Live Iznik;
Where Time Leaves It's Mark
Iznik History: The Meeting Point of Civilizations
- When you step through the gates of Iznik, you enter not only a city, but a living history where civilizations intertwine. The grandeur of the Roman theatre, the Byzantine walls and Hagia Sophia, the Seljuk madrasahs, the Ottoman heritage, and the art breathing through Iznik tiles… Iznik is an open-air museum carrying the traces of millennia. Every gate leads you to a new story; every stone carries you to another time.
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Iznik Civilization Timeline
- B.C. 6000 Neolithic - Chalcolitic Age: Ilıpınar settlement on the western shore of Lake Iznik; early farming and animal husbandry.
- B.C. 4.-3. Hellenistic Era (Antigoneia & Nicaea): Founded as 'Antigoneia' under Antigonus; renamed 'Nicaea' by Lysimachus after his wife. Region: Bithynia
- B.C. 282.-74. Kingdom of Bithynia: Nicaea became a key center of the Kingdom of Bithynia
- A.D. 4.-11. Byzantine Empire: in 787, the Second Council of Nicaea took place; the city was a major Byzantine center.
- A.D. 1075.-1097. Anatolian Seljuks: Suleiman Ibn Qutalmish captured Iznik and made it the capital.
- A.D. 1097. First Crusade: After the Siege of Nicaea, the city was returned to Byzantium
- A.D. 1204-1261. Empire of Nicaea: Established in Iznik as the Bzyantine successor state after the Latin capture of Constantinople.
- A.D. 1261-1331. Late Byzantine: Maintained strategic importance after Constantinople was retaken.
- A.D. 1331. Ottoman Empire: Orhan Gazi conquered Iznik; became a center of learning and governance in the early Ottoman period.
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Lake Iznik
Nestled like a mirror between mountains and sky, Lake Iznik is one of the largest soda lakes in Turkey, long believed to hold healing qualities. Its shimmering waters reflect not only the sun and moon but also the centuries of civilizations that have gathered around its shores. To sit by the lake is to feel time soften—whether it is the minerals in its depths, or the meeting of cultures across ages, a deep serenity pervades the air. Here, life slows down, silence carries meaning, and the spirit rests in timeless harmony.
Hagia Sophia (Orhan Mosque)
Located in the heart of Iznik, Hagia Sophia reflects the city’s layered history. Originally built as a Byzantine church in the 6th century, it later hosted the Second Council of Nicaea. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into a mosque by Orhan Gazi. Today, it stands as a unique monument where Byzantine and Ottoman legacies meet, offering visitors a sense of timeless spirituality
Green Mosque
Commissioned by Çandarlı Halil Hayrettin Pasha in the 14th century, the Green Mosque is one of Iznik’s most iconic Ottoman monuments. Its name comes from the striking green tiles that once adorned its walls and minaret. The mosque’s elegant single-dome design, refined stonework, and historical significance reflect the early Ottoman architectural style, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the era.
Iznik Basilica
Basilica of Saint Neophytos:
Discovered beneath the waters of Lake Iznik in 2014, the Basilica of Saint Neophytos dates back to the 4th century AD. Believed to have been built to honor the Christian martyr Neophytos, it once served as an important early Byzantine church. Today, the submerged ruins are visible from above the lake, offering a rare and mystical glimpse into Iznik’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage.
Süleyman Paşa Madrasa
Built in 1332 by Prince Süleyman, son of Orhan Gazi, the Süleyman Paşa Madrasa is considered the first Ottoman madrasa. With its simple yet elegant courtyard design, domed student cells, and small prayer hall, it reflects the early spirit of Ottoman education and architecture. Today, it serves as a cultural and artistic hub, hosting exhibitions that connect Iznik’s history with modern creativity.
Lefke Gate
The Lefke Gate, built during the Roman era and later restored by the Byzantines and Ottomans, is the most impressive of Iznik’s four city gates. Adorned with marble reliefs and monumental arches, it once welcomed travelers arriving from the east. Today, it stands as a striking symbol of Iznik’s layered history, where Roman engineering, Byzantine endurance, and Ottoman legacy meet in timeless harmony.
Iznik Museum
Nilüfer Hatun Imaret: Housed in the 14th-century Nilüfer Hatun Imaret, the Iznik Museum showcases the city’s deep cultural heritage. Originally built as a charitable foundation by Sultan Murad I in honor of his mother, the building reflects early Ottoman architecture. Today, its collections include Roman and Byzantine artifacts, Seljuk ceramics, and the world-famous Iznik tiles, offering visitors a rich journey through the artistic and historical layers of this timeless city.
Ancient Roman Theatre
Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Trajan, the Roman Theatre of Iznik is one of Anatolia’s largest ancient theatres. Once hosting over 15,000 spectators, it witnessed grand performances and imperial ceremonies. Although partially ruined by earthquakes and later reused in Byzantine and Ottoman periods, its remains still display the grandeur of Roman engineering, offering visitors a powerful connection to antiquity.
Explore the Traces of Civilizations
Iznik is more than a city; it is a mosaic of civilizations layered through centuries. Here is a selection of the most significant landmarks to guide your journey. From Roman to Byzantine, Seljuk to Ottoman heritage—alongside the beauty of the lake and the city’s artistic spirit—every stop offers a unique and memorable experience.
City Gates
Lefke Gate
Istanbul Gate
Yenişehir Gate
Lake Gate
Ancient Monuments & Ruins
Roman Theatre
Ancient Aqueduct
Ancient Acropolis
Iznik City Walls
Hagia Sophia (Orhan Mosque)
Iznik Tile Kilns Excavation Site
Mosques
Hagia Sophia (Orhan Mosque)
Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami)
Eşrefzade Mosque
Hacı Özbek Mosque
Süleyman Paşa Madrasa (also used as a place of worship)
Museums & Culture
Iznik Museum (Nilüfer Hatun Imaret)
Iznik Cultural Museum
Iznik Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
Tombs
Sheikh Kutbuddin Tomb
Yakup Çelebi Tomb
Kyrgyzlar Tomb
Hudavendigar Tomb
Sarı Saltuk Tomb
Halil Hayrettin Paşa Tomb
Hacı Özbek Tomb
Davud-i Kayseri Tomb
Abdülvahhab Sancaktarı Tomb
Süleyman Paşa Tomb
Eşrefzade Tomb
Mahmud Çelebi Tomb
İsmail Bey Tomb
Alaeddin Paşa Tomb
Hacı Hamza Tomb
Nature & The Lake
Lake Iznik
Sunset Viewpoints
Sansarak Canyon
Tacir Canyon
Famous Iznik Vineyards
Iznik Tiles & Art
Iznik Tile Workshops
Iznik Tile Kilns Excavation Site
Contact Us
- Mustafa Kemal Paşa Mah., Gölcük Cad. No:14, İzni̇k/Bursa/Türkiye
- T: +9 0542 106 1681
- info@asiyaniznik.com
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