Turkey a tourist ‘faith hotspot’

Turkey is becoming a hotspot for 'faith tourists', argues a leading travel expert.

Judith Fein of the Dallas Morning News recently highlighted the majesty of Istanbul's Aya Sofya church, which allegedly houses a splinter from Noah's Ark.

She recalls treasured experiences had in Harran, where Abraham was thought to have dwelled, when a visit was paid to a remote village and a local invited the writer into her home.

Ms Fein described the setting: "They offer tea. Outside, sheep bleat. The modern world recedes. We half expect Abraham to walk in."

Turkey has been described as 'the other holy land' and is a country shaped by the history of both Islam and Christianity.

The 500 kilometre St Paul Trail gives hikers the chance to conquer the route treaded by the apostle.

"Most people associate the scriptures with Israel, but Turkey is another holy land, where, under sunny skies, visitors can walk in the footsteps of faith," concluded Ms Fein.