Pope Leo XIV visits Iznik Nov 27 amid 400m² Roman mosaic find & lake basilica. Tight security; experts eye palace link. Global eyes on ancient site.
Newsroom (28/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the American cardinal Robert F. Prevost, will arrive in Iznik on November 27, 2025, fulfilling a pilgrimage first pledged by his late predecessor, Pope Francis. The visit follows the April 21 discovery of a submerged basilica in Iznik Lake—an early Christian structure that captivated global attention and prompted Francis to announce his intent to travel to the ancient city.
Now, just months later, another major find has surfaced on land: a sprawling 400-square-meter Roman-era floor mosaic uncovered in a residential neighborhood. The site is sealed off under heavy guard, with police and municipal teams enforcing 24/7 security. Excavation and preservation work proceed under strict confidentiality, though the mosaic was recently captured in aerial footage by the Ihlas News Agency (IHA)—the first public view of the artifact.
A Second Landmark Discovery in Months
The mosaic was revealed after archaeologists revisited a location where Roman tile fragments were initially spotted in 2014 during sewer line construction. Under the direction of the Iznik Museum Directorate, which has classified the area as public heritage space, full-scale excavation began following the lake basilica announcement.
What emerged is a single, uninterrupted floor mosaic of striking scale and craftsmanship. Specialists suggest it may have served as the grand entrance to a palace associated with Nicaea, the symbolic “queen” of ancient Iznik. The find is now open for limited viewing, drawing crowds of residents and historians.
Community Pride and Scholarly Intrigue
Local neighborhood headman Ali Arık expressed elation over the discovery: “This mosaic in our district is vast—that’s why the ministry stepped in. They dug with tremendous care, and now we have a true treasure. It’s not just beautiful; it’s unique in the world and a gift to Iznik. Experts say these are palace remains—the threshold itself. I thank the excavation team, the ministry, and everyone who worked for our community.”
Archaeologists emphasize the mosaic’s exceptional artistic detail and historical context, placing it among the most significant Roman floor works in the region. With Pope Leo XIV’s visit on the horizon, Iznik—once host to the First Ecumenical Council in 325 CE—is poised for a surge in international spotlight, bridging its early Christian legacy with newly unearthed imperial grandeur.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Turkey Today and Posta.com.tr
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