The underground splendor of Iznik will be revealed.

An informational meeting on the İznik Basilica Excavation Studies was held in İznik, an important city of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. As a result of the archaeological excavations to be conducted, the aim is to revitalize the UNESCO process, and the İznik Basilica Church will be opened for visitation.

The end-of-term evaluation meeting of the İznik excavation works, which include the Roman Theatre, Hisardere Necropolis Area, Tile Kilns, and the Underwater Basilica Church, was held at the İznik Basilica Church. Mustafa Bozbey, the Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, stated that they have begun efforts to unveil many underground artifacts to highlight İznik, a significant city of empires like the Byzantine and Ottoman, on the international stage, saying, “As Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, we aim to make İznik a living and ever-growing center of cultural heritage and to revitalize the UNESCO process.”

“We aim to revitalize the UNESCO process”

Mustafa Bozbey, the Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, indicated that they aim to revitalize the UNESCO process with the archaeological studies to be conducted in İznik, stating, “İznik is a city that has spanned from prehistoric times to the present, where history breathes. This ancient city, which has preserved its urban plan almost intact from antiquity to the present, has witnessed the most significant events of the Pagan and Christian periods and has reached today as one of the first cultural and educational centers of the Ottoman Empire. The echoes of the past reverberating in the Roman Theatre, the hidden memories in the Hisardere Necropolis Area, the art shaped in the tile kilns, and the secrets of the basilical church concealed underwater are all doors to history at every corner of İznik. Today, we are here to carry the light of the past into the future by passing through these doors. İznik has grown with the grandeur of Rome, carried the spirit of Byzantium, and blended with the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. This city, which is the meeting point of civilizations, reminds us all of the responsibility to build the future in the traces of the past. As Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, we aim to make İznik a living and ever-growing center of cultural heritage and to revitalize the UNESCO process. These efforts are of great importance not only for İznik but also for the common memory of humanity. Unique artifacts like the Roman Theatre are rare pieces found nowhere else in Anatolia. This cultural heritage, extending from pagan temples to Ottoman madrasas, has never lost its profound spiritual value. The excavations of the Roman Theatre, which began in 1981 under the leadership of Dr. Bedri Yalman, have been ongoing since 2016 under Prof. Dr. Aygün Ekin Meriç. Discovered by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şahin in 2014, the Underwater Basilica Church holds significant importance in the history of faith. As Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, we provide office support, excavation storage, and technical equipment for the excavation works. Our goal to open the Underwater Basilica Church to visitors will ensure that İznik stands out once again on the international stage,” he said.

The history of İznik will be unveiled

Bozbey stated that they are accelerating efforts to transfer the cultural heritage in İznik to future generations, saying, “We continue our mission to unveil, protect, and pass on İznik’s history in collaboration with all our stakeholders. By supporting the excavation works carried out with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we are bringing this unique heritage together with our people. These efforts are just the beginning for İznik to receive the value it deserves. The history of İznik is the common heritage of humanity, and we will continue to work with all our strength to keep this heritage alive, protect it, and pass it on to future generations.”

“Living in such cities brings important responsibilities”

Bursa Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Kamil Özer emphasized that the artifacts unearthed in archaeological excavations should be preserved and passed on to future generations, regardless of their period and culture, stating, “Bursa joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. In the same years, the basilica was discovered. Therefore, we see how important it is to live in a city that is part of the world cultural heritage. Living in such cities also brings significant responsibilities. Because the responsibility to unveil it, carry out restorations, protect it, and transfer it to future generations falls on us. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has taken this responsibility, and our municipalities, which assume all local responsibilities in our cities, are also providing serious support. Regardless of when or to which culture it belongs, these artifacts are ours. Therefore, protecting and passing them on to future generations is one of our most important responsibilities,” he expressed.

“İznik will reach the status of Ephesus and announce its name to the world”

İznik Mayor Kağan Mehmet Usta stated that İznik will attain the status of world-renowned ancient cities like Ephesus, saying, “Since 2014, we have been continuing discussions with the Christian world. We are reliable people; İznik is a reliable city. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are following these discussions. Religious leaders are visiting here intensively. We need to prepare very well because the visiting guests are genuinely valuable people. After that, this work will not stop; İznik will announce its name to the world like Ephesus and the Virgin Mary. I have completed all my discussions regarding this matter,” he said.

After the information meeting on the İznik excavation studies, participants conducted examinations at the historic Basilica, while Mayor Bozbey received information about underwater studies from Mustafa Şahin, the head of the Archaeology Department at Uludağ University.