The land of Asia Minor, having been occupied by so many civilizations, still maintains their religious traces. One can observe the relics of the three monotheistic religions both in the countryside and in Istanbul.

Judaism

Judaism and the past of Asia Minor have been interwoven with each other. According to Genesis, Mount Ararat where Noah's Ark has landed is in Eastern Turkey. Abraham is believed to have been born in a cave in Urfa, Southeastern Turkey, and it is Harran where he lived around 18th century B.C. Through the Roman Empire Jews lived in Asia Minor.

One of the oldest synagogues of Jewish history is in Sardis, Western Turkey. Following the Eastern Roman Empire, the Ottomans followed a friendly policy with Jews, inviting them to come and settle on Ottoman lands when the Jews were expelled from Spain as the result of the inquisition in 1492. By the 16th century, there were 30.000 Jews living in Istanbul, nominating it as the most important Jewish congregation of Europe. During the Ottoman Empire, Jewish doctors outnumbered both the Christian and the Moslem ones in Istanbul.


Christianity

Today's Turkey has incredible amount of New Testament sites. Antioch, where the followers of Christ named themselves as Christians, is in Turkey. Hometown of Apostle Paul, Tarsus, and all the Seven Cities of the Revelations are all located on the peninsula of Asia Minor.

During the early days of Christianity, Province of Asia Minor of Roman Empire had largely populated cities like Ephesus, where Apostle Paul spent two years preaching the word of God. In fact, majority of Pauline Journeys took place in Asia Minor. Regions like Cappadocia have become important monastic centers for the education of Christian theology.

Islam

Turks, originating from Asia, started adopting Islam in 9th century A.D. Founding the Ottoman Empire and controlling the holy shrines of Islam, Ottomans became the leaders of the World of Islam. Consequently, they built impressive shrines, like Blue Mosque of Istanbul, tomb chambers, and theology institutions. In different cities of today's Turkey, especially in Istanbul, Bursa and Edirne, one can observe fantastic examples of Islamic architecture.