Religious Tours in Turkey

As the historic capital of major Christian and Muslim empires, and a land where the world’s three monotheistic religions have long coexisted, Turkey has a rich cultural and religious heritage. Given the historical ties amongst different religions in this region, whatever one’s faith, visitors travelling through Turkey will find much to discover, with a plethora of superb mosques, churches and synagogues, including more than 200 practicing churches and 24 synagogues. The secular constitution of the Republic of Turkey guarantees freedom of worship and those of all faiths are welcomed – continuing in the Ottoman tradition of diversity and tolerance, where many different faiths lived in harmony.  In south-eastern Turkey, Sanliurfa is said to be the birthplace of Abraham, the patriarch of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The town draws visitors of all three faiths, particularly Muslims who revere Abraham as a prophet, to see the cave where Abraham is said to have been born and to the Hazreti Ibrahim Halilullah mosque complex built in his honour. In the surrounding region are other sites connected to Abraham, including the town of Harran, mentioned in the Book of Genesis.