The Church of the Dormition (Koimesis) in the south-west of the city (40.433715, 29.717429) was probably built in the late 6th century. Its mosaics were documented in 1898 and the photographs of Theodore Schmit taken in 1912 are all that remains of these fine artworks. The mosaics appear to have originated in the 11th century. Cyril Mango has, as is his wont, made a detailed explanation of why they should be dated to a period in the second half of the century and not earlier. The church was dynamited by Turkish troops in 1921 or 1922. There is not much left. It is even difficult to see the floor plan of a Greek cross with a longer apse than normal.
Some beautiful pieces of marble from the church will be on display at Iznik’s Archaeological Museum when it eventually reopens.
Site of the Church of the Dormition
- Architectural pieces from the Church of the Dormition
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June 14th, 2016 at 8:56 pm
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