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 with 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 2027 BFS trip (June 6–13) 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 Izmir (ancient Smyrna) and ending in Istanbul (ancient Constantinople), we'll visit all of the seven churches of Revelation 2–3, the sites of all seven ecumenical councils (in Ephesus, Nicaea, and Constantinople), and additional sites such as Colossae, Hierapolis, and monuments in Istanbul. The tour is six full days, with dedicated travel days on each end. On the first four days, the BFS group will join Tutku's Global Smyrna Meeting to hear from fellow scholars, then from June 10 our group will have its own bus. Here is the detailed itinerary:

June 6 (Sun)–arrival, welcome orientation
June 7 (Mon)–lectures, Smyrna agora
June 8 (Tues)–Ephesus, drive to Lycus Valley, stay in Karahayit
June 9 (Wed)–Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis, stay in Karahayit
June 10 (Thur)–Philadelphia, Sardis, [separate from Tutku's GSM here] Thyatira, drive to Pergamon. Overnight in Bergama
June 11 (Fri)–Pergamon (acropolis and Red Hall), drive to Nicaea. Overnight in Iznik
June 12 (Sat)–Nicaea (underwater basilica, theater) and Istanbul (archaeology museum, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome). Overnight in Istanbul
June 13(Sun)–depart from IST.

Past Programs:

2026 Seven Churches and Seven Councils (June 2026) began in Antalya, visited the seven churches of Revelation, then Nicaea and Istanbul.
2025 Seven Councils (June 2025) focused on the Seven Ecumenical Councils to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of Nicaea.
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.

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