The Asia Minor Research Center is pleased to announce a new study program in Turkey for people in the Majority World!
Biblical Field Studies are funded study trips to biblical sites in Turkey for NT scholars and professors in the Majority World. The program is designed to equip Christian teachers working in the Majority World by introducing them to the geographical 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.
The program involves traveling to and learning at key biblical sites in western Turkey. Each training lasts about one week. The first day (or two) involves 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.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit https://www.biblicalturkey.org/biblicalfieldstudies.
The 2023 study tour has the following itinerary:
Arrive to Antalya (Dec 29, 2023). Free time in downtown ancient Attalia. Sleep in Antalya.
Introduction and Orientation. Morning lectures about the history, geography, and culture of first-century Asia Minor. Afternoon walking tour of historical Attalia. Sleep in Antalya.
Visit Perga, then drive to Lycus Valley and visit Colossae and Laodicea. Sleep in Pamukkale.
Visit Hierapolis in the morning, then drive to visit Philadelphia, Sardis, and Thyatira. Sleep in Soma (Ramada).
Morning Pergamum, then Smyrna agora. Sleep in Kuşadası.
Visit Priene, Miletus, and Didyma. Sleep in Kuşadası.
Visit Ephesus all day: ancient city, museum, and St. John’s church. Sleep in Izmir.
Depart from Izmir (Jan 5, 2024).