Sacred Travel: Why Every Woman Should Embark on a Spiritual Pilgrimage to Türkiye
- Devina ST. Claire
- Mar 12
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 25
March 12, 2025
Türkiye: The Land of Ancient Wonders and Goddess Traditions
Türkiye is a land full of surprises and in this blog post; I will share why I believe it is a must-see for women desiring to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage. When we think of honoring the divine feminine, aka goddess worship from the bygone days, many in the Western world might not think of Türkiye. However, the worship of goddesses in Anatolia goes back thousands of years. Evidence shows that female deities played a big role in ancient Anatolian culture. This includes the mother goddess Kybele, also known as Cybele. Goddesses were integral to Anatolian mythology and are still seen in modern Turkish culture and beliefs.
Mother Goddess Figurines: Archaeological evidence shows that many people worshipped female goddesses, especially during the Neolithic period. Figurines have been found at sites like Çatalhöyük in central Turkey. These figurines, often depicting women with exaggerated features, are interpreted as symbols of fertility and the mother goddess.
Kybele/Cybele: The Phrygians, an ancient Indo-European civilization that inhabited Anatolia approximately 3,500 years ago, revered the mother goddess Kybele.
Sacred Sites That Awaken the Spirit
Ancient Ephesus: The Home of The Divine Mother
Ephesus was made famous by the Apostle Paul who wrote the book of Ephesians, and for the person seeking to honor the Divine Mother; it may be one of the most important stops on a pilgrimage to this ancient land.
Once home to the Temple of Artemis. This temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was dedicated to the Olympian goddess Artemis, sister to Apollo, who represents feminine strength, a friend to the animals, and divine protection. The Artemis of Ephesus also stood for fertility, unlike the Greek and Roman version.
We can only imagine the grandeur of the great temple after reading the words of the Greek poet Antipater of Sidon, in the 2nd century BCE: "I have set eyes on the wall of lofty Babylon on which is a road for chariots, and the statue of Zeus by the Alpheus, and the hanging gardens, and the colossus of the Sun, and the huge labour of the high pyramids, and the vast tomb of Mausolus; but when I saw the house of Artemis that mounted to the clouds, those other marvels lost their brilliancy, and I said, 'Lo, apart from Olympus, the Sun never looked on aught so grand.’"
Another reason Ephesus Selcuk, Izmir, Turkey, belongs on your must-see list, beyond its stunning display of antiquity, is the opportunity to visit the House of Mother Mary, the revered saint and divine mother, honored as a goddess in all but name.
In John 19:26–27, we read; ‘’When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, 'Woman, here is your son. ' Then he said to the disciple, 'Here is your mother. ' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.’’ According to the tradition of Ephesus, John and Mary stayed together after the crucifixion. Jesus had entrusted Mary to John, the Evangelist. Christians take this passage from the Bible as a reference and assume that John took Mary under his protection, and they came to Ephesus together. Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus in the 2nd century, mentioned in one of his letters that John was buried in Ephesus. The Basilica of St. John and his tomb is believed to have been built over the burial site of St. John the Apostle.
Göbekli Tepe: The World’s Oldest Spiritual Sanctuary
On the opposite side of Turkey, located in the arid southeast, lies Göbekli Tepe, a prehistoric temple near Şanlıurfa. This ancient site, built over 11,000 years ago, predates the pyramids and has reshaped our understanding of history. Shrouded in mystery and spiritual significance, many believe it was a place for rituals and connecting to higher realms, making it a must-visit for those drawn to the wisdom of the ancients, when builders aligned their buildings with the Stars in the sky as well as on the Earth's powerful vortices and 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. In the West, he is simply known as Rumi, while in the East, he is called Maulana Rumi. In Turkey, he is universally referred to as Mevlana, the Turkish form of Maulana, which means "Our Master." A visit to his shrine and witnessing the Whirling Dervishes is a soul-stirring experience. This spiritual city offers an opportunity for deep inner exploration for pilgrims.
To pick one favorite Rumi quote is a difficult thing to do, so I will share one that goes along with the objective of the Seeker embarking on a sacred journey to a far away distant land.
"Respond to every call that excites your spirit."-Rumi
As I write this, I feel excited. My heart opens at the thought of exploring Rumi's Konya and soaking in the energy there.
Rumi is renowned for founding the Sufi brotherhood and its whirling dance, Sema, performed by the Dervishes. This seven-part ritual symbolizes the soul’s journey to divine union, turning toward truth, growing through love, shedding ego, and embracing spiritual perfection. The dervish then returns, ready to serve and share love with all of creation. This sounds a lot like the Hero's Journey. To discover more about the history of our beloved master teacher and poet, follow the link here.
The Guest House
By Jalaluddin Rumi
This being human 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 are 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.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Translated by Coleman Barks
Mount Nemrut: The Throne of the Gods
Atop this sacred mountain lie colossal statues of ancient deities, standing as guardians through time and space. The name Nemrut is derived from the name of King Nimrod, which in the Bible means “lucky hunter”. The most important time of day to visit is either at sunrise or sunset for reflection, prayer and meditation.
Troy: The City of Legends and Warrior Women
Immortalized in Homer’s Iliad, Troy tells the tale of legendary women, queens, warriors, and goddesses who shaped history. Walking the ruins of this ancient city, linked to Homeric myth and divine intervention, brings history and mythology to life.
Pamukkale: The Thermal Baths of the Cotton Terraces & Cleopatra's Antique Pool
The famous white terraces in Pamukkale with it's white travertine pools is a spectacular location. It has hot waters that are rich in minerals. Since ancient times, it has been a place for spiritual and physical healing. The calcite-laden waters have created petrified waterfalls. The nearby ruins of the thermal spa of Hierapolis, established by the kings of Pergamon can be seen today. Fed by the same hot springs as the travertine pools located nearby is a cyrstal clear pool named Cleopatra's bath, where you can swim among the ruins of the former Temple of Apollo.
The Priestesses of ancient times would gather and bath before performing rituals to prepare her vessel by purifying herself in holy waters prior to holding a sacred ceremony. As a priestess, I would make sure that our group of pilgrims stops here first in preparation for our spiritual work along our journey.
A Transformational Journey for the Modern Woman
A spiritual pilgrimage to Türkiye is not just about visiting sacred sites, it’s about awakening your inner wisdom, healing past wounds, and stepping into your power. With the guidance of an experienced women’s travel company, you’ll experience carefully curated rituals, meditations, and ceremonies designed to help you integrate the energy of these ancient places into your journey.
If you have ever felt an unexplainable pull toward a distant land, as if your soul is calling you to explore ancient wisdom, you may need to be brave and answer the call. A spiritual pilgrimage is more than just travel; it is a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and connection to the energies of the land, the people who came before, and those who currently inhabit the land with their customs.
With its rich history, mystical sites, and deep spiritual heritage, Türkiye is the perfect destination for women seeking transformation through travel and with a desire to connect to the divine feminine- Mother Goddess.
Why Choose a Women’s Travel Pilgrimage to Türkiye?
Joining a women’s travel group on a pilgrimage creates a powerful, supportive space for personal growth. Traveling with like-minded women allows for deeper connections, shared spiritual practices, and the freedom to explore sacred sites without distraction. In Türkiye, you’ll walk in the footsteps of powerful goddesses, ancient priestesses, and mystics who left their imprint on this magical land.
Are You Ready to Answer the Call?
If you feel the pull toward Türkiye’s sacred landscapes, it may be time to embark on your transformative pilgrimage. Whether seeking divine inspiration, deep healing, or sisterhood, this journey will leave you forever changed.
Join us on a 7-10 day sacred women’s pilgrimage to Türkiye for an unforgettable journey into the land of enchantment.
Small Group Tours starting in the Spring of 2026
Comments