성스러운 여행: 모든 여성이 터키로의 영적 순례를 떠나야 하는 이유
- Devina ST. Claire
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"Turkey: A Land of Ancient Wonders and Goddess Traditions"
March 12, 2025
Turkey: A Land of Ancient Wonders and Goddess Traditions
Turkey is a land brimming with surprises. In this blog post, I will share why I believe it is a must-visit destination for those seeking a spiritual pilgrimage. When we think of honoring the divine feminine and the ancient worship of goddesses, many in the Western world may not immediately consider Turkey. Yet, the reverence for goddesses in Anatolia dates back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that female deities played a significant role in ancient Anatolian cultures. Among them is the Mother Goddess Cybele, also known as Kybele. These goddesses were central to Anatolian mythology and can still be found in modern Turkish culture and beliefs.
The Mother Goddess Statues
Archaeological evidence indicates that many people worshipped female deities during the Neolithic period. Sites like Çatalhöyük in central Turkey have revealed statues depicting women with exaggerated features. These figures are interpreted as symbols of fertility and motherhood.
Cybele: The Ancient Mother Goddess
Around 3,500 years ago, the ancient Indo-European civilization of the Phrygians in Anatolia worshipped the Mother Goddess Cybele. This reverence connects us to the past, reminding us of the enduring power of the feminine divine.
Soul-Awakening Sacred Sites
Ancient Ephesus: The Old Home of the Divine Mother
Ephesus is renowned as the place where the Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians. It stands as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for those wishing to honor the divine mother. Once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this temple was dedicated to the Olympian goddess Artemis. Unlike her Greek and Roman counterparts, the Ephesus Artemis was also revered as a goddess of fertility.
I can only imagine the grandeur of this great temple after reading the words of Antipater of Sidon, a Greek poet from the 2nd century BC: "I have seen the walls of high Babylon, and the statue of Zeus by the Alpheus, and the hanging gardens, and the colossus of the sun, and the huge pyramids, and the tomb of Mausolus; but when I saw the temple of Artemis rising to the clouds, those wonders were put to shame."
Another reason to visit Ephesus in İzmir, Turkey, is the opportunity to see the House of the Virgin Mary. This site is believed to be where Mary lived after the crucifixion of Jesus. According to John 19:26-27, "When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, 'Woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." Tradition holds that John and Mary lived together in Ephesus after the crucifixion, and early Christian belief suggests that John took Mary into his care.
Göbekli Tepe: The World's Oldest Spiritual Site
On the opposite side of Turkey, in the arid southeast, lies Göbekli Tepe, a prehistoric temple near Şanlıurfa. Built over 11,000 years ago, this ancient site predates the pyramids and has reshaped our understanding of history. Surrounded by mystery and spiritual significance, it is believed to have been a place for rituals and connection to the transcendent. The architects of this site aligned the structures with the stars and the earth's powerful ley lines.
Konya: The Land of Rumi and Sufi Mysticism
Konya is the heart of Sufi wisdom, where the great poet and mystic Rumi taught the path of love and enlightenment. While known simply as Rumi in the West, he is referred to as Mawlana Rumi in the East. In Turkey, he is commonly called "Mevlana," which means "our master." Visiting his shrine and witnessing the dance of the whirling dervishes is a soul-stirring experience. This spiritual city offers pilgrims a profound opportunity for inner exploration.
Choosing a favorite quote from Rumi is a challenge, but I would like to share one that resonates with the purpose of a seeker embarking on a sacred journey to distant lands:
“Respond to every call that excites your spirit.” - Rumi
As I write this, I feel a thrill. My heart opens at the thought of exploring Rumi's homeland, absorbing its energy fully.
Rumi is known for founding the Sufi brotherhood and establishing the whirling dance known as Sema. This seven-step ritual symbolizes the soul's journey toward divine union. It involves turning toward truth, growing through love, shedding the self, and embracing spiritual completion. The dervish then returns, ready to share and serve love with all creation. This echoes the hero's journey in many ways. To learn more about our beloved master and poet, follow this link.
Guest House
Jalaluddin Rumi
This human being is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
Welcome them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Translation by Coleman Barks
Mount Nemrut: The Throne of the Gods
Atop this sacred mountain, colossal stone statues of ancient gods stand as timeless guardians. The name Nemrut derives from the biblical Nimrod, meaning "the lucky hunter." The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset, moments perfect for reflection, prayer, and meditation.
Troy: The City of Legends and Warrior Women
Immortalized in Homer's Iliad, Troy tells tales of legendary women, queens, warriors, and goddesses. Walking among the ruins of this ancient city, where myth and divine intervention intertwine, is a vivid experience that brings history to life.
Pamukkale: The Cotton Castle and Cleopatra's Ancient Pool
Pamukkale's famous white terraces and mineral-rich pools create a breathtaking spectacle. The thermal waters here have been considered a place of spiritual and physical healing since ancient times. The calcium-rich waters have formed petrified waterfalls. Nearby, the ruins of Hierapolis, established by the Pergamon kings, remain to this day. In Cleopatra's Pool, fed by the same thermal waters as the nearby travertine pools, you can swim among the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.
Ancient priestesses gathered here to purify themselves in sacred waters before performing rituals. As a priestess myself, I will ensure our group of pilgrims stops here first to prepare for our spiritual work during the journey.
A Transformative Journey for Modern Women
A spiritual pilgrimage to Turkey is not merely about visiting sacred sites. It is a process of awakening inner wisdom, healing past wounds, and realizing one's power. Under the guidance of experienced female travel leaders, you will engage in carefully planned rituals, meditations, and ceremonies that weave the energy of ancient places into your journey.
If you have ever felt an inexplicable pull toward a distant land, as if your soul is calling you to explore ancient wisdom, it is time to respond to that call with courage. A spiritual pilgrimage is not just a journey; it is a profound exploration toward self-discovery, healing, and connection to the land's energy, the people who once lived there, and those who continue to live in harmony with their traditions.
With its rich history, mystical places, and deep spiritual heritage, Turkey (Türkiye) is the perfect destination for women seeking transformation and connection to the divine feminine—the Mother Goddess.
Why Choose a Women’s Pilgrimage to Turkey?
Joining a women’s pilgrimage group creates a powerful and supportive space for personal growth. Traveling alongside like-minded women fosters deeper connections, shared spiritual practices, and the freedom to explore sacred sites without interruption. In Turkey, we will walk in the footsteps of powerful goddesses, ancient priestesses, and mystics who have left their mark on this magical land.
Are You Ready to Answer the Call?
When the sacred land of Turkey begins to call, it signals that your soul is ready for a deeper journey. Step into a pilgrimage of divine connection, profound healing, and radiant sisterhood. This journey will remain with you long after you return home.
Small group tours will resume in 2026!
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