Büyük Ada

On the 23rd Aprıl 2010 on the Büyükada (the bıg Island) in the Sea of Marmara opposıte the cıty of Istanbul, around 60.000 Türks made the annual pılgrımage to the little orthodox church on the ısland.

You may ask yourself why? Turkish people are predominantly Muslim! And you would be right, they are. But is it not a Muslim pilgrimage? No it’s an annual Orthodox Christian pilgrimage they are journeying on.

But there’s more to it than that, Türkish people can be superstitious and every year they make this journey to the island. They come as individuals, couples or families for a day out, seeking answers to life’s problems When they arrive on the island, they walk or take a carriage to the bottom of the hill a couple of miles from the ferry point. At the bottom of the hill, about a mile from the church, they take reels of cotton from their bags and tie one end to a fixed point and walk to the top of the hill and the church, often stopping off at various points to seek guidance for avoiding lifes troubles in the many booths that are selling trinkets and goodluck charms.

Now you may be asking yorself as you read this, why do they do this every year? Türkish people as mentioned earlier are superstitious. They believe that if their reel of cotton stays unbroken from the bottom of the hill to the top that their prayers will be answered that day!! I know it sounds a bit bizarre, but it’s true. I know because I went along on this trip. I had always thought that Muslims were focused on their beliefs and sure in their faith, but I found that they can look in other areas for extra protection.

A group of believers meet on the mainland, we take Bibles, dvds and literature. Once we arrive on the island we set up. We have a people doing drama, dance and music at the bottom of the hill, and then further up we have others talking and sharing about their faith and giving out Bibles and other literature. Last year we gave around 3000 Bibles, we couldn’t cope with the demand. Then at the top of the hill we have people offering to pray!!

What are you doing for Easter 2012? If you are in Istanbul Turkey, why not join us?