Turkey figures prominently into the backdrop of biblical history and the earliest church communities.
None of these places are holy sites. We’re not offering sacred pilgrimages. But, at the same time, we’d be remiss not to invite you to the deeply enriching experience of tasting and seeing the places the Bible describes to us. Throughout the Bible, God was pleased to work in real people, people who lived in real places, people who had to cross real terrain, people who spent their lives seeking to walk faithfully in real places that you can come and see.
Kieler Henry (MBA, University of Louisville; MA, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) has been helping pastor an English-speaking church in Izmir since 2018. He founded Enjoy Tours in 2021. A lifelong learner, he is currently pursuing a Master of Theology in Early Church History at Union School of Theology in Wales. He also enjoys being a tourist and has visited over three dozen countries, including a number of ancient sites in the biblical world. Kieler lives with his wife and three sons in Izmir, Turkey.
Metin is originally from Antioch (Acts 11-18). He moved to Tarsus (Acts 9-11) with his family when he started high school. After graduating with a degree in History of Anatolian Civilizations, he began to focus on Biblical History as a special interest.
Metin enjoys being a tour guide because of the enthusiasm of his guests. When he takes a group to a new place, he sees it from their perspective and discovers new things with them
Osman and his talented team are now producing exquisite handmade carpets using hand-spun wool and natural dyes. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of artisans and offers comprehensive training and support to young women in the intricate art of carpet weaving.
Osman has revitalized traditional Turkish carpet making, ensuring its survival in the twenty-first century while providing discerning customers with the opportunity to own a piece of Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
Serkan founded Cafe Friendzone in 2015. Driven by a passion for exceptional coffee, offering meticulously roasted beans from the finest sources.
Friendzone is committed to educating and empowering coffee enthusiasts through an extensive curriculum of workshops and training programs. These initiatives ensure that customers gain a deep appreciation for the art and science of specialty coffee, from cultivation to roasting and preparation.
Esra is a calligraphy artist who adorns plates and wood with intricate Turkish-themed designs. Each piece demonstrates her exceptional talent, as she creates custom calligraphy tailored to the client's preferences. With a careful eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the art form, Esra's creations are more than just decorative pieces; they are outstanding works of art that elevate any space they grace. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional Turkish aesthetics with calligraphic styles has made her work beloved by her customers.
Hazel is an expert in the ancient art of handcrafted parchment making. At her "Bergama Paper Parchment" studio in Bergama, Turkey, she continues a tradition that began thousands of years ago in the birthplace of parchment. Using skins sourced from local butchers and leather producers in the Pergamon region, Hazel prepares each hide using labor-intensive processes and ancient tools and methods, avoiding modern chemicals. Her parchments are authentic recreations of those used for biblical texts and early codices, connecting us to our common history. Hazel's craft upholds millennia-old techniques, right where parchment originated. Each piece exemplifies the beauty of artisanal skills passed down through generations.
We want to hear from you.
Enrich your insight. Enjoy your tour.
