Historical Discovery for the Christian world in İznik, Türkiye

One of the most important recent discoveries from the Early Christian period was unearthed in the district of İznik, Bursa, in the southern Marmara region of Türkiye. A unique tomb chamber with a depiction of ‘Good Shepherd Jesus’ on its walls was discovered during excavations at the Hisardere Necropolis. The international launch of the tomb chamber was organised during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Türkiye.

This hypogeum, identified in the 2025 studies, is among the most special finds in the area with its tomb, frescoes, and iconography. The depiction of ‘Good Shepherd Jesus’ on the walls of the structure is considered one of the best-preserved examples identified in Anatolia to date. The interior arrangement of the tomb chamber, built of brick and rubble stone, draws attention as another element that enhances the structure’s significance. Inside the tomb, there is a kline (a rectangu...