Today we traveled to Pisidian Antioch, a city rich in history and of particular importance from the standpoint of Christianity. It was here that Paul first preached to the Gentiles (Acts 13:13-52). Along the way, we passed the fourth largest lake in Turkey, Lake Egirdir (also the second largest freshwater lake). We witnessed the beauty of the various fauna and fruit trees: poplars, fig trees, apple trees and orange trees, among many more.
The city is said traditionally to have been founded by Antiochus I from from the Seleucid Dynasty, one of the dynasties that resulted after the death of Alexander the Great along with four others. It was built from 281-261 B.C.. Emperor Augustus established the first and greatest military colony in Pisidia.The city is still being excavated. Interestingly enough, archaeologists now employ magnetic technology to see what is worth digging. All types of scientists also accompany archaeologists to add to the reservoir of knowledge of the city: botanists, geologists, biologists, etc. The two most interesting and important sites in Antioch were the Propylon, or the imperial cult statue which also contained the treasury, and the Great Basilica of St. Paul. Paul is said to have preached in the synagogue under the foundations of the Basilica. Both were once massive structures.
Besides the sites we have visited, we have also greatly the food. We often eat four course meals, the main course having been fish for quite a few days. For those unaccustomed with taking apart a fried fish, it has been a new and enjoyable experience. This is certainly a land abundant in all kinds of food. Ironically enough, the four things I eat/drink the least (salads, tea, bread, yogurt) I eat/drink at almost every meal. Their salads are incredibly varied, a far cry from the ice berg lettuce salads that I dislike. And who knew that yogurt could go well with so many different things? Every meal is accompanied by so many different colors and tastes, making eating a very enjoyable experience. My favorite course is dessert. The Turkish people really know how to eat, and especially how to eat dessert! My favorite so far is called "lokma," deep fried dough soaked in sugar syrup or honey and cinnamon. The city is said traditionally to have been founded by Antiochus I from from the Seleucid Dynasty, one of the dynasties that resulted after the death of Alexander the Great along with four others. It was built from 281-261 B.C.. Emperor Augustus established the first and greatest military colony in Pisidia.The city is still being excavated. Interestingly enough, archaeologists now employ magnetic technology to see what is worth digging. All types of scientists also accompany archaeologists to add to the reservoir of knowledge of the city: botanists, geologists, biologists, etc. The two most interesting and important sites in Antioch were the Propylon, or the imperial cult statue which also contained the treasury, and the Great Basilica of St. Paul. Paul is said to have preached in the synagogue under the foundations of the Basilica. Both were once massive structures.
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