Iznik Roman Theater is brought to tourism
The theater, which also hosted gladiator fights for a while, was used as a religious area after the prohibition of the theater after Christianity. The building, which was damaged and repaired in the great earthquakes of 358, 362 and 368, was sacrificed for the defense of Iznik, while the pieces removed from the theater were used to strengthen the walls.
Excavations in the Roman Theater, where the works were first started in 1980 with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, have been carried out by the team headed by the Archeology Department of Dokuz Eylül University since 2015, with the involvement of the Metropolitan Municipality. Dokuz Eylül University Archeology Department Faculty Member Assoc. Dr. It is chaired by Aygün Ekin Meriç.
„IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO SEE ALL LAYERS IN ONE BUILDING“
In the statement, Assoc. Dr. Meriç stated that according to historical records, the Roman Theater was built in the 2nd century. Stating that they found ceramics dating back to the 6th century BC during the excavations, Meriç said:
„The existence of life was determined here even before the theater was built. There is not only a theater here. There is a before and after, there is a church, we have 8 Ottoman tile ovens. I see this place as the mound of Iznik. From the 6th century BC to the 17th century BC. This area has a continuous use at a stage that goes back to the ‚th century.
The restoration was carried out with the contributions of the Metropolitan Municipality and its implementation was completed. It is planned that the project will be completed by the end of this year and the theater will be opened to visitors. With this project, it will be possible to see all layers of Iznik in one structure. When you enter, you will see the theater first and then the religious use phase. You will see the church structure and tile ovens here. The theater is also very important in terms of showing the whole historical process of Iznik. People will come to the theater now, they will tour. They will also see our excavations around the theater in the back.“
„THIS WILL BE THE MAIN ATTRACTION CENTER OF İZNİK“
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Alinur Aktaş also examined the ongoing works in the historical Iznik Roman Theater with the Mayor of Iznik, Kağan Mehmet Usta.
About the restoration project, whose implementations are at the completion stage, Assoc. Dr. Receiving information from Meriç, Aktaş reminded that the work continues within the scope of the project approved by the Bursa Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board. Aktas, Iznik Roman Theater Pointing out that the existing seating steps, stage section and other building remains in the project have been cleared of negative interventions and additions, he said:
„In the Roman Theatre, which has been tried to be brought to Iznik tourism for many years, a tour route has been created for local and foreign tourists to visit the area. The viewing platform at the top of the sitting steps has been created and the area can be seen clearly. Freezing operations, joint works, viewing platform and sightseeing route have been created. We aim to complete the works by December. It will be one of the most ambitious amphitheaters in Turkey in terms of visits and this will be the main attraction center of Iznik. We are excited to bring together this beautiful investment made not only for Iznik and our country, but also for humanity, to the whole world. we are living.“
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The Roman Theater in Iznik, Turkey, which was originally used as a theater and later became a religious area, is undergoing restoration and will soon be open to visitors. Excavations at the site, conducted by the Archeology Department of Dokuz Eylül University since 2015, have revealed layers of history dating back to the 6th century BC. The restoration project, supported by the Metropolitan Municipality, aims to showcase the various historical periods of Iznik in one structure, including the theater, a church, and Ottoman tile ovens. The completion of the project is expected by the end of this year, and the theater is set to become a major attraction in Iznik, attracting both local and foreign tourists. Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Alinur Aktaş expressed excitement about the investment and the opportunity to share it with the world.
