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Ancient Buildingİznik

Ancient City Nicaea-Hagia Sophia

Ancient City Nicaea-Hagia Sophia
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The ancient church can be visited




The Ancient City Nicaea-Hagia Sophia in İznik, located in Turkey's Bursa province, stands as a remarkable testament to early Christian architecture and a site of profound historical importance. Once a church that hosted significant councils, it reflects the region's eventful past.

History+

The origins of the Hagia Sophia in Nicaea date back to the 4th century, making it the oldest structure in the ancient city. Its greatest significance came as the venue for the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, one of Christianity's ecumenical councils. Following the Ottoman conquest in 1331, the church was converted into a mosque by Orhan I. Over time, the building fell into ruin but was restored as a museum after the establishment of modern Turkey. Since November 2011, the Hagia Sophia has once again been used as a mosque, initiated by the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister.

Location+

The Ancient City Nicaea-Hagia Sophia is situated in İznik, within the Bursa district in the Marmara region of Turkey. It is located at an elevation of approximately 99 meters above sea level.

On site+

Visitors can explore the ancient church today. Inside, remnants of frescoes and mosaics, as well as a stepped priest's bench in the apse, are still preserved, bearing witness to its long and complex history.

Nearby+
  • Ancient City Nicaea-Theater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.4 km away
  • Ancient City Nicaea-City Walls (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.8 km away
  • Sangarius Bridge (Ancient Buildings), approx. 65.0 km away
  • Şile Castle Ruin (Castle), approx. 84.1 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Ayasofya_Iznik_902.jpg

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 40.4292, 29.7201