About Iznik, Turkey:
While Iznik may not be a familiar name to many, its ancient name of Nicaea may be better known to Christians. In 325 AD it was the site of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in early Christianity when Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor, invited church leaders from all over the known world to resolve key issues of doctrine. The result was the Nicene Creed, the basic declaration of Christian belief that all major denominations…….Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, are built upon.
The Hisardere necropolis near the town of Iznik:
İznik Necropolis, specifically the Hisardere Necropolis, is a significant Roman and Early Byzantine burial ground (2nd-5th centuries AD) renowned for its well-preserved chamber tombs, unique terracotta-roofed structures, and stunning frescoes.
In a hypogee tomb located in the Necropolis, the figure of ‘Shepherd Jesus’ (Good Shepherd), which is likely to be the only example known so far in Anatolia, was unearthed. This discovery is considered to be an extremely important find in terms of both Turkish and world archaeology. The excavations were carried out with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the chairmanship of İznik Museum Director Tolga Koparal; under the scientific coordination of Dokuz Eylül University Archaeology Department Lecturer Prof. Dr. Aygün Ekin Meriç and Dr. It is carried out by an expert team including Gülşen Kutbay.
It is understood that the Hisardere Necropolis was used jointly by both wealthy Nicomedians and the lower classes of the population between the 2nd–5th centuries AD. Among the grave types unearthed in the area, there are also ‘Terracotta Plate-Roofed Chamber Tombs’, which are unique to İznik. The hypogee tomb in question, which was unearthed during the 2025 excavation season, draws attention especially with its wall paintings. Although the southern wall of the tomb, which runs in a north–south direction, has been largely destroyed, the eastern, western and northern walls are almost completely intact. These three walls and ceiling of the tomb, covered with frescoes, stand out by containing human figures, unlike other examples in the region. It is understood that the kline, which is adjacent to the north wall, was covered with square terracotta slabs and that the dead were laid on these slabs. The north wall behind the kline features the ‘Shepherd Jesus’ scene, which is rarely seen in Anatolia. The young, beardless and plainly tunicked Jesus figure carries a goat with large horns on his shoulders, while the pair of goat figures on either side of him give the scene a symmetrical arrangement. In addition, he is one of the rare figures in which Jesus is depicted as a Roman.
Although no finds that would be useful for direct dating have been recovered in the tomb, the tomb is considered to be 3 A.D> due to the similarity of structural features with other specimens in the same area and stands out as one of the most remarkable examples in Anatolia during the Early Christian period. It also has the distinction of being the first tomb in the Hisardere Necropolis where a depiction of Jesus was identified..
Archaeologists discovered a 3rd century mural depicting Jesus as The Good Shepherd” in the Hisardere necropolis. The mural, which remains in relatively good condition, is the centerpiece of a number of frescoes, showcasing Roman artistic styles before the cross became common, highlighting Iznik’s pivotal role in early Christianity alongside the historical Council of Nicaea.
These frescoes, found in an underground tomb, depict Jesus in Roman attire (toga) carrying a goat, symbolizing protection, A rare 3rd-century fresco of Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” was found in the Hisardere necropolis near İznik, Turkey, depicting a young, beardless Jesus with a goat. This is a unique find in Anatolia showing early Christian art’s use of non-explicit symbols during Roman persecution to represent salvation and guidance to the afterlife for the wealthy tomb owners. The fresco is found alongside banquet scenes, representing a transition from pagan to Christian beliefs in ancient Nicaea. Other images depicted on the frescoes are a deceased aristocratic couple on a funerary platform and a symposium with servants. No crosses are shown, as early Christians were often cautious in the imagery they used due to persecution.
Discovery of the mural was not made public until November 2025, shortly after Pope Leo XIV visited Iznik.
Excavations continue, revealing family tombs, sarcophagi, and even the foundations of a large 5th-century basilica, with plans to build an open-air exhibit in the future.
Traveling to Iznik, Turkey:
From Istanbul, it is about a 2.5-3 hour drive, often part of a day trip with private tours or rental cars. Likewise, you can take the ferry to Yalova and there are frequent dolmus (minibus) services run from Yalova (near the ferry terminal) directly to Iznik.