instructors: The Biblical Field Studies are conducted by Drs. Jason Borges (Ph.D., Durham University) and/or Mark Wilson (D.Litt. et Phil., University of South Africa). They are American-born New Testament scholars who live in Antalya, Turkey, and direct the Asia Minor Research Center. The trip is coordinated through Tutku Tours, a leading tour agency for biblical and historical tours throughout the Mediterranean.

Costs: Biblical Field Studies are fully funded and free for participants. The Asia Minor Research Center covers all expenses that occur in Turkey. This includes hotels (double or triple occupancy), three meals daily, transportation, entrance fees, a certified guide, and tips. The following costs are not included and must be covered by participants: airfare to/from Turkey, visa fees, and personal expenses.

Requirements: All applicants must meet the following qualifications:

You must reside in the Majority World (generally defined as Africa, Asia, and Latin America). It is presumed that any applicant is conversant in English.
You must be involved in teaching and/or research about early Christianity. The program is for teachers and scholars, preferably those with a doctorate degree in New Testament and teaching in an accredited institution. The program is not intended for missionaries, pastors, or students. Anyone is welcome to apply, but applicants will be selected based on the impact of their teaching roles.
You must pay for your own travel to/from Turkey. This includes getting your own tourist visa to enter Turkey (info for e-visa or visa from consulate). We regret that no funds are available to help with your travel, so please do not inquire. It is a requirement that each participant cover their own travel costs to/from Turkey.

Applicants: Prospective participants must complete the online application form. Both men and women are encouraged to apply. Anyone teaching in the Majority World, regardless of their passport country, is encouraged to apply. Preference is granted to applicants raised in the Majority World and teaching there. People from Western countries teaching in the Majority World will also be considered based on availability. Applicants will be evaluated primarily on teaching and academic prospects. The program aims to benefit scholars, professors, and teachers in academic settings.

The 2026 BFS trip (June 12–20) will visit sites related to the Seven Churches of Revelation and the Seven Ecumenical Councils. The focus is on Church History from the New Testament era into late antiquity. Starting in Antalya and ending in Istanbul, we'll visit (6 of) the seven churches of Revelation 2–3, the sites of all seven ecumenical councils (in Ephesus, Nicaea, and Constantinople), and additional spendid sites such as Perge, Attalea, Colossae, and Hierapolis. The tour is seven full days, with dedicated travel days on each end. Here is the itinerary:

June 12–Arrival in Antalya; welcome dinner.
June 13–Visit Perge and Attalea.
June 14–Drive to Lycus Valley; visit Colossae and Laodecia.
June 15–Morning visit to Hierapolis, then stops in Philadephia and Sardis.
June 16–All day in Ephesus, at the ancient site and St. John's Basilica, then the Smyrna agora.
June 17–Morning in Pergamon, then drive to Nicea (Iznik)
June 18–Visit Nicaea, then drive to Constantinople (Istanbul).
June 19–Visit the top sites in Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene; dinner celebration.
June 20–departure from Istanbul.

Past Programs:

2025 Seven Councils (June 2025) focused on the Seven Ecumenical Councils to celebrate the 1,700th-year anniversary of Nicea.
2024 Galatia and Antioch (June 2024) focused on the book of Galatians and Paul's first missionary journey in Acts 13–14.
2023 Seven Churches and Asia (Dec 29, 2023–Jan 5, 2024) focused on the Seven Churches of Revelation and other important Pauline sites (e.g., Attalia, Perga, Colossae, Miletus).

Contact: Please direct any questions to Jason Borges (jasangborges@gmail.com). To get announcements about future Biblical Field Studies, subscribe to BiblicalTurkey.org’s blog.

Appication: Here is the application form. The deadline for applications is February 15. All applicants will be notified by March 1.