Greenhikes

visit my official website

2010-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Barnahor's family trip // Turkey Trans Taurus Mountains-river-canyon 10-18 August with Greenhikes Nature Tours

2009-08-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

I had a good week with Barnahor's family in Taurus Mountains Turkey. I saw strong family ties in this family.

I was a guide for them.But; I learnt a lot of things for my life by them. We walked, we had rafting, we walked in the canyons, we slept in the lovely village pensions and tasted naturel tastes...

If you ask me ; What is the life? I say: Life is that; enjoy and smile together that where are you.... :) (:

Greenhikes Kackar Mountains Turkey

2009-08-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

We are starting Kackar mountains trekking -hiking adventure tours- jeep safari...

Coming soon.../a new host in Kackar mountains with experiences taurus mountains and lycian way...

Greenhikes Nature Tours Turkey

Canyon-River-Lakes Tour

2009-08-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

For hot summer days;

Egidir lake- beysehir lake -koprucayi river rafting canoe-canyon walking-canyoneering in Turkey
lake river canyon tours-cano-rafting-sea and river kayak in Turkey

take a tour...

mu stafateke34@gmail.com

Family Nature Holidays in Turkey

2009-08-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

take a tour...

mustafateke34@gmail.com

Multi sport

2009-08-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Take a tour...

mustafateke34@gmail.com

Biking Holidays in Turkey

2009-08-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

take a tour...

mustafateke34@gmail.com

Hiking Tours in Turkey

2009-08-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

St Paul Trail Turkey

Hiking in St Paul Trail Turkey:

Highlights: Taurus Mountains-Egirdir Lake-Dedegol Mountains Koprucayi river-Karst Area-Koprulu Canyon National Park...
Duration : 7 Days
Grade : Moderate
Price : Feel free for contact :)

Taurus Mountains Turkey
Trans Taurus Mountains :

Highlights: Highest Plains(yaylas),Dedegol Mountains,Koprucayi River,ancient trails,mountain villages,streams Duration:8 Days Grade: Moderate Price: Feel free for contact

Lycian Way Turkey

Hiking & Trekking in Lycian Way:

Highlights:Mediterranean Sea,Babadag Mountain,Butterfly valley, Seaside villages , Saklikent Canyon walking Duration: 7 days Grade: Easy Price:Feel free for contact

2009 Greenhikes Turkey Outdoor Organisations

2009-08-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

My services: (Greenhikes Outdoor Organisations)

Hiking-trekking in Lycian Way (Turkey-Antalya-Fethiye)
Hiking -trekking in St Paul Trail (Turkey Trans Taurus Mountains)
Canyoneering -canyon walking -canyon trips in Turkey Antalya
Village homes-bungalows-village pensions accommodation in Turkey
Mountain Bike- Outdoor Sports Organisation
Rafting-sea-river kayak -kano in Turkey-river-spring tours-village cultures tours

Take a tour packet - offer -program table...

contact: mustafateke34@gmail.com

Canyon Turkey-Canyoneering in Turkey-Canyon Walking

2009-08-04T03:51:00.000-07:00

Greenhikes Multisport Activities-Canyon walking in Turkey-Canyonnering in Turkey

Who said ,you can not walk in the summer hot? We know a best way for hot wheather times.Walking in the river canyons Turkey. For big canyons also, we have experince canyon-guides.

And we have canyons that you can walk and pass with your kids and family or friends... We arrenge airport transfers-accommodation at river pensions and village homes and local tastes...

Now; discover Turkey area-Taurus Mountains canyons...We arrenge black sea canyons guide... Popular Canyons: Valla Canyon-Horma Canyon Kastamonu-Koprulu canyon-Degirmenozu Manavgat Antalya-Goynuk Canyon Kemer Canyon-Kasimlar(Isparta)-Koprucayi and Koprulu Canyon National Park's canyons...

Let's do that....

mustafateke34@gmail.com

phone = +905352665386 Antalya/ Turkey

Turkey Nature Tours Antalya Destinations//Trans Taurus Mountains

2008-11-15T03:03:00.000-08:00

2009 august-september-october trekking hiking tours in Turkey Lycian Way-st paul Trail Turkey

Walking trails-white water rafting-Village Tours-Camping-fishing-Bike tour-Jeep safari-Turkish Bath-Turkish kitchen Organic food-Ecological life Studies
Trekking-Hiking-Abseiling-CanyonAntalya-Degirmenozu Village Cappadocia-Goreme Tours

http://www.greenhikes.com
(My official website)
St paul trail tours-Egirdir Lake-Spring tours in Turkey- Village tours -Lycian Way 2009-Cappadocia Tours Turkey

Turkey photo and trekking village tours in greenhikes valley...
pls.contact for details
mustafateke34@gmail.com

2009 Turkey Trekking Tours - Rafting

2008-10-23T23:34:00.001-07:00

Greenhikes- yeşil yürüyüş
What is your holiday-travel plans for Passover holiday(Moses's walking)? 201o April Time
Let's do plan about your Turkey trekking and nature holiday...

If you want we can consider meals according to Kosher.

Feel free for contact...

mustafateke34@gmail.com

Our programs for you...

2008-09-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

WHICH TIME DOU YOU WAIT FOR DISCOVERING YOURSELF ?

What is your nature choose?

1) St Paul Trail trekking (a)1 week-b)two days-C)three days or your choose)

2)Canyoneering ; three days from kasimlar to değirmenözü village 13 km.

3)Canyoonering; 1,5 km historical canyon with a stone tomb.

4)Highest plains trekking and camping; old wells, shepherd stone houses,herbals and wild life watching

5)Caves and spring water, Roman , Helen water channels tour-village tour, Turkey

6)Discover Turkish village and otantic culture,Turkish kitchen,organic vegetables and fruits

7)Survival and ecological life studies...

8)Work and holiday in a village Turkey

Mustafa Teke/ Manager/ student of İstanbul University History Department

contact: mustafateke34@gmail.com

Antalya -Manavgat Değirmenözü Village-Köyü/Turkey-Türkiye

Translate to your language

2008-09-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

First Baby Trekker On St Paul Trail Turkey

2008-05-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

Baby Yael From Israel

and her family

We walk from Beşkonak to selge

Selge to Chaltepe

Değirmenözü(two days rest)

Kesme to Kasımlar

Eğirdir(one day rest)

Davraz to Kasnak Forest

Sotçular to Çandır

(One week)

Reservation-contact

2008-05-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

Mustafa Teke

phone: +90 0535 266 53 86

mustafateke34@gmail.com
mustafateke34@hotmail.com

Antalya-Turkey

My program

2008-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

I will be in Istanbul/ Turkey between 19-26 June
---for some meetings and visit

pls. send an e-mail for tours and projects
mustafateke34@gmail.com

About me

2008-05-21T03:47:00.001-07:00

Hi...

I m Mustafa from Antalya-Turkey.I m attending in İstanbul University History Department.I like nature and outdoor life.I m interested about ecological and organic life studyings.
I m walking with alot of people.I like meeting with different cultures-different faces.

I m guideman for nature and a friend for Turkey's visitors.

Come and join this adventures...

Mustafa
---------
mustafateke34@gmail.com
Greenhikes Turkey Guideman

Guestbook

2008-05-21T03:38:00.000-07:00

Trekist KAD-Kanyon Araştırmaları Derneği Ekibine teşekkürler
Trekist KAD-Kanyon Araştırmaları Derneği Ekibine teşekkürlerTrekist Kad(Kanyon araştırma derneği) ne teşekkür/AntalyaTazı kanyonu-faaliyeti trekist kanyon ekibinin Antalya Manavgat orman yangınında yardıma koşması.Trekist Tazı Kanyon ekibi ile önceden irtibat kurup,lokal lojistik imkanları hazırlamaktayım.Bugün (02 Ağustos Cumartesi) Trekist ekibi ile Antalya da buluştuk.Yüz yüze tanışma ve bir çay faslından sonra malzemeleri önceden belirlediğimiz dolmuşa yükledik ve yola koyulduk.Sizinden net ve televizyondan takip ettiğiniz Üzere Antalya(manavgat-serik Bölgesi) son zamanda karşılaşılan büyük bir yangın altında.tazı kanyonu da bu bölgede yer alıyor.Poyraz ve rüzgarın kararsız yer değişimleri sonucu yangın birçok yere sıçradı.Bu da kanyonun yangın dumanı ile dolmasına kadar birçok tehdit oluşturdu.Trekist ekibi ile birlikte yangın bölgesine ardından yangın kriz masasına gittik.orman bakanı,vali,kaymakam ortak basın toplantısı yaptılar.Kaymakam bey ile konuştuk.Yolun açıldığını ve Kanyonun yukarısındaki Değirmenözü köyüne gidebileceğimizi söyledi. teşekkür edip tekrar yola çıktık.Belli bir mesafe ilerledikten sonra rotamızın dumanlarla kaplı olduğunu veyolun iki tarfının da alevlerle kaplı olduğunu gördük.Dönmekten başka bir çaremiz yoktu... (geri dönüşe)Serik e doğru yola çıktık.Herkes suskundu.çam ağaçlarının yanma sesleri,yol kenarlarında yangından kurtarılan eşya yüklü kamyonetler ve yol kenarlarında umutsuz bekleyen yangını ellerindeki ağaç dalları ile söndürmeye çalışan insanlar vardı.Ve şimdi bile bu manzaraların binlercesi tekrarlanmakta... Trekist kanyon ekibine buradan teşekkür ediyorum.Kanyon faaliyetini bir tarafaa bırakıp yangını söndürme ve bu konularda yardım etmek için fırsat kolladılar.Bunu oradaki en yüksek rütbedeki insanlara ilettiler.İstanbul un da bir grubun spor-aktivite amaçlı gelip yangına karşı yardımda bulunmak istemesi hem bölge amirleri hem de insanlar tarafından takdir edildi...Yakın zamanda tekrar görüşmek dileği ile...Mustafa Teke /Antalya trekist doğa sporları web sitesi: http://www.trekist.com/tags: yangın-trekist-manavgat-serik yangını-orman yangını-trekist yardım-trekist antalya yangını-trekist grubu yangın alanı

My Guests

2008-05-21T03:29:00.000-07:00

Barnahor's Family from Israel (Ronen-Nirit-Yuval-Tal-İtai-Niv)
11-18 August Trans taurus Mountains-river-Canyon -rafting-Cirali

Trekist Sıradisi etkinlikler grub (kad )Kanyon araştırmaları derneği// Köprülü kanyon tazı kanyonu Geçişi /canyon searchers group trekist-kad July/2009

Canyoneering in Turkey Antalya Taurus Mountains_Turkey Canyonerering Association

Mickey Gutman and Routee from Israel/ St Paul Trail Turkey 2009 April 2009

Frederik From Belgium(During Our Turkey Taurus Mountain trip with ma'ayan) Hadar-Eran-MA'ayan(Israilian)-Me and Frederik
Baby Ma'ayan From Israel
Danny Carruthers Bo'ness from Scotland /Billy's father
Billy Watson/He is from Scotland and living in Antalya/Tr

Ankara BİLKENT UNIVERSITY Proffesor.M.Nakip
Mr. Kalac from TURKEY
KYLA FISCHER/FROM CANADA

PHILIP MEES/FROM CANADA

VILLAGE BREAKFAST/KYLA FISCHER

MUZAFFER/ BOLU TURKEY

Camping breakfast /group FROM TURKEY

AVISHAI AND TALLY/FROM ISRAEL

BABY YAEL /FROM ISRAEL

BABY YAEL AND ME

ME AND PHILIP /FROM GERMANY

ALEXANDER RETSOH-PHILIP ROHRBACHER

NECİP DURANOĞLU/FROM TURKEY

CAROL PALECKİ /FROM AMERİCA

RAN SHIPPERMAN AND DALIT COHEN /FROM ISRAEL

LEON BERGMAN/FROM NORWAY/LIVING IN TURKEY

BILLY WATSON/FROM SCOTLAND/LIVING IN TURKEY

HALİM YILMAZ /DOCTOR/VAN FROM TURKEY

Motorbike adventurist

Our Lodges - Accommodations

2008-05-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkındaki konaklama mekanımız
Greenhikes Nature Tours Partner Lodge in the Koprulu Canyon National Park
Highlights: Taurus Mountains Antalya-River-St paul Trail-Rafting place-Canyons-Selge Ancient city-small Cappadocia

My village Değirmenözü

2008-05-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

Köprüçayı - River-Eurymedon Değirmenözü Köyü Taurus Mountain
Manavgat Değirmenözü Köyü Turkey-Climbing
St Paul Trail Turkey Village shop Değirmenözü
Spring Water Antalya Manavgat Değirmenözü Köyü Marıngözü
Antalya Manavgat Değirmenözü Köyü Turkey Canyon

Antalya-Turkey Canyon
Village and Corn Field pomegranate trees
Village Homes
İnterview Canyon Antalya Değirmenözü
Boğazkavak Değirmenözü Köyü Manavgat Antalya Camping Place Turkey

Spring Water Değirmenözü Köyü Antalya Kaynak Suyu
Camping Green Area Değirmenözü Village
Over Canyon and Taurus Mountain
My grandfather and Friend over The Village Antalya Değirmenözü village

Kaçkar Trail

2008-05-21T01:21:00.001-07:00

Good choose for summer season...

History and culture
The Ka çkar mountains have a long and fascinating history. In legend, Jason and his Argonauts sailed by the Kaçkar in their search for the Golden Fleece. The ancient Greeks colonised the foothills on the Black Sea side of the range in the 8th century BC. In 401 BC the Athenian general Xenophon marched his 10,000 troops over the mountains following their retreat from Mesopotamia. Known historically as the Pontic Alps, the Kaçkar were on the fringes of first the Roman, then the Byzantine, empires. Christian Armenians settled in the area, as did their co-religionists from Georgia. The Georgian heritage includes some wonderful medieval churches, the Armenians have left some fine domestic houses and remnants of religious architecture. The Turks arrived in Anatolia in the 11th century, but it wasn’t until the 15th century that the Ottomans succeeded in imposing Turkish rule around the Kaçkar. The area's ethnic mix reflects its history, with Turks, Armenians, Georgians, Greeks, Hemşin and Laz all living in the area until 20th century nationalism upset the natural balance.It wasn’t until the 19th century that travellers from Europe ‘discovered’ these beautiful mountains, with the formidable Victorian traveller Isabella Bird recording her impressions of crossing the range thus:
I was astonished with the magnificence of the scenery, and with the vast pine forests which clothe the mountainsides… an uplifted snow world of ceaseless surprises under a blue sky full of light make one fancy oneself in Switzerland, till a long train of decorated camels or a turbanned party of armed travellers dissipates the dream.
The camels and turbans have long gone. The mountains, fortunately, remain - and the Kaçkar’s alpine beauty is sublime.The routes
The book contains 32 walking or trekking routes, ranging from a few hours to several days. Some cross high passes, but there are other, lower routes which you can do before the main passes are open. All routes have waypoints, altitude diagram, and clear walking notes. We give times but not distances. The routes are clearly marked on the colour, waterproofed map that comes with the book.The routes are based on five different start points; three on the south and two on the north of the main range. You can combine routes to make about 30 days trekking.
When to comeFor trekking in the alpine zone, the best season is from late June through to the middle of September. At the moment the vast majority of trekkers come in July and August. In these two months the highest pastures are inhabited by the local people, the weather is (usually) warm and days are long. If you are familiar with walking in snow and (possibly) ice early spring is a possibility. Late autumn is also possible, but the days are shortening and evenings especially becoming much cooler. For treks below the alpine zone, the season runs from April through to October. Be warned, the Kaçkar are subject to real mountain weather – mist, rain, wind, sleet, hail etc – particularly on the northern, Black Sea facing side of the mountains.
Highlights
Flowers - from snowmelt rarities to meadows of orchids, campanulas and vetches
Butterflies - masses of fritillaries, blues and apollos
Bears, mountain goats, ibex, wolves, deer still haunt the ranges
Mountain lakes - ice-topped until July - and sparkling streams
Climb Kaçkar - Turkey's 4th highest peak
Eat muhlama (hot cheese fondue) with local corn bread
Splendid 10th century Georgian churches and tiny chapels in superb settings
Camp in flower-studded campsites remote from civilisation
Pastoral life - summer yaylas, sturdy mezra houses, the hay harvest
The Firtina (storm) river - and the Çoruh - Turkey's wildest white water

Kaçkar info
by; Kate Clow's websiteTransport to and around the KaçkarBy airIstanbul is the logical entry point to Turkey. From here there are regular internal flights to both Trabzon and Erzerum, the gateway cities to the Kaçkar, in northeast Turkey. The national carrier, Turkish Airlines / Turk Hava Yollari (THY) has the most frequent flights, but there are many private carriers now flying the 2 routes – particularly to Trabzon. Israeli trekkers may find budget charters to Antalya, which connect with scheduled Sunexpress or Pegasus flights to either Trabzon or Erzurum. A look at the websites of the airlines shown below will tell you which carriers fly to Trabzon and/or Erzurum from Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and other Turkish cities all have English-language websites and offer online and/or phone booking:Turkish Airlines - http://www.thy.com/Atlas Jet - http://www.atlasjet.com/Onur Air - http://www.onurair.com.tr/Sunexpress - http://www.sunexpress.com.tr/ or http://www.sunexpress.de/Fly Air - http://www.flyair.com.tr/Pegasus - http://www.flypgs.com/Getting to the region by bus or trainThe bus ride from Istanbul to either Trabzon or Erzurum takes around 18 hrs and from Antalya about the same. Travel by road has the advantage of allowing you to see something of the country en route and is a little cheaper. The coaches are modern and comfortable and tea, coffee and cake are served on board. The price of a ticket on the best bus companies is around 2/3 of the price of the cheapest tickets on budget airlines. Buy tickets from city centre bus offices: they usually provide a service minibus to take you to the otogar/bus station.If time is not crucial (allow at least 35 hrs), the cheapest way to reach Erzurum is by train. TCDD (Turkish State Railways) is not known for its speed but a train journey will allow you to see a lot of the country (the lines in Turkey are very circuitous) and meet the locals. Check out the TCDD website or phone +90 216 336 0475 or 2063 or use one of the agencies listed on the website under Acentalar.Getting to the southern trailheads - Yusufeli, Tekkale, Barhal and YaylalarErzurum – Yusufeli: Minibuses from the Gölbaşı Semt Garajı, 3 daily taking 3 hrs. Yusufeli – Barhal: Minibuses run from the Yusufeli otogar 2/3 daily in season taking 2 hrs.Yusufeli – Yaylalar: Minibuses run from the Yusufeli otogar. 2 daily in season taking 3 hrs.Yusufeli – Tekkale: Minibuses - several daily from the otogar. Tekkale is only 7 km from Yusufeli.Erzurum airport – Yusufeli: Taxi - $100Getting to the northern trailheads - Ayder, Yukarı Kavron, Çat and ElevitTrabzon – Pazar: Buses half-hourly from opposite the airport taking 1.5 hrs Pazar - Çamlihemsin – Ayder: 4/5 daily in season taking 2 hrs.Çamlihemsin - Ayder. Minibuses very frequent in summer taking twenty mins. Çamlihemsin - Çat - Elevit – Tirovit: Minibuses run early but unreliably (they start in Pazar).Ayder - Kaler Düzü - Yukarı Kavron: Minibuses run frequently from 9am onwardsPazar – Avusor: Minibuses pass through Ayder at around 9 amTravelling from south to north of the rangeBy bus there are two ways around the range - via Artvin to the east or via İspir to the west. The Artvin route is much easier. From Yusufeli, long-distance buses go to Pazar via Artvin, Borçka and Hopa; you could also change buses at Artvin. From Pazar you take a dolmuş to your chosen trailhead. There are also occasional buses between Yusufeli and Ispir but they are infrequent except in winter. From Ispir, buses run over Ovit Geçidi to Trabzon otogar.In summer, with a few days notice, it's often possible to have your baggage taken from the pension at Yaylalar around the range to Ayder.Kaçkar Mule HireMost mule drivers live on the south side of the range. You can arrange mules through the Karahan pension in Barhal and the Çamyuva in Yaylalar; the Ayder pensions will phone the Çamyuva to arrange a rendezvous with a mule. The Şahins at Yukari Kavron can't arrange mules - their phones don't work properly.

Text by kate clow

Abraham Path

2008-05-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

The Abraham Path is a route of cultural tourism that retraces the journey made by Abraham (Ibrahim) through the heart of the Middle East some four thousand years ago. Three and a half billion people — over half the human family — trace their history or faith back to Abraham, considered the father of monotheism. The Abraham Path honors this shared cultural heritage by linking together into a single itinerary of outstanding interest and beauty the ancient sites associated with Abraham and his family.
The Abraham Path will serve as:• an intercultural meeting place, inspiring respect and understanding among people, young and old, around the world,• an economic catalyst, creating sustainable development through responsible tourism,• a positive media focus for articles and films, highlighting the unique heritage and hospitality of the region.
The centerpiece of the Abraham Path is a long-distance walking trail, beginning in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa, where many believe Abraham to have been born, and in the nearby ruins of Harran, where Abraham is said to have heard the call of God to 'go forth.' Initially covering a distance of 1,200 kilometers, the Abraham Path will pass through some of the finest landscapes, historic sites, and holy places of the Middle East before culminating at Abraham's tomb just south of Jerusalem in the city of Hebron/Al-Khalil. Eventually the route will extend to encompass Abraham’s travels to and from Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Please click here for the route map.
The Abraham Path will attract visitors from near and far, traveling on foot, and by bus, car, or bike, along parts or all of the route. In villages and towns alike, they will experience an abundant array of local traditions – architecture, crafts, foods, and music — offered with the generous hospitality that is habitually extended to travelers in these lands. The Abraham Path will also be accessible to everyone in films and on the Internet, as well as through local Abraham walks in communities worldwide.
The Abraham Path Initiative is an international NGO (nongovernmental organization), whose purpose is to inspire and support the creation of the Abraham Path. Founded at the Global Negotiation Project at Harvard University and supported by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the Abraham Path Initiative is a non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization honoring all cultures and faiths.
Work is now underway to make the Abraham Path a reality. Host organizations are forming in countries along the route. The first study tour along the entire Abraham Path was conducted by bus in November 2006 and a guidebook for travelers is in process. The first walking segments have been opened, youth walks and guided tours are beginning, and the entire trail is intended to open within five years.

map and text by abrahampath.org

Lycian Way

2008-05-21T01:08:00.001-07:00

Lycia is the historical name of the Tekke Peninsula, which juts into the Mediterranean on Turkey's southern coast. The mountains rise steeply from the wooded shore and tiny bays, giving beautiful views and varied walking. The Lycians were a democratic but independent people, with a unique art style and a high standard of living. They absorbed Greek culture, and were later conquered by the Romans. Their graves and ruins abound on the peninsula and the walk passes many remote historical sites.The RouteThe Lycian way is a 509 km way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The route is graded medium to hard; it is not level walking, but has many ascents and descents as it approaches and veers away from the sea. It is easier at the start near Fethiye and gets more difficult as it progresses. We recommend walking the route in spring or autumn; February-May or September-November; summer in Lycia is hot, although you could walk short, shady sections. The route is mainly over footpaths and mule trails; it is mostly over limestone and often hard and stony underfoot. On the first part of the route, and in Patara, Kalkan, Kas, Myra, Finike, Adrasan, Olympos, Cirali and Tekirova, you can stay in pensions or small hotels. On other nights, you may stay in a village house, or camp out. There are plenty of camping places with nearby water mentioned in the book; you do not have to ask permission to camp out.
Highlights of the Lycian Way are:
Spectacular walks on the slopes of Baba Dagi, beneath the flight path of the paragliders.
Stunning descent to Faralya, above the cliffs of Butterfly Valley.
The 12km long beach at Patara.
Spectacular views over the coast from above Kas and Kalkan.
The castle, harbour and sunken ruins at Ucagiz.
The church of the Angel Gabriel in the hills above Myra.
A fabulous ridge top walk to Finike.
Staying at the lighthouse at Cape Gelidonia.
Climbing Mount Olympos - 2388m.
Splashing in the canyon at Goynuk.
And the ruins of hidden Lycian cities, the friendliness of the villagers, the quaint old houses in deserted corners, the deep forests and white rocks, and the blue Mediterranean.

text by kate clow

St Paul Trail

2008-05-21T01:05:00.001-07:00

Turkey Second Long Distance Walking Route

The St Paul Trail is a way-marked footpath from Perge, 10 km E of Antalya, to Yalvac, NE of Lake Egirdir. There is a second branch starting at Aspendos, 40km E of Antalya and joining the first route at the Roman site of Adada. The route totals about 500km.This project partly follows the route walked by St Paul on his first missionary journey in Asia Minor. It's a wilder route than the Lycian Way, starting at sea level and climbing up to 2200m, with two optional peaks at around 2800m. At the moment there are no signposts on the route (we are looking for a sponsor) but the way-marking is complete. There are also no way-marks on paths through cultural sites.

Highlights of the route are:
The Aksu river crossing and the waterfalls at Ucansu
The huge pines and firs on the route above Oren.
The views from the route above the Candir canyon.
The Roman road at Adada
Staying on the island in Lake Egirdir
The medieval paved road around Sarp peak
The beautiful village of Beydili
Crossing lake Egirdir by fishing boat
Following a Roman aqueduct into Yalvac
And the ruins of Roman cities, the hospitality of the villagers, the quaint old houses in deserted corners, the deep forests and white waters of the canyons

After Jesus, St Paul is most probably the most important person in the history of western Christianity. Jesus' message was preached exclusively to the Jews of Judea and Jerusalem. He seemed to view himself as a messenger who was sent to change the Jewish religion as practiced in the Temple in Jerusalem.But Paul took this message to both the Jewish diaspora (those living outside Holy Land of Israel) and also to the pagans, or Gentiles, worshippers of the traditional gods of the Greeks or Roman Empire, or of other cults. In the process he changed the religion of Christianity, partly by adding many instructions about forms of worship, partly by changing the message.Although there were other preachers who took the message to other parts of the Roman Empire (St Thomas, St Andrew etc.) much less is known of them. It's almost certain that if St Paul had not preached, Christianity would have died out when the Jewish rebellion of 66 AD was crushed and Jerusalem burned. At the time Paul preached, the life of Jesus had not been condensed into the present-day Bible; even the four 'gospels' or short biographies, which form the main part of the Bible, weren't finalized until after 100 AD. So Paul had no standard text; he also had never met Jesus personally. Thus he was able to interpret quite freely.Paul's beliefs are known from letters he wrote to the peoples that he had visited. Many of the letters are included in the Bible. These letters instruct people in the new religion; they were intended to be read to the new Christians in their new, often secret, churches. They define the place of women, sin and the church officials.
An engraving of Antioch of Psidia, 1860 *Paul travelled for about 20 years. During that time he visited and re-visited many places in Asia Minor. He travelled by foot and by ship. Periodically he met with church elders in Antioch or Jerusalem, where they are known to have argued over doctrine (for example, the church elders thought that all Christians should be circumcised). In many ways, Paul prevailed.Paul was a Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin, but born into the diaspora (his native town was Tarsus, in SE Turkey). He was also a citizen of the Roman Empire, an honour at that time reserved for families who had served the state, and which entitled him to trial in Roman courts. Finally, he was a product of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic tradition, and probably education, which was shared by everyone living around the Eastern Mediterranean. It was because of this universal state and culture that travel was so comparatively easy. In this universal culture, the adapted Christianity spread easily.Paul was both a product of his time and a major influence on our time. This route is a glimpse of the land he travelled through on his first journey through Asia. One day we hope to extend it to some of the other places he visited.
Travels of St Paul Travels of St PaulThey are: Jerusalem, Damascus, Caesarea, Cilicia, Antioch, (as a young man).1st Journey: Antioch, Seleucia, Cyprus (Salamis and Paphos), Perge, Antioch in Pisidia, Konya (Iconium), Derbe, Lystra, Antalya, Antioch.2nd Journey: Cilicia, Derbe, Lystra, Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia (Alexandra Troas), Samothrace, Macedonia (Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Beroea), Athens, Corinth, Cenchreae, Ephesus, Syria, Caesarea, Jerusalem, Antioch.3rd Journey: Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Corinth, Cenchreae, Macedonia, Troas, Assos, Mytilene, Chios, Samos, Miletus, Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, Ptolomais, Caesarea, Jerusalem.Caesarea, Sidon, Myra, Cnidus, Cauda, Malta, Syracuse, Rhegium, Puteoli, Rome (where he died). Places in italic are in Turkey.
* Antioch of Pisidia, engraved by C.Cousen after a picture by Labords, published in The Life and Epistles of St. Paul , about 1860. Steel engraved print with recent hand colour.

text by kate clow