1500 years old basilica to be converted to underwater museum [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

1500 years old basilica to be converted to underwater museum
07.09.2016 15:57



Studies to convert the 1500 years old basilica, built in the name of Saint Neophytos, discovered two meters under the surface in İznik Lake, to an underweater museum are underway.

Aerial photoshoot by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality has led to the discovery of an underwater basilica in İznik, which dates back to 400 B.C., host to Bithynia, Roman Empire, Seljuks and Ottoman Empire, The basilica was determined to be Saint Neophytos, who was killed by Roman soldiers at the coast of İznik Lake. Discovery of the basilica was in the list of “10 Most Important Discoveries in the World” by America Archaeology Institute in 2014.

After the prestudies, with the permission of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and Uludağ University Faculty of Science and Letters, Head of the Department of Archaeology Professor Doctor Mustafa Şahin with his 25 persons crew has started underwater investigations.

Professor Dr. Şahin stated that,”Excavation studies has started six months ago. Since the doors are closed, people are curious about whatis going on with the studies. To satisfy the curiosity we will organise an informative meetings on every first and third Saturday of the month and we will debrief citizens about the progression of the studies.”

http://www.dha.com.tr/1500-years-old-basilica-will-be-converted-to-an-underwater-museum_1321508.html

(Short article, no more at link.)