IZNIK AWAITS THE NEW POPE
Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, is expected to make his first official visit to İznik, Bursa. Before the expected visit for the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, the Historical Basilica where the ceremony will be held has become a museum, and the residents and tourism professionals of the district are also waiting for the Pope's visit.
With the death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, who was announced to visit İznik on May 24-25 for the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, it became a matter of curiosity whether the new Pope's successor would carry out the planned visit. While no official statement has yet been made from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, in a meeting with 4,000 journalists as one of his first official activities, responded to a journalist's question, "Pope Francis wanted to attend the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, but he did not live long enough. Will you go?" with "I know. We are preparing."
The commemorations in İznik are organized due to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which has an important place in the history of Christianity. The council, convened in İznik in 325 at the invitation of Roman Emperor Constantine I, is accepted as the first universal, or ecumenical, council in the history of Christianity. In this meeting, which was held with the participation of all bishops, the basic principles of the Christian faith were discussed and important theological decisions were made. Pope Leo XIV's possible visit to Turkey is also considered an important step in terms of both interreligious dialogue and the revitalization of historical memory.
NOT YET CLEAR
Although the new Pope's arrival and date have not yet been officially clarified, İznik has started to wait for the new spiritual leader of the Catholics. In this context, the Historical Basilica, which emerged in 2014 with the retreat of the water on the shores of Lake İznik and caused a great echo in the world of archeology, is now preparing to welcome its visitors under the roof of a modern museum. With the opening of the İznik Lake Basilica Museum, which is the third museum in the district, İznik will become a more attractive destination for local and foreign tourists.
The ceremony planned to be held during the Pope's possible visit will also take place here. Residents and tradesmen in the district are also continuing their preparations for the possible visit. Tourism professional Ali Karaman said, "With the Pope's arrival in İznik, I think there will be development in terms of trade and economy. As Mevlana said, 'Come as you are.' We want him to come."
Tradesman Berkay Yağcı said, "The Pope's arrival in İznik is a good thing. It's a positive situation," while tradesman Tevfik Özen said, "I think the Pope's arrival here is very important for İznik. İznik's name will be heard, interest will increase."
Ceramic artist Merve Cındık said, "I have been a ceramic artist for 12 years. Frankly speaking, there is a tourist flow that we have not seen for many years. This pleases us."
