Mini submarine to research basilica

BURSA - Anadolu Agency

The underwater work on the Roman-era basilica will be carried out with a mini submarine operated by Uludağ University’s Archaeology Department. DHA Photo

A mini submarine has been launched to carry out archaeological research in an ancient basilica discovered at the beginning of last year under Lake İznik in the northwestern province of Bursa.

Work has been continuing at the site of the basilica, which lies under two meters of water and was discovered when it was photographed from the air during a project to compile an inventory of historical and cultural artifacts.

The underwater work on the Roman-era basilica will be carried out with a mini submarine operated by Uludağ University’s Archaeology Department. 

When the work is completed, the basilica will be transformed into an underwater museum. 

İznik District Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan said a preliminary surface survey had been previously carried out on the basilica. He said the Culture and Tourism Ministry had given permission for the second stage of the work, and added, “Under the supervision of the Museum Directorate, now the main archaeological work will start as soon as possible. This is why the necessary equipment is being collected right now.”

The discovery of the basilica was declared one of top 10 discoveries of 2014 by the Archaeological Institute of America. Archaeologists, historians and art historians believe that the structure collapsed during an earthquake that occurred in the region in 740.