Christians visit ancient city in Turkey for pilgrimage

By Mustafa Unal Uysal

ISPARTA, Turkey (AA) - An ancient city, home to a Christian church, in western Turkey has attracted thousands of Christians in 2018, according to a Turkish academic.

Mehmet Ozhanli, an archeology professor at Isparta’s Suleyman Demirel University, said 15,000 Christians visited St. Paul Church in Pisidia Antiocheia ancient city in western Isparta province for pilgrimage this year.

Ozhanli, who also heads the excavation team, told Anadolu Agency that the excavations in the ancient city are continuing.

The construction of the church had started in 4th century A.D. and was completed in 6th century, he said.

In 325 A.D., Antiocheia was proclaimed as a center of pilgrimage in the first council of Christendom, Ozhanli added.

"When the excavations are over, here will be a place where pilgrims can come and worship comfortably.” He added: “The Christian community works to reveal the tourism potential of here.”