An ancient mosaic dating back to the time of Jesus was discovered in the district of İznik, Turkey, ahead of Pope Leo XIV's anticipated visit. According to Haberler, excavations at the foundation of a house revealed the mosaic, which features galley ships and deer patterns.
Under the scientific coordination of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şahin, underwater archaeological excavations and research started in 2015 at the basilica located 20 meters off the shore and 1.5–2 meters deep in Lake İznik, near the district of İznik in Bursa, Turkey, where Pope Leo XIV announced he would travel. "Our team includes geologists, geophysicists, and restorers. Therefore, a wide and comprehensive study is being carried out," said Şahin.
"The church we are currently excavating is the Church of the Holy Fathers," said Şahin, the scientific advisor of the excavation. The church was built on the site where the First Council of Nicaea was held in 325 CE.
Hosting the First Council of Nicaea from May 20 to July 25 in 325 CE, İznik holds a pivotal place in Christian history. "The First Council of Nicaea is important for all denominations," Şahin pointed out, reported Sozcu.
According to Sozcu, as part of the studies, cemeteries believed to belong to Christians were found around the basilica. "The surroundings of the church are filled with the burials of devout and notable Christians who wanted to be buried close to the church," stated Şahin.
"We are opening the graves, making the necessary documentations. We are covering them again with the skeletons and trying to preserve them as they are, reinforcing the broken tiles," explained Şahin.
"Ethically, we did not find it appropriate to take the skeletons, put them in bags, and store them in warehouses. In a sense, we are trying not to disturb them," said Şahin, according to Anadolu Ajansı.
Şahin expressed that with the promotions made, İznik has once again become a very important place in terms of faith tourism, according to Sozcu. The area is now on the world agenda, particularly due to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council convened in 325 CE.
Şahin noted that they have recently observed an increase in the number of foreign visitors in İznik. "Because of this, the Pope mentioned that he would come to İznik and make a visit here. The main reason for this visit is the 1700th anniversary of the First Council convened in 325 CE," he added.
"According to archaeological data, the church we are excavating was completely buried and remained underwater after the 1250s. Therefore, we can say that it was completely forgotten and escaped attention during the time that has passed," stated Şahin.
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