Íznik

Photo by Astraftis.

Íznik is part of the Tentative list of Türkiye in order to qualify for inclusion in the World Heritage List.

İznik is historically known as a center for ceramic production. The İznik tiles spread across the Ottoman Empire and to the museums of the world. Historically it was called Nicaea, known for the Christian landmark council of bishops: “the first Council of Nicae”. It also was the Seljuk and Ottoman capital for short periods.

Map of Íznik

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The coordinates shown for all tentative sites were produced as a community effort. They are not official and may change on inscription.

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Wojciech Fedoruk

Poland - 18-Jun-19 -

Íznik (T) by Wojciech Fedoruk

Iznik now is a small and insignificant town not very far from Istanbul but centuries ago it was an important center of Byzantine empire and then, for a a short period, the capital of Ottoman empire. First soup kitchen in the world was founded in Iznik. Later Iznik became famous of its ceramic industry. For Western culture Iznik is much better known under its latin name Nicaea. It was this place that hosted the Counsils of Nicaea and creed that was adopted after The First Council of Nicaea is until now named the Nicene Creed and is used in Christian liturgy all over the world.

Not too much if left from the Christian heritage of Nicaea but quite a lot survived from Byzantine and newer periods. These are mainly fabulous city walls, that, although crossed by more modern roads, until now surround the town. Most of the walls survived but of course they require reconstruction. So far only the most important parts, such as city walls, have already been or are being reconstructed. Most of the elements, such as arches or reliefs, survived in original and now are significant tourist attractions. After the Turkish government finishes the reconstruction, the inscription of Iznik on World Heritage List can have quite a chance. Based on what I saw, I won’t be disappointed seeing Iznik as a WHS.


Full Name
Íznik
Country
Türkiye
Added
2014
Nominated for
2024
Type
Cultural
Categories
Urban landscape - Arabic and Middle Eastern
Link
By ID
2014 Added to Tentative List

Unesco Website: Íznik

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Íznik (T)
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