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The possibility of a new wave of tourism appears very remote without encouragement from Western political, academic, and church interests. Through a kind of passive-aggressive neglect, the government denies access to all except those with insider connections. If I were a Muslim, I would be encouraged to go on Hajj to Mecca. But if Christians want to go to Nisibis, someone with a badge is standing in the path, saying, "Show me your invitation."

Eastern monasticism, music, liturgy and theology thrived here and spread to much of the remaining Christian world. These sites contain a precious heritage that belongs not just to the Turkish government. It belongs to Christians everywhere.

Thomas C. Oden is a CT executive editor. For more information on the area and on relief efforts, contact the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of the Western United States, 417 E. Fairmount Rd., Burbank, CA 91501.

Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

AllAboutTurkey.com has a page on the history of Christianity in the country.

The International Turkey Network has information on references to Turkish land in the Bible.

The 2002 International Religious Freedom Report for Turkey said that the Government imposes some restrictions on religious groups and on religious expression.

More Christianity Today articles on Turkey are available in our World Report archives.

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January 2003, Vol. 47, No. 1