Join Pauline scholars Robert Jewett, Mark Nanos, and Anders Runesson on a  unique tour focusing on Paul’s travels through Eastern Asia Minor, from Ankara and Pessinus of Galatia to Antioch of Psidia, Iconium, Derbe and Lystra, Cappadocia, Tarsus, and Antioch on the Orontes, offering special attention to cultural and faith dynamics and perspectives, ancient and modern. Between and at the sites, stimulating lectures and discussions will introduce religious and politico-economic dynamics of interest. We will discuss Roman imperialism, Hellenistic and indigenous cultures (including Celtic, Phrygian, Lydian), Diaspora Judaism, Cybele and other mystery religions, evil eye and envy within honor/shame systems, ancient travel, Greek rhetoric, Christian monasticism, Islamic mysticism, and of course, Paul’s letters and the communities to which he travelled and wrote. It will be a rich experience providing new insights into early Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and promoting respect between these faith traditions. EAM      - Eastern Asia Minor ITINERARY Day 1 Arrive in  Istanbul, transfer to the hotel by cab (instructions will be provided).. We will meet in the hotel lobby before the dinner for introductions and orientation to Istanbul.   Overnight in Istanbul Day 2 Early flight to Ankara, and visit the citadel of Roman “Ancyranum”, which was originally built by Hittites, restored and rebuilt by Romans, and turned into the most important stronghold of Roman Galatia. It also includes the old houses and the old market of the Ottoman “Angora.” Also visit the Ankara Museum and the rest of the Roman sites including the temple of Augustus with “Index Rerum Gestarum” and remnants of a huge Roman bath complex, which are all in the middle of the lively capital of modern Turkey. Overnight in Ankara Day 3 Drive and visit Gordion, the city and the tumulus of legendary King Midas. Drive to Pessinus, the metropolis of Galatia Secunda in the first century, and an important early Cybele cultic site. View the area to which Paul’s letter to the Galatians was probably directed. Overnight in Afyon Day 4   Drive and visit Pisidian Antioch, the city that Paul visited on each of his missionary journeys. See the triple-arched gateway, the Temple of Augustus, the aquaduct, the large bath, and the building tentatively identified as the synagogue. The ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch was reported to have begun in the synagogue (Acts13:14-43) and to have resulted in conversions “throughout the whole district” (Acts 13:49). Drive to Iconium where Paul met St. Thekla. Overnight in Konya Day 5 Visit the center of whirling dervishes, a mystical Islamic order founded by Rumi; drive and visit Derbe and Lystra (home of Paul’s friend and disciple Timothy). You will    experience an almost Biblical landscape. Drive to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia Day 6 Visit the extraordinary landscape created by three volcanoes and cave churches of early monastic orders. These churches are carved into tuffa rock and decorated with frescos from the 8th to 12th centuries. Visit and discuss the puzzles of underground cities. There will be an opportunity to shop at local craft workshops. Overnight in Cappadocia Day 7 Drive across the Taurus mountains through the Cilician gate towards Tarsus. The    geography itself makes clear why Paul used this route in his journeys north and west. Visit the remaining short section of the Roman road excavated at Tarsus and other parts of Turkey, and the excavation of ancient Tarsus in the center of the modern town. Drive to the church of St. Thekla. Overnight in Tarsus Day 8 Drive towards Antioch on the Orontes, en route visit the small Mosaic Museum of Misis depicting Noah’s Ark. After arrival, visit the wonderful Mosaic Museum of Antakya. Antioch was a most important missionary center for the spread of early Christianity.  Believers were first called “Christians” there (Acts 11: 19-26) and Paul and Barnabas set out from there on their first missionary journey.  Peter is believed to have lived there for some time. Overnight in Antakya Day 9 Visit the cave church of St. Peter. Drive and visit Seleucia Piera , the harbor from which Paul, Barnabas, and their companions departed on the “first missionary journey.” Visit the harbor and rock hewn monastery, tombs, and 220m.water tunnel built in 79 C.E.and the monastery of St. Simeon Stylite the younger. Overnight in Antakya Day 10     Drive back to  Adana airport catch an early flight to Istanbul, and  visit some of the important sites, or catch up with last bits of shopping . Overnight in Istanbul Day 11 Catch your international flight and journey back home. Price : $ 2080 US  for a minimum of 20 participants, and $2250 US for less than 20 participants.