Turkey is uniquely rich in places of importance for paganism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Its complicated history covers a period of at least 12,000 years. Being at the crossroads of migration between Asia, Africa and Europe, Asia Minor has been the setting for many struggles. It has accommodated the growth of many civilizations. Many different peoples of many ethnic background s have lived side by side here, intermingling and interchanging the fruits of their cultures.

Out of this history and vibrant inheritance, and because of this closeness, people have learned to tolerate and respect each other's different beliefs. Anatolians have developed strong, sensitive, enterprising and exciting personalities. Again, as part of the crossroads, from the beginning people have been accustomed to welcoming the newcomers in whatever guise they have come - conquerors, refugees, or migrants. Out of this has grown the concept of hospitality for which this land is famous.

The history of Asia Minor is full of examples of tolerance for people of different faith. One of the most outstanding is that immediately after Sultan Mehmet II the Conqueror defeated the Byzantines in 1453, he accepted them as Ottoman citizens and permitted them to worship freely in their traditional ways.

Since the early days of the Ottoman Empire, Turks have opened their doors and their arms to who have been oppressed or persecuted. In 1492, the same year in which Queen Isabella sent Christopher Columbus on his way across the Atlantic, she exiled all the Jewish residents of Spain. This happened 500 years ago, during an era of religious intolerance and persecution. But at the same time, the Ottoman Sultan Bayezit II not only welcomed the exiled Jews of Spain, but also sent ships to Spain to bring them to Anatolia. The same spirit was present in 1856 when Ottoman citizens, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, became equal under the law. Many important government positions here have been held by non-Muslims.

The history of respect for the beliefs of other people continues to be reflected in Istanbul in the presence here of many places worship, both historic and current. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate, the Rabbinate, and many active churches and synagogues are living examples of mutual tolerance.

Looking at Anatolia from a foreign tourist's perspective, the richness and the hospitality can be overwhelmingly attractive. A pleasant climate, sun, sea, and beautiful landscapes are complemented with historical sites and unusual natural formations. The combination can be addictive: People have started discovering the attractions of alternative tourism heritage, and have returned over and over again.

Most visitors coming to Turkey now belong to one of the major religions, which flourished in Turkey's past. They may not be aware of the richness that Anatolia offers them in this respect. This is where we can help them learn about the history of their religion, which developed in Anatolia. As you know, St. Paul started on his mission from Anatolia to spread Christianity.

Soon after that, St. John addressed letters to the seven churches located in western Anatolia. Seven Ecumenical Councils, which decided the direction Christianity would take, were convened here. Cappadocia was the place where early Christians escaped from persecution by hiding in caves or in the underground dwellings. Southwestern Anatolia was the home of St. Nicholas, better known in the west as Santa Claus. Virgin Mary lived her last days in a modest stone house near Ephesus. There are many old churches and synagogues scattered all over the country waiting to be discovered.