IZNIK

İznik, with its thousand of years cultural heritage, occupied an important place in history. Having been the capital of four empires, it is one of the remarkable settlement places.

History

There are traces of a civilisation dates back to 2500 BC in Karadin, Çiçekli, Yüğücek and Çakırca Mounds near İznik. The settlement before the immigrations of Trak Tribes in the 7th century BC, took the name of Helikare. The word of 'Khryseapolis' (Golden City) was printed on the coins having been minted in the city.

Having been renovated by Antigonos, General of Macedonia Emperor Alexander the Great in 316 BC, the city took the name of Antigoneia. After the death of Alexander the Great, the city was handed over to General Lysimakhos who won the battle against Antigonos and named the city as Nicaea, which was also the name of his wife. In 293 BC, it became a part of Bithynia Kingdom. During this period, the city was decorated with important architectural structures. Nicaea, having been the capital city of Bithynia Kingdom for a period, later on continued its presence as an important settlement area of the Romans.

Nicaea got acquainted with Christianity by the efforts of Petrus, one of the disciples of Bithynia. During the reign of Emperor Constantine I, the prohibitions on Christianity were removed. In the early summer of 325 AD, Nicaea was the scene of an important meeting of 1st Consul in Senatus Palace. A text comprising of 20 articles, known as Nicaea Laws, and Christianity Feast Days were approved after this consul.

In 787 AD, 7th Consul gathered in Hagia Sophia Church in İznik. The prohibitions on paintings and statues were removed under the leadership of Empress Irene.

İznik has also been the capital city of the Seljuks and Byzantines through history.

After having been captured by the Ottoman Army in 1331, İznik became a more active city and a centre of art, culture and trade. Many famous people lectured in Orhan Ghazi Madrasah during this period. The first Mosque, Madrasa and İmaret (Soup Kitchen) of Ottoman Period were built in İznik.

İznik became an art centre during 14th and 15th centuries, and world wide famous tiles and ceramics were produced here. Its city texture, with its grid-planned city settlement from Hellenistic Age and monumental structures from the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, has still been preserving in İznik.

Climate

İznik has a temperate climate with wet winters. In summers, it is sufficiently rainy.

The Art of Tile Making

The development in the art of ceramic tiling in İznik can be easily understood from tile coverings on historical structures of which construction dates are known. Having been built between 1378 and 1391, İznik Green Mosque with its oldest Ottoman tiles which decorates its minaret continued the Seljuk tradition in aspects of technique and decor, but the colours and tints are richer than the ones of the Seljuks. The diversity of green and turquoise ceramic tiles of the Mosque attracts attention.

According to the historical records, the ceramic tiles used in the constructions of İstanbul were produced in İznik. The centre of the ceramics known as Milet, Damascus group and Rhodes work is İznik. The great traveller Evliya Çelebi, who visited İznik in 17th century, has mentioned in his book that there were more than 300 tile kilns in İznik. Flower motifs such as tulip, hyacinth, pomegranate and clove were used in İznik Tiles as well as human, animal such as bird, rabbit, dog and ship figures. The most used colours are blue, turquoise, green and red.

Where to Visit

İznik Museum ( Nilüfer Hatun Soup Kitchen)

This structure is one the beautiful examples of 14th century Ottoman Architecture. In 1338, Ottoman Ruler Murat the first had it built as an İmaret (soup kitchen) in memory of his mother Nilüfer Hatun. This charity house served meal to poor people every day. In Ottoman Architecture, T-shaped plan was used for the first time during the construction of this house. After having been used as a storehouse in the Republican Era, it was put into operation as a museum in 1960. Archaeological works of art from Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Periods are on display in the Museum. The works, having been unearthed in İznik Tile Kilns Excavation, draw the attention of many people.

Tumulus, Rock Tombs and Monuments

Berber Rock

Berber Rock, a large room-shaped monumental tomb having been carved in rock, is located at the foot of a hill in the west of İznik. There are graves on the ground of it. It dates back to the 2nd century, and it is one of the important examples of the Hellenistic Period in İznik.

Beştaş

This monumental tomb, raising among vineyards in the west of the district, is on the road of ancient Rome. The tomb is also called as Obelisk or Nişantaşı. It is understood from the inscription in Greek that this tomb belonged to C. Cassius in the 1st century. An eagle or a statue of Nike, the Goddess of Victory is thought to have been over the 6th stone on the top of the tomb. It is clear from the remains that there is a statue of Philiscus in the other side of the tomb.

Hypoge

It is an underground tomb in Elbeyli Village. It is understood that it was built in the 4th or 5th century. The ceiling and walls are covered with coloured frescoes, typical to the early Christianity period. In the grave room, there are 3 graves.

Dörttepeler Tumulus

It is in the graveyard within Elbeyli Municipality. Two monumental tombs are found in the Tumulus. The first tomb is near the road. Rectangular grave room with a dromos (narrow passageway to the grave room), has two klines (stone seating) on both sides. The other tomb is in a grave room made of marble, and covered with rough stone and trees.

Senatus Palace (Byzantium Palace)

The palace was built in the 4th century, and it is now covered with lake water. Floor mosaics are under ground. The first Nicaea Consul which was very important for the Christian Community gathered here in 325.

City Walls

The pentagonal city walls surrounding İznik are 4970 metre long. The construction of the city walls started in Hellenistic Period. But they took their final shape by the new additions during the Roman and Byzantine Periods. When looked from the junction point of two streets, four main gates can be seen. Two of the four main gates, namely Lefke and Constantinople Gates, have survived to the present day in good condition. Marble relief frieze pieces were used in the construction of these two gates. The masks brought from the theatre can be seen in Constantinople Gate.

Theatre

İznik Ancient Theatre was built on a large area between the lake shore and Yenişehir Gate. Theatre was built by the efforts of Bithynia Proconsul, Plinius between 111 and 112 during the reign of Empire Traianus. It was turned into a mass grave in the 13th century. In the following years, archaeological excavations revealed that a Church, Palace, Ottoman Ceramic Workshops and Tile Kilns had been constructed within it.

Bocek Ayazma

Being one of the intact remains from the 6th century, the structure is thought to have been a part of Hyakinthos Monastery. This circular structure, having been covered with a dome, is next to the Koimesis Church.

The Church of Koimesis

Bishop Hyakinthos had it built in the 8th century. It is supposed to have been a part of Hyakinthos Monastery. It was fully demolished by the earthquake in 1065, and later on it was renovated by additions. The mosaics and icons of the Church were renovated again in 1807.

The Church of Hagia Sophia

Being at the junction of two streets, the Church is in the very centre of the city. It is a work of Byzantine Period, and thought to have been renovated probably after the earthquake in 1807. It was renamed Orhan Ghazi Mosque in 1331. Having been demolished by the earthquake and fire, church was renewed to a great extent by Architect Sinan in 16th century. On the wall of a grave room, there is a fresco of Christ. The 7th Consul in 787 gathered here. Therefore, it is an important spot for faith tourism.

The Church of Hagios Tryphonos

It is located on the left side of the street towards Constantinople Gate. The cross shaped church has four columns. The wall technique and the cross-shaped plan of the church indicate that it was a Byzantine work having been built between the 10th and 12nd centuries.

The Church of Ayatrifon

Supposed to have been built by Teodoros Laskaris in the name of Aya Trinos in 13th century, the church is located on the right side of the street leading to the Yenişehir Gate. Its plan is similiar to the one used in Kariye Mosque in İstanbul. It is understood from the plan that it was covered with a huge dome, and its floor is decorated with beautiful mosaics.

Hacı Özbek Mosque

It was the first Ottoman mosque built in Iznik in 1333. Its tile-covered dome is in 8 m in diameter. The mosque does not have a minaret.

Green Mosque

Green Mosque, named after the colour of its minaret, is the symbol of the İznik. It was built by Architect Hacı Mustafa between 1378 and 1391. With its single dome, it is one of the most splendid mosques having been built in the Early Ottoman Period. Its unique minaret is on the right side of the mosque. Its unique minaret, which is a reflection of Seljuk tradition on the Ottoman art in the early period, is on the right side of the mosque. The main part is ornamented with blue and green ceramic tiles in a zigzag mosaic technique.

Mahmut Çelebi Mosque

Mahmut Çelebi had it built in 1442. Its square main part is covered with a single dome. The minaret is bricky.

Orhan Bey Mosque

The ruins of the mosque is located outside of the Yenişehir Gate. There is a Turkish Bath between the mosque and the city walls.

Tombs

Sheikh Kutbettin Mosque and Tomb, Eşref-i Rumi Mosque and Tomb, Yakup Çelebi Lodge and Tomb, Kırgızlar Tomb, Sarı Saltuk Tomb, Hayrettin Pasha Tomb, Çandarlı İbrahim Pasha Tomb and Soup Kitchen, Çandarlı Halil Pasha Tomb, Huysuzlar Tomb, Ahiveyn Sultan Tomb, Abdülvahap Sancaktarı Tomb are the important tombs in İznik.

Rüstem Paşa Inn

At present, it is in ruin between the houses. Some north and east parts of its wall is standing. It was built in the 16th century.

İsmail Bey Hamam (Public Bath)

It dates back to the late 14th and the early 15th centuries. With its interior architecture, it is an outstanding structure. The bath, covered with four domes, has five sections.

Hacı Hamza Hamam (Public Bath)

The bath is located next to the Mahmut Çelebi Mosque in the 15th century. It is also called as Murat the second Bath. There are two different sections for Women and Men, and Men Section is still being used.

Meydan Hamam (Public Bath)

The other name of the bath is Murat the first Bath. It dates back to the 14th century. The bath has two sections.

What to Eat

Lobster or Crayfish cooked in pottery casserole, Carp soup, Crayfish Salad, Catfish Shish and Stew are some of the special dishes which can be tasted in the restaurants around İznik Lake. Various kinds of Olive, produced in the region, can also be tasted.

What to Buy

World famous İznik Tiles can be bought.

Don't Leave Without

Visiting İznik Museum, the Church of Hagia Sophia where the 7th Consul gathered and the Mosques ornamented with İznik Tiles,

Seeing Tumulus and Monumental Tombs,

Walking among the City Walls,

Buying World Famous İznik Tiles,

Contact Information

Tourist Office

Kılıçaslan Cad. 130

Tel / Fax: +90 224 757 19 33

Mudanya

Mudanya, which is 25 km northeast of Bursa and at coast of Marmara Sea, is a center, where summer tourism is experienced densely due to its fresh air.

History

Mudanya is founded on VIIth century B. C. by immigrants from Kolofon, which was one of the 12 big cities of Ionia. Apamcia - Myrleia named this city was on today's Hisarlık hill. Mudanya had lived Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman period.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry, winters are warm and rainy.

How to Get

It is possible to reach Mudanya by road and maritime lines.

Where to Visit

Mudanya Houses

Most beautiful samples of Ottoman houses are in Mudanyada. Most important one of these houses is Tahir Paşa Mansion. Nearly all of these houses have gardens. There are well cared flowers in the gardens.

Mudanya Truce House Museum

Art Nouveo waterside residence, which belongs to the beginning of the 19th century, and on Mudanya coastal road, and where Turkish - Greek war ending truce agreement is signed between TBMM government and ally states on 11th October, 1922 is used as a museum since 1937. Various documents and materials of Independence War and truce as well as properties of that period are exhibited within the Museum.

Tel: (+90 224) 544 10 68

Open hour to visit: Between 08:00 - 12:00 / 13:00 - 17:00

Open days to visit: Everyday except Mondays

Myrlea

It is an antic city, which is 1 km south east of Mudanya and belongs to Britannia.

Kumyaka Church

It is constructed between 780 and 797 during Byzantium Emperor, IVth Constantinos Porphyrogenetos period.

Beaches

Places for swimming and have natural beauties in Mudanya, are ancient Greek settlements, Siye (Kumyaka) and Trilya (Zeytinbağ

Don't Leave Without

Visiting Mudanya Truce Museum,

Seeing Ancient Mudanya Houses,

Visiting Siye (Kumyaka) and Trilya (Zeytinbağ), and going for swimming,

Eating Çarşaf pastry, Turkish delight with walnut and fish.

How to Get

Bursa takes advantage of the vast land and sea transportation offered by its location. It's air transportation has the potential for expansion.

Highway: Bursa coach station is 10km from city center. There are also connections to other cities from Bursa.

Coach Station Tel. : (+90-224) 261 54 00

Railway Station: Tel : (+90-224) 482 35 00

Maritimes: The sea transporation in Bursa is carried out through Gemlik and Mudanya piers. Both piers are approximately 30km from Bursa. Sea Transit: Boats leave from the Gemlik and Mudanya docks.

Harbour Tel : (+90-224) 544 30 60

Air Travel: There are two airports in Bursa: Bursa and Yenişehir. Bursa airport is 8km from the city center:Bursa-Yenişehir airport.

Airport Tel : (+90-224) 246 50 01 - 773 00 64