Aizanoi (or Aezani) is an ancient Greek city in Turkey with a few of interesting tidbits of history. It is located here. We visited this city on our way back to our home in Konya. I want to share with you a couple must-see items that make it a great stop.
The Penkalas Bridge of Aizanoi
Of all the restorations made to this city, this one has been given the most attention. And that restoration comes with an interesting story.
According to an incription the bridge was built by the Roman merchant Apuleius Eurykles*. He built it in the second century after surviving a nearth death experience at sea. His legacy had an effect on a Turkish businessman who survived a similar incident at sea in recent times. So the businessman decided to restore the bridge out of his own pocket*. He somehow felt a connection to this bridge-builder. Here is the result:
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The Council of Nicea
The Conicil of Nicea in 325 is infamous for it’s adoption of the trinity doctrine*. One of the participants of this council came from this city of Aizanoi. His name was Pistus (or Pisticus).
Pistus is not to be confused with the Pistus that came from Alexandria who formally opposed the teaching that Jesus is God*.
At this point in history, most of the eastern Roman empire was in opposition of adopting this teaching while those in the Western Roman empire equated Jesus with God. Hence the council was deemed necessary to Emperor Constantine for the sake of unity in the empire. He threatened anyone who didn’t agree with banishment from the empire, and so they were*. Pistus apparently succumbed to the false teaching and signed the edict.
The Aizanoi Temple of Zeus
The most spectacular building to see is the Temple of Zeus. It must have been impressive in it’s time. Stairs go deep beneath the building to reveal underground rooms. Well worth the entrance fee to the park
On the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey he travelled from Antioch to Troas. The details are vague about how he travelled between the two. However it is quite possible that the apostle stopped in this city along the way. This would explain the early start of Christianity in Aizanoi.
The city is largely unexcavated and is a mish-mash of stones inside and outside the local town of Çavdarhisar. In fact the modern town sits right on top of the old city of Aizanoi. Walking through it you will see stones and columns sticking up from the ground among the homes. It’s quite a sight.
In the area where the temple of zeus is, you will see an array of stone reliefs. Some of them are quite beautiful to look at. Here are a few.
I recommend this stop if you are visiting the 7 congregations of Revelation. Here are the best things to see in each city if you decide to make the trip:
SARDIS, TURKEY – 3 INTERESTING CONNECTIONS TO THE BIBLE
PHILADELPHIA, TURKEY | 3 THINGS YOU MUST SEE
LAODICEA, TURKEY | THREE INTERESTING FINDS
SMYRNA, TURKEY – PICTURES OF AN ANCIENT CITY
EPHESUS – VALUABLE BIBLE CONNECTIONS TO THE ANCIENT CITY
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