While filming a supposed Iznik furnace, I discovered something unexpected. As I edited the video, I realized that something did not fit into the idea of a furnace….
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Walking the Ancient Ruins of Nicaea (Iznik, Türkiye)
2025 is 1700 years since the Nicene Creed was formed. The city of Nicaea offers many insights into the history of Christianity for those willing to seek them out. This tour will visit the key spots that tell the story of what happened since the time of the Nicene Creed. A good two-day visit will provide enough time to visit all the main ruins of this city. Here is my Google map walking tour.
Mark Wilson said, “The Modern name İznik is an abbreviated Turkish version of eis Nikaia.“[1]Biblical Turkey: A guide to the Jewish & Christian sites of Asia Minor, 2010. This phrase is the Latin for “into Nicaea.” Now, most people know this name (Iznik) as the location of famous Ottoman ceramics.
Council of 325
The Council of 325 decided many important theological issues, especially concerning the unity of the Trinity and the person of Jesus Christ. These early believers sought to define their understanding of Scripture by formulating doctrinal statements that would bring unity and focus to the church.[2]https://earlychurchtexts.com/public/creed_of_nicaea_325.htm There is still some debate on the location of the council meeting in a religious setting before moving to the Nicaea palace for greater space.
In my walking tour, I visit the Northern Walls, the Iznik Hagia Sophia, the Sunken (now partially exposed) Byzantine Basilica, and the Iznik Courtyard Museum. This page begins the write-ups, and please see my other blogs for more details.
The (Un-) Sunken Basilica of Neophantos
Youtube Exploration of this site:
Walking tour map of Ancient Nicea. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1s2OfrX7zySILIBLY98lQphorMbHQUzk&usp=sharing
Analyzing the 12 churches and chapels of Side, Pamphylia
In my research of the Side Ancient City and the maps of Archeology ruins, I have discovered at least 12 churches and chapels of Side. Many have remains today to show what existed before, but a few have limited ruins to show today. In most of the write-ups, three Basilicas dominate the discussions.
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The Lost Metropolis Episcopal Palace in Side, Pamphylia
The Archeology Outdoor Museum hosts the only remaining Byzantine Metropolitan (Episcopal Palace) complex. With this grand location remaining, one would think that the buildings would be restored and protected. In multiple visits to the complex, more walls and ruins sink into the ground each time.
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Hidden Crosses in the Side Archeology Museum
The scope of history in this museum covers some artifacts from before Christ’s time, as well as Roman and Greek history. However, Byzantine history in Side is often downplayed and categorized as lesser-known. Let’s explore what items in the museum come from the Christian perspective.
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Discovering the Repurposed Chapel in Side Open Air Museum
During my visits to the Side Open Air Museum, I wandered through the residential areas of the old city. In one section, I encountered a marbled dwelling with a water trough and crosses. Where cross-entry stones are found, I assume these are found in that area and give a hint to the religious purpose at some point in history. Could this be a repurposed church?
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