Iznik Roman Theater Excavation and Restoration Works

The Iznik (Nicaea) Roman Theater Excavation and Restoration Works, carried out in the Iznik district of Bursa, are being carried out on behalf of Dokuz Eylul University by a team headed by Prof. Dr. Aygun Ekin Meriç, Faculty of Letters, Department of Archeology. The works continue with the permission and support given by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the assistance of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Turkish Historical Society and İznik Municipality.

The theater building, which is the only example in Turkey that rises on vaults on a flat area in accordance with the architectural tradition of the Roman Period, has a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators. According to the Bithynia regional governor and historian Plinius the Younger, it is known that the construction of the building continued during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan (AD 98-117). Today, the foundations of the first cavea and the arch/vault cover system that forms the infrastructure have been preserved. It has been determined that there are rich architectural decorations and magnificent sculptures on the facade of the stage building and in the colonnaded galleries.

The theater, which was used in its original function for about 200 years, was used for religious purposes, especially with the dominance of Christianity in the region in the 4th century. The area was rearranged by building walls in front of the stage building and in some places, and the frescoes of Mary – Jesus and various Christian symbols were engraved on the side walls of the orchestra. The pieces removed from the theater due to the Arab Raids in the 8th century were used to strengthen the city walls. In the 12th century, two churches were built in the area used as a cemetery, and its religious character was strengthened. In the late Byzantine and Ottoman periods, ceramic kilns were built in suitable places in the derelict theater area and this use continued until the 17th century.

The restoration works, which started in 2022 in and around the theater, are planned to be completed in 2023. Thus, the theater will stand out as the cultural attraction center of the city of Iznik, which is on the way to UNESCO.

                                                                   Lake Iznik and Theater

Gladiator Games (Sword-Shield) Relief

Christianity Symbols on the orchestra wall

Ottoman Period Ceramic Kiln

                                                              Restoration of the Theatre

2022 Excavation Team