Biblical Field Studies in Turkey

Biblical Field Studies are funded study trips to biblical sites in Turkey for Bible scholars and teachers in the Majority World. The program is designed to equip Christian teachers and professors who work in the Majority World by introducing them to the geographical, historical, and social contexts of early Christianity. Biblical Field Studies are organized and funded by the Asia Minor Research Center, a US-based 501(c)3. Apply here.

Content: The program involves traveling to and learning at key biblical sites in western Turkey. Each training lasts about one week. The first day includes classroom teaching to introduce the concepts and prepare participants. The other days are spent exploring various biblical sites. Content is provided en route and on-site. The schedule is rather intensive, as a typical day includes multiple site visits and several hours of bus driving. The teaching emphasizes the geographic, historical, archaeological, political, and cultural context of first-century Asia Minor. This provides background to understand the history, literature, and mission of the early Church. Participants are provided learning workbooks and are expected to complete learning assignments throughout the study trip. Approximately 15 applicants are invited to join each year's study tour.

Instructors: The Biblical Field Studies are conducted by Drs. Jason Borges (Ph.D., Durham University) and/or Mark Wilson (D.Litt. et Phil., University of South Africa). They are American-born New Testament scholars who live in Antalya, Turkey, and direct the Asia Minor Research Center. The trip is coordinated through Tutku Tours, a leading tour agency for biblical and history tours throughout the Mediterranean.

Costs: Biblical Field Studies are fully funded and free for participants. The Asia Minor Research Center covers all expenses that occur in Turkey. This includes hotels (double or triple occupancy), three meals daily, transportation, entrance fees, a certified guide, and tips. The following costs are not included and must be covered by participants: airfare to/from Turkey, visa fees, and personal expenses.

Requirements: All applicants must meet the following qualifications:

You must reside in the Majority World (generally defined as Africa, Asia and Latin America). It is presumed any applicant is conversant in English.
You must be involved in teaching and/or research about early Christianity. The program is for teachers and scholars, preferably those with a doctorate degree in New Testament and teaching in an accredited institution. The program is not intended for missionaries, pastors, or students. Anyone is welcome to apply, but applicants will be selected based on the impact of their teaching roles.
You must pay for your own travel to/from Turkey. This includes getting your own tourist visa to enter Turkey (info for e-visa or visa from consulate). We regret that no funds are available to help with your travel, so please do not inquire. It is a requirement that each participant cover their own travel costs to/from Turkey.

Applicants: Prospective participants must complete the online application form. Both men and women are encouraged to apply. Anyone teaching in the Majority World, regardless of their passport country, is encouraged to apply. Preference is granted to applicants raised in the Majority World and teaching there. People from Western countries teaching in the Majority World will also be considered based on availability. Applicants will be evaluated primarily on teaching and academic prospects. The program aims to benefit scholars, professors, and teachers in academic settings.

The 2025 trip (June 11–18, 2025) will visit the sites related to the Seven Churches of Revelation and the Seven Ecumenical Councils. The focus is on Church History into late antiquity. Starting in Smyrna (modern Izmir), we visit Ephesus (and other churches of Revelation 2–3), spend a few days in Nicea (modern Iznik) to celebrate the 1700-year anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council (325 CE), then finish in Istanbul. Here is the itinerary:

June 11–arrival in Izmir. Sleep in Izmir.
June 12–Ephesus: ancient city, archaeology museum, St. John’s Church, 7 sleepers. Sleep in Izmir
June 13–Smyrna Agora, Sardis, Thyatira. Sleep in/near Bergama. (3 hrs drive)
June 14–Pergamon. Acropolis, amphitheater, Asklepion. Drive to Iznik (4 hrs). Sleep in Iznik
June 15–Iznik tour. Theater, museum, Hagia Sophia church, city street, east and north gate, obelisk, underwater basilica. Drive to Istanbul (2.5 hrs). Sleep in Istanbul.
June 16–Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Eirene, Archaeology Museum. Sleep in Istanbul.
June 17-Istanbul: morning lectures, afternoon Bosphorus boat tour. Sleep in Istanbul.
June 18–depart from Istanbul.

Past Programs:

2024 Galatia and Antioch (June 2024) focused on the book of Galatians and Paul's first missionary journey in Acts 13–14.
2023 Seven Churches and Asia (Dec 29, 2023–Jan 5, 2024) focused on the Seven Churches of Revelation and other important Pauline sites (e.g., Attalia, Perga, Colossae, Miletus).

Contact: Please direct any questions to Jason Borges (jasangborges@gmail.com). To get announcements about future Biblical Field Studies, subscribe to BiblicalTurkey.org’s blog.

Appication: Here is the application form. The deadline for applications is February 15. All applicants will be notified by March 1.