One of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Christians could possibly be in Karaman, Central Turkey. Turkish archeologists are researching if the ancient city of Derbe, once the home of Saint Paul, one of the founders of Christianity, is in the city.
The exact location of Derbe is still unknown and it is a question that has been puzzling researchers and archeologists. The only thing that is known at this point, is that it is roughly located 90 miles from Lystra, where many cities within that distance can claim the honor; now, the Selcuk University discoveries may give the answer.
According to the newspaper “The Guardian” the Associate Professor of Selcuk University, Mehmet Tekocak, explained to the Turkish Anadolu Agency: “We have two stones with writings on them. The writings talk about the ancient city of Derbe. This is why we are looking for Derbe here.”
However, there are also other very important findings in Turkey, such as ancient wall remains, graves behind the walls, and the remnants of a structure that might have been a church.
Reports say that if scientists confirm the age of the stones that the wall is made of, and the skeletons found in the graves, the city of Derbe could become one of the most popular destinations for Christians all over the world.
The closest town there is Karaman. It is a historic place, that by itself, is known as Laranda in Biblical times. It was destroyed by one of Alexander the Great’s generals in 322 BC, and later was settled by Isaurian people, and then by the Romans and Byzantines.
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