Gabriel & Lorraine

Drawing People Close to the Heart of God

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Istanbul, Turkey | A City that Straddles Two Continents

Lorraine Marie Varela

Are you inspired to visit the biblical sites and historic cities in Turkey? Come with us on a life-changing adventure!

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Istanbul carries a tremendous inheritance. It was one of the first regions ever reached with the Gospel, leading to a legacy that lasted for generations.

The Biblical Significance of Istanbul

The Biblical Significance of Istanbul

view-of-bosphorus-strait-from-galata-tower-istanbul

It's hard to believe this beautiful city with such historic and Biblical significance isn't mentioned by name in the Bible. Located in the Roman province of Asia during the first century A.D., there was a thriving Jewish presence in this region. While there is no mention of the Apostle Paul spending time in this city, we do know that his influence extended throughout all of Asia. At one point, he was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia (Acts 16:6). I can't help but wonder what was taking place in the natural and spiritual realms for Paul to receive such a warning. This obstacle was overcome a few years later, as “all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10).

Hagia Sophia was a Greek Orthodox church for over 1,000 years. Established in 360 A.D., it remained a center of the Christian faith until the conquest of  Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. It has been a church, a museum, and now operates as a mosque.

Key Verse

“This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.”
Acts 19:10


Spiritual Inheritance

Openness to hearing God

Points of Interest

  • Galata Tower
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Hippodrome

Points of Interest

  • Grand Bazaar
  • Spice Bazaar
  • Theodosius Cistern
  • Galata Tower
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Hippodrome
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Spice Bazaar
  • Theodosius Cistern
  • Bosphorus Strait

What to Expect in Istanbul Today

crowds-flock-to-istiklal-street-istanbul
crowds-flock-to-istiklal-street-istanbul

Did you know? Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. As one of Turkey's largest cities, it has a population of 15.6 million people. It's over 2.5. times larger than New York City, and the 6th largest city in the world. Wow! Istanbul has undergone several name changes throughout the years, including Byzantium, Constantinople, and Stamboul—even known for a time as “The Paris of the East.”

steep-street-in-istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse city situated on numerous hilly streets, reminiscent of San Francisco. It really is the city that never sleeps. In the early morning hours, you can hear a cacophony of car horns continually blaring—some as a warning, others in frustration, and many just for the pleasure of attempting to create melodies with sounds from the other drivers. There’s no other way to explain it! 

park-life-istanbul

Istanbul is also a city of paradox, where patience runs thin but public naps by adults in the park are plentiful. People sprawl out in the beautiful garden parks during the day alongside the stray dogs and cats, which are microchipped and monitored. The Turks have a special love for children and families, and have a lot of pride in their country and heritage. Turkish flags are everywhere! With the current exchange rates, traveling here is extremely affordable. A nice dinner out for 7 adults costs around $40. It felt like a throwback to the 1990’s.

Did you know? Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. As one of Turkey's largest cities, it has a population of 15.6 million people. It's over 2.5. times larger than New York City, and the 6th largest city in the world. Wow! Istanbul has undergone several name changes throughout the years, including Byzantium, Constantinople, and Stamboul—even known for a time as “The Paris of the East.”

Istanbul is a diverse city situated on numerous hilly streets, reminiscent of San Francisco. It really is the city that never sleeps. In the early morning hours, you can hear a cacophony of car horns continually blaring—some as a warning, others in frustration, and many just for the pleasure of attempting to create melodies with sounds from the other drivers. There’s no other way to explain it! 

Istanbul is also a city of paradox, where patience runs thin but public naps by adults in the park are plentiful. People sprawl out in the beautiful garden parks during the day alongside the stray dogs and cats, which are microchipped and monitored. The Turks have a special love for children and families, and have a lot of pride in their country and heritage. Turkish flags are everywhere! With the current exchange rates, traveling here is extremely affordable. A nice dinner out for 7 adults costs around $40. It felt like a throwback to the 1990’s.

Why Christians Should Visit


Istanbul carries a tremendous inheritance. It was one of the first regions ever reached with the Gospel, leading to a legacy that lasted for generations. This spiritual inheritance  brings breakthrough and an openness to hear, allowing the Spirit of God to encounter each heart in uniquely personal ways. What will God reveal to you here?

Where to Stay


Located on the European continent, the neighborhood of Taksim is one of the most popular places to stay. It's central to many sights, and within walking distance to affordable restaurants, Turkish shops, and public transportation. If you plan to be in the city for a few nights, we recommend Air B&B apartment accommodations for a comfortable visit.


About Lorraine Marie

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry founded to draw people closer to the heart of God.

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry to help people draw closer to the heart of God.

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The Inspiring Blog

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by Lorraine Marie Varela • 18 July 2023
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