İznik in the Eastern Roman Period (X.-XIII. centuries)

Iznik, which dates back to very ancient times and is a stopover point of many civilizations, has a privileged place in the history of the Byzantine Empire. Besides being one of the main cities of the Empire, it is always close to the capital Istanbul that Iznik has always been at the forefront. As such, the city was seen as the gateway of the capital to Anatolia. The city, which has a special importance for the history of Christianity, has become the first of the empire, and is the first center of the empire. Iznik, the most prestigious provincial city of Byzantine Anatolia, has been the scene of important political events throughout the history of the empire. In this study, first as many times throne pretender has become the first target of the rebel Byzantine Iznik, making capital of Turkey Seljuk Empire for sixteen years, Byzantine, focused on becoming the focal point of the Seljuks and the Crusaders struggle. In 1204, as a result of the IV. crusade, Iznik Byzantine Empire was established as a continuation of the Byzantine Empire. Then, in 1261, Iznik became the state and church center of the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Istanbul from the Latinos, especially during the Laskaris dynasty. Besides these, it has become a place where Byzantine culture and art continue without interruption. In this context, the characteristics of Iznik Byzantine Empire which are different from the other successor states were examined in the context of our thesis and the cultural assets that Byzantine equiped Iznik throughout history have been tried to be introduced. Finally, this study aims to present the relationship between Iznik and the Byzantine Empire, Turks and Crusaders in political, social, cultural and economic terms.