Iznik

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Geo: 40.4335, 29.7154

Iznik is a pretty lakeside town. At one point it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. In the 16th and 17th century it's kilns produced the finest ceramics in the Ottoman world. Early pottery is brilliant blue followed later by the tomato red colour. The designs were inspired by Chinese Porcelain which was imported in the 14th century. Iznik tiles were used to refurbish the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and can also be seen in many of the mosques in Istanbul. . In AD 325 Emperor Constantine chose it as the location of the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church. The meeting produced the Nicene Creed which is still used today. It was renamed Iznik in 1081. It is surrounded by city walls with four gates which were built in 200 BC by the Greeks. The walls extend for 5 kilometres and are surrounded by a double ditch. At one time there were 100 towers in various locations. In the 1300's when the Ottoman Empire expanded the the main church in town was converted into what became known as the Orhan Mosque. A madrasa and baths were built nearby as well as a soup kitchen. Much of the town was destroyed in 1921 during the Greco-Turkish war. Throughout our trip we regularly see stray dogs and cats which for the most part seem to be reasonably healthy and are likely looked after by the residents. Tractors and wagons are common on city streets and superhighways. Only large cities have stores as we know them. Most towns have large open air markets selling everything fro food to clothing, metal ware and just about anything you may need.

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Photos

Known as a Squat Toilet - Common
Not at hotels!

Comments

[Carla]

Oh, I love the ceramics.

[crw]

Want a challenge, trying using a squat toilet while using crutches!