frescoes

Archaeologists working in the historic Turkish city of İznik have revealed a stunning third-century fresco depicting Jesus as the "Good Shepherd"—the only known example of this iconic Christian motif in Anatolia. The discovery at the Hisardere Necropolis offers fresh insights into the spread of early Christianity across Asia Minor and reveals how Roman artistic traditions merged with nascent Christian beliefs during a pivotal period in religious history. The newly documented chamber tomb came to light during the 2025 excavation season under the direction of İznik Museum Director Tolga Koparal, with scientific coordination led by Professor Aygun Ekin Meric from Dokuz Eylul University's Department of Archaeology. Dating to the third century, the subterranean burial chamber features remarkably preserved frescoes covering three