Turkey: a sunken basilica from the 4th century will become an underwater museum - video

Turkish media are reporting that an ancient basilica sunk in the waters of Turkey’s Lake Iznik will become an underwater museum. The site was discovered two years ago thanks to aerial photographs taken at extremely low water levels. Today, almost two years after the remains of the historic building were located, we are witnessing the opening of another chapter in its long history.

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Read about the circumstances of the discovery of the sunken basilica.

The basilica is located in the north-west of Turkey, where it rests just below the surface of the water in Lake Iznik. The structure dates back to Byzantine times and found itself at the bottom of the lake as a result of earthquakes, which are not uncommon in this region. Its discovery was considered one of the ten most important archaeological discoveries of 2014.

Work has already been carried out on the surface and under water to facilitate tourist traffic at the site. Thanks to the measures taken, the site is to be protected so that it does not suffer damage during visits.

The final stage of the work is to give the whole thing a proper appearance. Before the building is opened to the public, however, its surroundings will once again be thoroughly examined for other archaeological finds.

The province of Bursa is one of the most important places for Christianity in all of Turkey. Iznik, called Nikaja or Nikea in ancient times, was the place where the first universal council was held. Interestingly, the ruins of the palace built by Constantine I the Great, where the council was held, are also located in the waters of the same lake.

Source: hurriyetdailynews.com