Historic Visit Anticipated in İznik
Pope Francis has expressed a renewed desire to visit Türkiye for the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, sparking preparations for the potential trip to the western city of Bursa's İznik district, the site of the ecumenical council.
Significance of the Visit
"Tradespeople consider the Pope's visit to İznik to be of great significance. We've been in a lagging position in terms of trade for a long time, but I believe this event will help improve things," tile artist Kübra Göllü said, expressing her excitement over the potential visit.
Milestone for İznik
According to Merve Cındık, another tile artist, the potential visit would represent a significant milestone for the historic district.
Global Attention on İznik
The head of a real estate association, Mustafa Can, echoed the sentiments of the two tile artists, noting that the potential landmark visit would draw worldwide attention to the district.
Anticipation for the Visit
“We are eagerly anticipating his arrival, as he is an important figure. The people of İznik are known for their hospitality, and we want to ensure he has the best possible stay,” he added.
Commemorating the Council of Nicaea
The Pope recently reaffirmed his desire to visit the district during a meeting at the Vatican. “We shall also have the chance to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the first significant ecumenical council, the Council of Nicaea, during this Holy Year. I'm considering traveling to Türkiye,” he said.
Global Recognition
Bekir Uslu, a tourism manager, welcomed the Pope’s remarks, stating, “This is a very important statement. The Pope's visit to İznik would be a historic opportunity for both İznik and Türkiye to gain global recognition. By offering the Pope an exceptional welcome, we can enhance İznik’s and Türkiye’s global profile and promote them more effectively overseas.”
Rich History of İznik
İznik, known for its rich cultural and historical significance, remains one of the key locations for pivotal Christian discussions and decisions.
Archaeological Discoveries
Archaeologists have been working meticulously to shed light on the religious use phase of the approximately 2,000-year-old Roman theater in the historic district.
Uncovering Ancient Frescoes
As part of these efforts, a fresco depicting the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms — believed to be one of the oldest surviving examples — has recently been uncovered through restoration.
Reopening of the Ancient Theater
The ancient theater was reopened to the public last March, following the completion of most of the excavation and restoration work that began in the 1980s, with efforts still underway in some areas.
