Derbe Archaeological Site

Address: Ancient site of Derbe, near Çeltikçi/modern Konya Province, Turkey

Derbe is an ancient city site in present-day Konya Province in central Anatolia, Turkey, notable for its mention in the New Testament. It was an established settlement during the Roman period.

The site attracts interest for its archaeological remains and its connection to early Christianity, particularly the journeys described in Acts of the Apostles. There are no large modern visitor facilities at the location; interest is mainly historical and archaeological rather than touristic.

Derbe was part of the region historically called Lycaonia and saw occupation during Roman and Byzantine times. It later declined and ceased to be a major urban centre; it is known from classical and early medieval sources and from Christian tradition.

The site sits in Konya Province in central Turkey, within the upland interior of Anatolia.

• Biblical association: Mentioned in the New Testament (Acts) as a city visited by the apostle Paul during his first missionary journeys.
• Archaeological site: Survives as an archaeological site in central Anatolia with interest for Roman and Byzantine period studies.

Derbe lies in the Konya plain; the nearest major city is Konya. From Konya, drive east toward Çeltikçi and local villages; hire a local driver or guide familiar with archaeological sites. Road signage varies; GPS coordinates are useful.

• The precise ruins of Derbe can be remote; hire a local guide from Konya for navigation and historical context.
• Combine a visit with other Greco-Roman sites in the Konya plain to understand the Roman footprint in central Anatolia.
• Bring good maps and a GPS - signage near some sites can be sparse.