Izmit, a vibrant city nestled in northwestern Turkey, is unknown for its rich Byzantine history. The city formerly called Nicomedia hosted the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian and later became the birthplace of several notable Christians. Yet, today, this landscape lies buried and easily ignored.
[Read more…] about Izmit – The Forgotten Christian City
Hidden Crosses at the Kocaeli Archeology Museum
The Kocaeli Archeology Museum in Izmit provides insight into the significant Christian history of Nicomedia. Numerous crosses on pillars, monuments, and oil lamps demonstrate how the cross became a life-changing and worth-dying-for symbol.
[Read more…] about Hidden Crosses at the Kocaeli Archeology Museum
Izmit’s Ancient Churches Found – but Where are They?
Historically, many churches existed in ancient Izmit – Nicomedia. Where were the ancient churches of Izmit? Let’s look at the little evidence that remains to give us insight into where the churches were.
[Read more…] about Izmit’s Ancient Churches Found – but Where are They?
The Ten Known Churches of Nicomedia (Izmit) – Part 1
Nicomedia hosted the Eastern Roman capital from 286 to 330 AD. This city that buried hundreds, if not thousands, of martyrs has historically been known as an essential Christian city, but is now totally forgotten. Even the churches from the past have been covered up, like the multiple layers of history that sit below the modern city of Izmit. Ten known churches can be found in the historic and archeology evidence.
[Read more…] about The Ten Known Churches of Nicomedia (Izmit) – Part 1
The Ten Known Churches of Nicomedia (Izmit) – Part 2
The later Byzantine churches of Nicomedia are mainly from the 9th to the 19th century. Let’s see what we can find, which is primarily based on oral and literary history. In 1888, the ancient city of Nicomedia became Izmit. In this section, we will research some of the later churches found on our list.
[Read more…] about The Ten Known Churches of Nicomedia (Izmit) – Part 2
Discovering the Proof of Greek Churches in Izmit
The Byzantine churches spoke Greek and became a part of the Greek Orthodox Church in 1054 A.D. with the Great Schism. So, when we see Greek church buildings in Turkiye from the 18th and 19th centuries, we can assume that, in many places, there existed a Byzantine church at that location before or nearby. Let’s explore this possibility.
[Read more…] about Discovering the Proof of Greek Churches in Izmit