Natural Tourist Attractions in Iznik Turkey
Iznik City has beautiful green nature, with green trees covering the entire city, creating wide variety in wildlife. Some of the most famous tourist sites in Iznik include:
The Ancient Theater:
Despite being a historical site, its natural beauty and the green spaces along the theater have made it one of the most beautiful natural sites in Iznik Turkey. Emperor “Trajan” ordered to build the theater during the Roman Empire period in the 2nd century AD, seats more than 15,000 viewers. Excavations around the theater have founded many Roman tombs and ruins. Remains of ovens used in the production of ceramics during the Roman and Ottoman eras in Iznik have also been found.
Lake Iznik in Turkey:
Iznik Lake is a huge lake located west of Iznik within Bursa City, it is one of the largest natural lakes in the world, covering 300 square kilometers. Lake Iznik has provided the city a strategic importance, as it has large quantities of materials used in ceramics production. Lake Iznik is one of the most famous tourist sites in Turkey due to its natural beauty and amazing environment. You can do various activities at the lake, such as swimming in clear waters and holding barbecue parties on the lake bank. You can also take long walks around Lake Iznik, camp and sleep next to the sounds of nature. There are many restaurants and cafes around Lake Iznik in Turkey, where you can taste delicious Turkish cuisine while enjoying the beautiful view of the lake. You can also visit bazaars and shopping places and see how ceramics are made in Iznik.
Historical Sites in Iznik Turkey:
Iznik was once one of the most important cities under the Roman Empire, and you will find churches and castles built hundreds of years ago.
1) Hagia Sophia Mosque An ancient church built during the Roman Empire period in the 6th century AD by Emperor Justinian I. The church was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era in 1337, and its design is similar to Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia Mosque in Iznik Turkey has been converted into a museum and then converted back into a mosque in 2011 AD. Too many tourists come every Year to see Hagia Sophia Mosque, as it is one of the most beautiful historical sites in iznik, featured by amazing ceramics shapes. Address: Mahmut Çelebi, Kılıçaslan Cd. No:163, 16860 Iznik/Bursa, Turkey.
2) Iznik Museum in Turkey The Iznik Museum offers to its visitors a glimpse into the history of the region and many Roman and Byzantine ruins. iznik museum has a collection of ancient statues, large stone tombs, archaeological pieces, as well as ceramics shapes. Additionally, the historical museum in Iznik also features ancient coins dating back to the 15th century AD. Alongside the historical museum, Iznik also has a museum of Islamic arts and a museum of culture. Address: Mahmut Çelebi, 16860 Iznik/Bursa, Turkey.
3) The Green Mosque The Green Mosque was built by order of the governor "Chan Darlı Halil Pasha" during the reign of Sultan Murad I. After his death, his son “Ali Pasha” completed the building of the Green Mosque, one of the most beautiful historical sites in Iznik Turkey. The mosque in iznik is named for its green turquoise ceramics in its walls, tiles, and minaret. Address: Yeşil Camii, 16860 Iznik/Bursa, Turkey.
4) Iznik Castle in Turkey The historical Iznik Castle was built in the 3rd century BC to protect the empire from external invasions. The castle still has many of its ruins, including the Istanbul Gate, Balıklı Gate, Göl Gate, and the famous Yeni Gate. The walls of Iznik Castle are 5 kilometers length, having over 250 towers for monitor and protect. Address: Yeşil Camii, Yeşil Cami Gç. 5-7, 16860 Iznik/Bursa, Turkey
Ceramics Industry in iznik Turkey:
iznik is known as the capital of ceramics, being one of the most famous Turkish cities for this craft. The city's location on the banks of Lake iznik provided abundant clay for ceramics production. Iznik was named after a ceramics producer known “Iznik Piri” in Turkey. Ceramics was used to decorate mosque and palace walls since the 16th century AD in Iznik. The use of blue color predominated in Turkish ceramics with floral decoration and geometric designs. Writings with Kufic calligraphy and Quranic verses, which have been writing by blue and white ceramics, decorated historical mosques and palaces in Turkey. In the late 16th century AD, red-colored ceramics vessels was produced and have attracted strong demand in the European market.
Famous Hotels in Iznik When visiting Iznik in Turkey, you can sleep at one of its luxurious hotels to stay longer and visit all historical sites. Some of the hotels in Iznik include:
Iznik Seyir Hotel:
Iznik Seyir hotel is located minutes away from Hagia Sophia Mosque and ceramics centers in Turkey. Iznik Seyir hotel offers an amazing view of Lake Iznik and is close to major tourist sites. The hotel provides TV screens, free internet, room air conditioning, free car parking, free breakfast, and a gaming area. Address: Mustafa Kemal Paşa, Kılıçaslan Cd. No:5, 16860 Iznik/Bursa, Turkey Phone: +905388273947
Lake Life Hotel:
Lake Life Hotel is one of the luxurious hotels overlooking the waters of Lake Iznik in Turkey. Lake Life Hotel offers 24-hour reception service, free internet services, magnificent room views, a cinema for movie, and free car parking.
Address: MUSTAFA KEMAL PAŞA GÖLCÜK, NO:12/1, 16860 Iznik/Bursa, Turkey Phone: +902245045780
Zeytin Bahcesi Hotel:
Zeytin Bahcesi Hotel is located directly on the bank of Lake Iznik Turkey, just 2 kilometers away from Hagia Sophia Mosque. The hotel provides great services such as free internet, breakfast, parking, and reception service. In addition to luxurious services like central air conditioning, a garden, and a swimming pool, the hotel also features a restaurant where you can enjoy eating with views of the pool or the lake.
Address: Selçuk Mahallesi Kutalmış Oğlu Süleymanşah Cad No:119, 16860 Iznik/Bursa, Turkey Phone: +902247572404
Iznik is one of the most beautiful cities worth visiting in Turkey. Discover the beautiful castle and its magnificent mosques decorated with amazing ceramics. Enjoy camping, hiking, and swimming in Lake Iznik, one of the largest natural lakes in the world.
