The deep respect and tolerance, reflecting the traditional Anatolian lifestyle, have made it possible for the cultural heritage belonging to many old civilizations to reach our times. Some places in the world, without regard to political boundaries have been the meeting point of different cultures, different civilizations and different religions.
The development of primeval age civilizations in Anatolia, the migration of apostles and Jews, during the initial days of Christianity and medieval times respectively, because of the heavy pressure directed against them in the lands they used to live, has made it possible for many churches and synagogues to exist in Anatolia, in addition to and side by side with many other Islamic buildings.
In the Konak district of İzmir, places of workship belonging to the multitheistic belief system of the antiqueage, Judaism, Christianity and İslam stand within very short distances from one another. This togetherness displays the profound tolerance of İzmir and the Anatolian territory for all beliefs.
House of Virgin Mary - SelçukThe house of Virgin Mary, the holy mother of Christians, is located at Bülbül Hill. The holy place which is also named "Panaya Kapulu" by Christians is believed to have been built around 4th century BC, and was unearthed by the excavations carried on in 1891. The tomb of Virgin Mary is located on the southeastern skirts of Panayır Hill. Since many years, religious ceremonies take place at Panaya Kapulu at where the House of Virgin Mary is located, yearly at the 15th of August. In 1957, Pope has confirmed this is the House of Virgin Mary, announcing it as a place for pilgrimage for Christianity.
Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus had escrowed his mother to his friend and disciple, St. John. Deciding that remaining in Jerusalem was dangerous for Virgin Mary, St. John saved her to Bülbül Hill. Holy Virgin lived until the age of 101 at Bülbül Hill to where she was placed by St. John. Following the general acceptance of Christianity, a church was built at Bülbül Hill in the shape of a cross. St. John continued to live in Ephesus, and according to the belief he wrote the Bible here until his death. Open all week between 07:00 am - 06:00 pm.
St. John Basilica - Selçuk
The basilica built in the name of St. John during 6th century AD by Justinian, the Emperor of Byzantium, is located at Ayasuluk Hill. Towards the east of St. John's tomb which is located in the middle of the basilica and under the ground level, sections exist in which the priests used to live. These sections are separated from the church in a semicircular format. At the north of the cemetery area frescos depicting the saints are visible, and the monograms of Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora are carved at the imposts of the columns which were later restorated.
Seven Sleepers Church - Selçuk
The place at where the Seven Sleepers Church, believed to have been built during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, exhibits the view of a religious center. Four stories of this monumental building have been unearthed in the ongoing excavations; with an estimated 3 more stories still under ground. It is understood that this place was a monastery and the vestibules at the ground level were used for religion education.
According to the legend, before the acceptance of Christianity as a religion, 7 young people flee from the idolaters, and finding a haven here, they fall asleep, to wake up again in 200 years. When they wake up, they discover that Christianity is a known and accepted religion. It is believed that the 7 young people are buried here after their death, and a big structure was built to their name.
İsa Bey Mosque - Selçuk
The mosque located at the west hill of St. John Basilica at Ayasuluk Hill belongs to Seljuks. It has been built in 1375 by Aydınoğlu İsa Bey. Containing some important innovations not only for smaller communities, but also for Western Anatolian and 14th century, its design is a rare one for Anatolian Turkish Architecture. This mosque is a transition period construction between Seljuk and Ottoman eras.
Birgi - Ödemiş
Birgi is 9 kilometers from Ödemiş. The texture of the city contains some elite examples of Ottoman and Seljuk Architecture. This town is listed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The tomb and madrasah of İmam-ı Birgi'vi, Darül Hadis Madrasah, Güdük Minare Mescid, Ulu Cami Mosque and Aydınoğulları Tomb are located here.
Bergama Church - Bergama
This is the only church of which the location is known definitely, of the seven Biblical churches. Called "Red Courtyard" by the people of Bergama, this basilica is also called "Serapien" (It was built for the god called Serapis) and "Neither on the ground nor in the skies. The Church of Bergama has played an important role between the years 313 - 500 AD.
Beth Israel Synagogue - Konak
Located at 265 Mithat Paşa Street, Beth Israel Synagogue was built after an order written by Sultan Abdülhamit II to the Governor of İzmir, former Grand Vizier Kamil Paşa, in order to facilitate the religious chores of the Jews living at the neighborhood of Karataş. Built at a cost of 1200 golden lira, this synagogue is the largest one at İzmir. Today, our Jewish citizens hold their wedding ceremonies in this synagogue. The construction of the synagogue was started in 1905, and it was put into service in 1907.
Hisar Mosque - Konak
This mosque, built in the Kemeraltı-Hisarönü alley, is the largest mosque in İzmir. It is a single storie, monumental mosque. It has a large dome in the middle, and smaller ones around the circumference. The works inside the Hisar Mosque is among the most beautiful artifacts of Ottoman art.
İzmir Church - Çankaya
It is believed that this is the second biblical church, with a meaning of "follow" and "be loyal ". The era of importance for the Church of İzmir is between 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. Some archeologists and Christian religious writers have claimed that the remains of this church are located at the place of St. Polycarp at the neighborhood of Çankaya.