Archaeologists in Turkey prepare ancient basilica for Pope Leo’s visit
(MENAFN) Authorities in northwestern Türkiye are readying a submerged basilica in Lake Iznik for the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, one of early Christianity’s most significant gatherings.
Located about 20 meters off the shore in Bursa province, the basilica is believed to mark the site of the 325 A.D. council, where bishops convened to resolve major theological disputes.
Discovered 11 years ago at a depth of up to two meters, the site has been the focus of underwater excavations authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2015, led by Mustafa Sahin of Bursa Uludag University, with support from the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality.
Sahin explained that a team of 60 archaeologists, anthropologists, restorers, and art historians is preparing the site for the Pope’s visit, scheduled between November 28 and 30. “All our efforts until then will focus on landscaping and exhibition arrangements,” he said. “Our preparations are entirely aimed at presentation.”
Measuring 20 by 40 meters, the basilica is Iznik’s largest known church. Evidence suggests it may be the long-lost Church of the Holy Fathers, referenced in historical sources but never verified until now — a claim increasingly accepted among scholars. Sahin noted that Pope Leo’s visit could boost Iznik (historically Nicaea) as a hub for Christian pilgrimage and faith tourism. “Even a single stone here holds great meaning for Christians,” he said.
The basilica was initially built as a chapel dedicated to Saint Neophytos, destroyed in an earthquake in 358 and rebuilt after 380 A.D. Excavations have uncovered 37 graves, which have been restored and reburied in their original locations to preserve authenticity. “We’ve restored the graves to their original state so they can be safely displayed,” Sahin added.
Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Iznik will be his first international visit since becoming Pope, after which he is expected to travel to Lebanon.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
