02.12.2025 13:30
The historic district of İznik in Bursa experienced a significant increase in housing prices following the visit of Pope Leo XIII. The arrival of the Pope, who came to examine important church ruins in the history of Christianity, led to homeowners in İznik taking advantage of the situation.
Immediately after the announcement of the visit, rental and sales prices in the district began to rise. Videos shared on social media under the title "House prices before and after the Pope" became a hot topic. Significant increases were observed, especially in properties with lake views; some 3+1 houses reached sales prices of 15 million TL.
"AS SOON AS THE FUTURE BECOMES CLEAR, PRICES"
Göksel Birsen, President of the Bursa Branch of the All Entrepreneurial Real Estate Consultants Association, evaluated the increase in housing and rents: "As soon as the future became clear, prices began to rise. Especially, people from Istanbul are showing demand for investment purposes. In the last year, housing prices increased by 59% per square meter, while rents rose by 71%."
This price increase in Iznik was humorously brought to the agenda on social media.