Anatolia’s colorful history has left a windfall of cultural riches—ancient ruins, ornate Byzantine churches, elegant mosques, and splendid Ottoman palaces. This illustrated seminar highlights the history of ancient Turkey by way of some of its hidden gems.

9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Bronze and Iron Ages: Hattusha, Gordion, Kultepe, and Karum of Kanesh

Hattusha, the Hittites’ capital, was the site of four large temples and elaborate gateways; Gordion was the location of numerous tumuli (grave mounds), including the tomb of King Midas; Kultepe is the site of one of the largest ruins of ancient Anatolia.The Assyrians established complex karums, or settlements, for merchants.

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Hellenistic and Assyrian Periods: Sardis, Didyma, and Epheseus

From ancient synagogue ruins in Sardis to the gigantic Apollo Temple in Didyma to the recent excavations in Epheseus that uncovered the unusual terrace houses, the area is replete with remnants of the Hellenistic era.

12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch

Participants provide their own lunch.

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Christianity in Anatolia: Philadelphia, Cappadocia, Demre

Home to Saint Paul and the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Revelation of John; distinct Cappadocia with vast underground cities built by early Christians.

3 to 4:30 p.m. Turkish Period: Bursa and Edirne

Bursa, an early Ottoman capital, is where Ulu Cami, the Great Mosque, with its 20 domes is located. We end the day at Edirne, the second Ottoman capital, an example of innovative architecture and city planning.

Lecturer Serif Yenen is the president of the Federation of Turkish Tourist Guide Associations and the author of two guide books on Turkey and Istanbul.

CODE: 1H0-505