Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a rare Early Christian fresco of Jesus as the Good Shepherd during excavations in the ancient Hellenistic city of Nicaea (today’s Iznik) in Bursa province. Researchers say examples of this motif are rarely found in Anatolia, making the İznik discovery one of the region’s most significant early Christian artworks.
The fresco was uncovered at the Hisardere Necropolis, a major burial ground just outside İznik’s ancient fortifications. Excavations have been ongoing for several seasons, and the newly revealed image is being described as a landmark addition to early Christian art history.
A well-preserved fresco in a Roman chamber tomb
The fresco appears on the north wall of a hypogeum, an underground chamber tomb dating to the 3rd century AD. Although the southern wall has collapsed, the east, west, and north walls remain almost fully intact, as does the ceiling. Archaeologists say such preservation offers a rare chance to study Roman-period funerary art in its original context.
A NEW GRAVE CHAMBER WAS FOUND IN İZNİK 🇹🇷
In a hypogee tomb located in the Hisardere Necropolis in the Iznik district of Bursa, the figure of ‘Shepherd Jesus’ (Good Shepherd), which is likely to be the only example known so far in Anatolia, was unearthed. This discovery is… pic.twitter.com/gul8gOsGxp
— Dr. M.F. Khan (@Dr_TheHistories) December 10, 2025
Inside the chamber, the team documented a kline made from terracotta plaques, used in antiquity as a funerary bed. Directly behind it sits the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, depicted as a youthful figure carrying a sheep across his shoulders.
The motif symbolised guidance, salvation, and divine protection in the earliest centuries of Christianity. While common in Rome, North Africa, and parts of the eastern Mediterranean, it is rarely recorded in Anatolia, giving the İznik fresco exceptional significance.
Excavation team identifies a unique artistic find
The excavation is being conducted with authorisation from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The project is led by Tolga Koparal, Director of the İznik Museum, with scientific oversight by Prof. Dr. Aygün Ekin Meriç of Dokuz Eylül University.
İznik'te Hisardere Nekropolü'nde yürütülen kazılarda, Anadolu'da şimdiye dek bilinen tek örnek olma ihtimali taşıyan 'Çoban İsa' (Good Shepherd) figürü bulundu. pic.twitter.com/Bnxu5B2LdF
— Onedio (@onedio) December 10, 2025
Archaeologist Dr. Gülşen Kutbay contributes to the fieldwork. Their ongoing investigations reinforce İznik—ancient Nicaea—as a key centre of Early Christianity.
A diverse burial ground used for centuries
The Hisartepe Necropolis saw continuous use between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD. It features İznik’s distinctive terracotta-roofed tombs, stone sarcophagi, cist graves made from upright slabs, and large underground hypogea. Archaeologists say the variety of structures reflects the city’s social diversity, with both elite and lower-income families represented.
Earlier excavations uncovered coins, ceramics, and architectural fragments, but never figural Christian art. The Good Shepherd fresco is the first known depiction of Jesus found at the site.
A rare image among early Anatolian Christian sites
Direct depictions of Jesus from early Anatolia are scarce. While Christian symbols appear in Cappadocia, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, Side, and Sardis, visual portrayals of Christ are extremely limited. The İznik fresco stands out for its early date, clarity, and preservation, offering one of the strongest examples of early Christian imagery ever identified in the region.
Discovery sheds new light on early Christianity in İznik
Researchers believe the fresco will contribute to the study of early Christian iconography, Roman burial traditions, and the spread of Christianity in western Anatolia. As excavations continue, the team expects the necropolis to reveal more evidence—potentially including additional frescoes or inscriptions—that could deepen understanding of ancient Nicaea’s religious and cultural history.
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