Why Turkey?

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. There is no other place like it!

Turkey is an eclectic country filled with ancient churches, mosques and ruins of empires alongside cities bustling with people. A vibrancy of trams, carpet shops, restaurants, and hospitality is around every corner! There is always an air of culture and heritage, as rich and varied as the Turkish landscape.

Turkish culture is all about relationships. For visiting Kiwis, you can sense something of the ANZAC connection when your accent is recognised and greeted with a big smile.

What’s so special about our relationship with Turkey?

Our ANZAC Heritage
An Open Door

The Gallipoli campaign of 1915 still holds a place of significance in the minds and hearts of all New Zealanders. Even though the ANZACs were ultimately defeated, this defining moment of national identity in both New Zealand and Turkey holds strong.

Despite the fact that we came bearing arms and war, by God’s grace the hardships shared became a bond of camaraderie and friendship after the Turkish people publicly forgave the ANZAC peoples. There is a wide open door to return to this amazing country, this time bringing love, blessing and peace.

Our Christian Heritage
Turkey — The Lost Land of the Bible

Did you know that after Israel, Turkey has more Biblical sites than any other country? It is rightly called the "Other Holy Land", with about 2/3 of the New Testament written to, from, or about churches in what is today known as Turkey.

The province of Asia Minor (the heart of modern Turkey) was largely Christian by the year 200AD, yet is now one of the most unreached nations in the world.