Day 2 Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Thyatira (modern Akhisar): One of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev 2:18-29), addressed as the “corrupt church.” Lydia, a seller of purple goods from Thyatira, was Paul’s first European convert (Acts 16:14). The message warns against tolerating false teaching (symbolized by “Jezebel”). 2 Kings 9:22, Revelation 2:20

We enjoyed an amazing breakfast at the Barcelo Hotel and then headed first to Tokkapi Palace. Lunch was a spectacular spread of Turkish delights. As we visit Anatolia as a region we learned that 97% of the area is modern Turkey and is Asia Minor. Today there are 86 million people in Turkey with about 16 million specifically in Istanbul also known in biblical times as Constantinople.

2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?.

Topkapı Palace, home to many Ottoman sultans (15th-19th century AD). Here, you will see the legacy of the Ottoman sultans, which includes the Imperial Treasury, gold objects, the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond, swords, vases, the sultans’ clothing, and war tools decorated with precious stones and diamonds.
Note: The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday; instead, visit the Archaeology Museum..

Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Saint Sophia), was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century A.D. Beautiful mosaics and frescoes depicting Christian icons and Byzantine Emperors will be on display.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Blue Mosque, which features six beautiful minarets. Built in the 17th century, it takes its name from more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles used for interior decoration.

Then, we will stroll the historic Hippodrome Square, which was used as a meeting place for chariot races during the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Grand Bazaar, which boasts over 4,000 shops filled with hidden treasures and authentic items