Day 05 October 12, 2005 By David Dauterman duckman@verizon.net

ANTIOCH-ST PETER'S CHURCH, RIDE ON THE TAUROS MOUNTAINS, MONASTARY OF GUMUSKESEN,GUZELYURT

Antioch (Antakya) on the Orentes River. Breakfast at the hotel (Antik Beyazit). Luggage out at 8:30. Left on the bus for Tarsus at 9:00 am. Stopped at St Peter’s Grotto (the first known Christian church) overlooking Antioch. It was a natural cave with arch and façade added about 500 AD. Peter came here first and lived here, then brought Paul and Barnabus to this very spot. Some mosaic fragments still remain on the floor. The room contained a statue of St. Peter and a stone altar with Alpha and Omega figures carved into the front surface. There was an escape tunnel in the back so that the early Christians could escape persecution.

Meli started a lively discussion. There were 29 gospels, but only 4 are in the Bible, so is the Bible really complete? The consensus: There may be more gospels, but the ones in the Bible are very beautifully written and sufficiently chronicle the life and works of Jesus.Back on the bus through Gazoo (sp), and on to Tarsus. On the road by the sea, hundreds of big trucks are parked by the sides of the road.

They are meant to take LPG to Iraq, but are hesitant to go any further because the Iraqi borders were closed until after their election regarding their new imminent constitution. Lots of corn fields, cotton fields, and peanuts being harvested. It is ironic that such important crops as corn, tomatoes, and peanuts were unknown in this part of the world until after Columbus discovered America in 1492 when they were brought from the new world by early explorers. On to the Celician Gate (not really a gate, but a 1600m high pass through the Taurus mountains leading to Celicia). Paul probably took this route as he walked into central Anatolia. On the other side of the pass, the terrain is remindful of eastern Washington.

On to Nigde to visit the site of Eski Gumuler Monastery that was operational from 380 – 1924 AD. The entire monastery, including a church was carved out of solid rock, a tribute to the dedication and extremely hard labor of the early Christians to continue their religious beliefs and avoid persecution. The church contains beautiful frescos of Saint Gregory, Saint Basilious, Saint Vavasilius, Saint Barbara, a female angel, Mary and Jesus smiling, Jesus the creator, the 2 Marys and John, Mary presenting Jesus to the temple, and a nativity scene including 3 wise men, 3 archangels, animals warming Jesus, Joseph contemplating, and a shepherd. It is thought to be the birthplace of Gregory, who originated the Gregorian chants.

On the way to Guzelyurt, Meli described the formalities of marriage in present day Turkey. Boys and girls choose who they marry. Once they decide to get married, the mother of the boy goes to the girl’s family to ask permission. If yes, the ring, and plate with sweets go to the girl’s home.  The girl serves coffee and the ring is put on her finger.  The girl’s side arranges the engagement party and food is provided by the girl’s family. The boy brings gifts to the girl’s family, including a tray covered by a cloth, the first gift to the new mother-in-law.  The wedding lasts for 3 days.  First there is a soup dinner with close relatives.  Coins are placed in the soup.  Girl with a scarf and traditional dress is given a bracelet—if the boy offers a heart and she accepts, then comes the veil, the dance, and henna on her hand. The wedding is not a religious event and it is followed by a big feast. The divorce rate is between 6-7%.

Dinner at Hotel Karballa in Guzelyurt. Dark by 6:45 PM