28.10.2025 09:52
In İznik, where Pope Leo XIII will visit, following the discovery of a basilica revealed at the bottom of Lake İznik, a massive 400-square-meter mosaic has now been discovered for the first time. Teams are conducting excavation and cleaning work on the enormous mosaic with great secrecy. No one is allowed near the area, while police and municipal guards are on duty 24 hours a day.
After the announcement by Pope Francis that he would come to İznik following the discovery of the Basilica, and after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, who was elected as Pope under the name 14th Leo, also announced that he would visit the historic city of İznik on November 27. Following this announcement, both cultural and archaeological activities began to increase in the region. In this context, the İznik Museum Directorate intensified its work in the area where the remains of Roman mosaics were discovered during sewage infrastructure works in 2014.
GIANT FLOOR MOSAIC DISCOVERED
As a result of the excavations, a giant floor mosaic measuring 400 square meters was uncovered. While the mosaic was being photographed for the first time, experts evaluate that this area could be the entrance to a palace belonging to Nicea, known as the queen of İznik.
"THOUGHT TO BE THE ENTRANCE OF A PALACE"
The works carried out in the area declared as a Public Space by the İznik Museum Directorate are being closely followed by both the local community and historians. The neighborhood headman, Ali Arık, made the following statements regarding the mosaic:
"Since this mosaic in our neighborhood is large-scale, our ministry got involved. An excavation was conducted, and with a beautiful effort, the mosaic was brought to light. It has become a beautiful artifact and value for our district. This mosaic is very valuable for the world and İznik because it is said to be very different. I thank the team working for İznik and our neighborhood and our ministry. This mosaic found is a palace remnant, meaning it is thought to be the entrance of a palace."
Archaeologists state that the mosaic structure is of great importance both artistically and historically. With the Pope's visit, it is expected that İznik will receive more attention from the global public.