2237) Roots Of Christianity In Turkey

By: Ayhan Ozer

In antiquity, today’s Turkish land was the scene for many momentous events in the history of Christianity. The social, cultural and religious impacts of those incidents have shaped our world and left indelible marks that enriched the land it self as well.

The Christianity was made a state religion first time ever in today’s Istanbul, Turkey.

The Emperor “Constantine the Great” founded the Eastern Roman Empire, and on 330 A.D. he accepted Christianity, and accorded a status to it by declaring the Christianity the official religion of the realm. He made the city of Greek Byzantium (today’s Istanbul) its capital, and renamed it Constantinople.

In Jerusalem, a sect out of nowhere, peaceful and humble posed a quiet challenge to the all-powerful Roman emperors. The spiritual leader of this mission was Jesus Christ. During the early stage of this movement his followers were persecuted. Following his death, during the period between 29AD and 40AD the Roman persecutions of his disciples increased; therefore, they convened secretly in places chosen by the Apostles. Between 37 A.D. and 42 A.D. the Roman persecutions intensified, and the Apostles were forced to leave Jerusalem for more secure places. The Apostles Peter and his followers chose Antioch, today’s Antakya, a Turkish town on the Eastern Mediterranean which was once one of the great emporiums of the Hellenistic and Roman world. Those faithful Christians convened in a makeshift. . .



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