İznik Castle (Walls of Nicaea) – İznik, Bursa

İznik Castle (Walls of Nicaea) – İznik, Bursa

The magnificent Walls of Nicaea, which still encircle the modern town of İznik, are a layered monument to the city's immense historical importance. First constructed in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and heavily fortified throughout the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, these walls protected one of the most significant cities in Christendom. Nicaea was the host of the First (325 CE) and Seventh (787 CE) Ecumenical Councils, meetings that shaped the future of the Christian faith.

A Fortress Through Empires

The first major defensive walls were built in the Roman era, but after they were damaged by earthquakes and a Gothic invasion in 258 CE, they were substantially rebuilt and strengthened. Their most crucial role came during the Byzantine period. When Constantinople fell to the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Nicaea became the capital of the Byzantine government-in-exile, known as the Empire of Nicaea. During this time, a second, outer wall was constructed, creating a formidable double-layered defense system that made the city one of the most secure fortresses in the empire.

Architectural Highlights of the Fortifications

The walls of İznik stretch for nearly 5 kilometers, forming a pentagonal circuit around the city. They stand as a textbook example of Roman and Byzantine military architecture.

  • Layered Construction: The walls clearly show different phases of construction. The original Roman core, made of rubble and mortar, is faced with well-cut stone blocks. Later Byzantine repairs and additions are easily identified by the characteristic use of "brick-band" courses, which provided both structural flexibility and a decorative touch.
  • Monumental Gates: The city was accessed through four main gates, each a complex and heavily fortified structure. The Istanbul Gate in the north and the Lefke Gate in the east are the best-preserved. They are adorned with triumphal arches, reliefs, and inscriptions, and incorporate a large amount of spolia—reused stones from older buildings, including columns and sarcophagi.
  • Towers and Defenses: Over 100 towers, both square and semi-circular, punctuate the walls, providing strategic points for defense. The double-wall system was further protected by a wide moat, creating a truly daunting obstacle for any attacker.

A City of Councils

The walls of Nicaea did not just protect a city; they protected a cornerstone of Christian history. It was within these fortifications that two of the most important gatherings in the history of the church took place:

  • The First Council of Nicaea (325 CE): Convened by Emperor Constantine the Great, this council brought bishops from across the empire to settle the Arian controversy and resulted in the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian doctrine.
  • The Seventh Ecumenical Council (787 CE): This council was held in the Hagia Sophia church (now a mosque) to address the iconoclasm controversy, ultimately restoring the veneration of icons.

Today, the Walls of Nicaea are a powerful and evocative reminder of İznik's past glory as a Roman stronghold, a Byzantine capital, and a city that forever shaped the history of the world.

Sources:

Location Information

Latitude:40.428823
Longitude:29.729185
Open in Google Maps