Tag Archives: Cappadocia

The fairy chimneys of Cappadocia

The New Testament mentions Cappadocia only twice.

  1. Devout Jews from Cappadocia were present in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2:9).
  2. Peter’s letters were addressed to Christians living in Cappadocia (1 Pet. 1:1).

In the centuries after New Testament times many Christians settled in this volcanic region of perhaps 50,000 cones, now part of Turkey.

John Freely describes Cappadocia in these words:

“Most of this part of Cappadocia is covered with a deep layer of tufa, a soft stone of solidified mud, ash and lava which once poured down from the now extinct volcanoes on Hasan Dagi and Ericiyes Dagi, the two great mountain peaks of Cappadocia. In the eons since then the rivers of the region have scoured canyons, gorges, valleys and gulleys through the soft and porous stone, and the elements have eroded it into fantastic crags, folds, turrets, pyramids, spires, needles, stalagmites, and cones, creating a vast outdoor display of stone sculptures in an incredible variety of shapes and colours” (The Companion Guide to Turkey, 238).

Our first photo today shows an area of Cappadocia known as Pasabagi Valley where the fairy chimneys may be seen in abundance.

Fairy Chimneys in Pasabagi Valley, Cappadocia. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Fairy Chimneys in Pasabagi Valley, Cappadocia. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The second photo is from the same area, but shows cones.

Fairy Chimneys in Pasabagi Valley, Cappadocia. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Fairy Chimneys in Pasabagi Valley, Cappadocia. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Getting ready for the Cappadocian balloon flight

When you rise early to take a balloon flight you never know if the winds will permit flying (or floating). An extra layer of clothing is advised, and it is a good idea to get a sip of juice or coffee and a bit of something to eat before leaving the hotel for the takeoff point.

The sunrise was beautiful that morning back in May. Here is one of the shots I made as we waited for a favorable wind.

Cappadocian Sunrise May 10, 2014. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Cappadocian Sunrise May 10, 2014. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

A group of retired balloon pilots monitor the weather and make the decision whether and when the balloons will be able to lift off. As we waited, I wondered if the weather would permit the flight. Finally the “all clear” signal came and the crews began to inflate the balloons for flight.

Inflating a Balloon for Flight. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Inflating a Balloon for Flight. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

One of the crew offered to take our photo as the basket of about 20 persons began to lift off. If I look a little apprehensive it is not concern over the safety of the flight (we had made this flight on a previous tour), but because the crew member had my new camera. Elizabeth and I did not have any gloves so we wore socks to keep our hands warm.

Taking Off for a Balloon Flight Over Cappadocia.

Taking Off for a Balloon Flight Over Cappadocia.

After about an hour of floating over the lunar-like landscape, we approach a landing site (lower left corner of the photo). On the road you see some of the crews with trailers and buses as they make their way to pick up the passengers and to prepare the balloons for the flights the next morning.

Approaching the Landing Place. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Approaching the Landing Place. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Ballooning in Cappadocia

The photo below was made earlier this year over Cappadocia in Turkey.

Ballooning Over Cappadocia in Turkey. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Ballooning Over Cappadocia in Turkey. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The Bible tells us that Jews of Cappadocia were present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:9). Peter wrote his epistles to saints scattered throughout Cappadocia and other places in Roman Asia Minor (modern Turkey).

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,  2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

Cappadocian sunrise

He is a photograph I made at sunrise in the Cappadocian region of Turkey.

Cappadocian sunrise. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Cappadocian sunrise. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The Bible tells us that Jews of Cappadocia were present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:9). Peter wrote his epistles to saints scattered throughout Cappadocia and other places in Roman Asia Minor (modern Turkey).

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,  2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

Where in the world?

Many of you probably saw the Today Show this morning. This is the week for Matt Lauer’s “Where in the world…” series. We have always enjoyed these programs because they remind us of so many places we have visited on our tours.

This morning Matt was in Istanbul, Turkey. We will be heading there in a few days to begin our Steps of Paul and John tour. There were a few scenes from other places in Turkey, including Ephesus and Cappadocia. We visited Cappadocia last summer on our Ancient Crossroads tour of historical and biblical Turkey. Here is a photo I made during a hot air balloon over the mysterious landscape of Cappadocia. Note the cultivated vineyards in the foreground below our balloon.

Two of the New Testament epistles were addressed to saints living in Cappadocia.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen. (1 Peter 1:1).

All of the places mentioned in 1 Peter 1:1 are located in modern Turkey. It is a fascinating place to visit.