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ReligionVatican

Turkish town hopes for Christian tourism boost

Julia Hahn in Iznik, Turkey
November 27, 2025

Pope Leo XIV has visited the Turkish town of Iznik, fulfilling a trip his predecessor Francis planned to make. DW correspondent Julia Hahn traveled to Iznik ahead of Leo's arrival — and found a town ready to welcome the new pontiff.

https://p.dw.com/p/54PPF

Iznik, a small town near Istanbul, played a pivotal role in Christian history as the site of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where the Nicene Creed was drafted. Archaeologists recently uncovered ruins of a 4th-century basilica believed to mark the council's location.

Today, Iznik is famed for its Ottoman-style tiles, some now featuring Christian motifs. Locals hope the papal visit will boost tourism.