Historical Bursa basilica comes to life

BURSA - Anatolia News Agency

The basilica, used as Christian house of worship 500 years ago, will be unearthed and a museum is planned for treasures found there. AA photo

Bursa Governor Şahabettin Harput has announced that the excavations to unearth a 500-year-old basilica will begin this month.

Harput, who was investigating the area where the historical basilica was discovered in the Derecik Village of the Büyükorhan neighborhood, gathered information from the authorities. The basilica was used for worship in the early years of Christianity.

After the acceptance of Christianity by the Roman emperor Constantine, many buildings in settled areas turned into places of worship. One of these buildings, the basilica being excavated, later became one of the most important stations on the pilgrimage to Mecca. “We have found many pieces of heritage in this area around İznik, which is one of the cities where Christianity took the shape it has today. Bursa has a history of 8,000 years. The excavations and studies for the basilica are continuing with the collaboration of the Bursa Governor’s Office, foreign authorities, academics, and the Culture Ministry.

According to the first plan, consisting of four stages, the excavation work will cost a total of around 1.1 million euros, and is expected to start in July. There is also a new museum planned for the exhibition of treasures found.