Iznik, Turkey Tourism

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History

Iznik occupies the site of ancient Nikaia (Nicaea), founded by Antigonos Alexander the Great's general in the fourth century B.C. After suffering destruction in a number of earthquakes it was rebuilt by Hadrian and thereafter enjoyed a period of great prosperity. In 325 Nicaea, the see of a bishop, was the meeting-place of the First Ecumenical Council (Council of Nicaea). In 787 the Seventh Ecumenical Council which condemned Iconoclasm met in Nicaea.

From 1204 to 1261, when Constantinople was capital of the Latin Empire established by the Crusaders, Nicaea was the seat of the Eastern Emperor and the Orthodox patriarch. In 1331 the town fell to the Ottomans. Under Ottoman rule it became noted for the production of beautiful enamel tiles, after Sultan Selim I brought in craftsmen from Tabriz and Azerbaijan in 1514.