The international attention attracted by the Turkish town of Iznik (ancient Nicaea) in the northwestern Turkish province of Bursa, following the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, has boosted tourism in this small town on the shores of Lake Iznik, a former Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman capital.
According to local authorities, the number of foreign tourists visiting Iznik in 2025 reached 200,000 visitors; but after the visit of the Supreme Pontiff on 28 November – who officiated at a mass in Iznik broadcast live next to the ruins of the submerged basilica of St Neophytos – the number of visitors to the basilica and archaeological sites in the town was around 60,000, an increase of almost 100% compared to the same period last year.
The Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD and convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great himself, is considered a key milestone in the formulation of the fundamental principles of Christian theology and Catholic doctrine, and the religious event – broadcast live to many countries – brought worldwide attention to the history of ancient Nicaea, recognised as one of the most important centres of early Christianity.
Since then, international tourist arrivals to this historic town northwest of Bursa have skyrocketed. The effect has been particularly visible in the weeks following the Pope’s visit, especially in December, according to municipal officials. The deputy mayor of Iznik, Ahmet Kaya, told CNN Türk that the papal visit had a “clear and immediate” impact on the sector.
“Iznik has become a centre of attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors,” he said, noting that international media coverage brought the city back into the global spotlight. “Beyond its value for religious tourism, the city’s natural riches are extraordinary. It is gratifying to see how those who visit us leave with such positive memories,” he added.
“Now the world knows Iznik“
Bekir Uslu, owner of a café in Iznik, confirmed to the press that the influx of tourists started to increase even before Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey was confirmed. “After the Pope’s visit started to be talked about, the demand was very high. In the last few months, after the official announcement, Iznik has been in the news all over the world,” he said.
“After the Pope’s arrival, foreign tourists started to come here. It is important for them; their spiritual leader has come. I believe that this will contribute not only to tourism in İznik, but also to domestic tourism in the coming years,” Uslu commented. “We welcome our guests in the best possible way. Just as our people can go abroad to fulfil their religious obligations, they can also come here and fulfil their religious obligations, bringing economic benefits to our community in the process. Now the world already knows İznik (Nicaea), and I believe it will gain even more recognition in the coming years.”
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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