The Good Shepherd Fresco: Unveiling Early Christian Art in Anatolia
In Turkey, archaeologists have made a significant discovery from the early Christian era in Anatolia. They found a fresco of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" in an underground tomb near Iznik. This town is known for adopting the Nicene Creed in A.D. 325. The painting shows a Roman-looking Jesus carrying a goat on his shoulders, a rare depiction with Roman attributes.
The tomb where the fresco was found is believed to date back to the 3rd century when Christians faced persecution. The Good Shepherd motif was important in expressing faith before the cross became a universal symbol of Christianity. It symbolized protection, salvation, and divine guidance. The fresco in Hisardere is one of the few examples found in Anatolia and is well-preserved.
Lead archaeologist Gulsen Kutbay described the artwork as possibly the only one of its kind in Anatolia. The tomb's walls and ceiling are adorned with bird and plant motifs, along with portraits of noble individuals and their attendants. The frescoes depict a transition from late paganism to early Christianity, showing the deceased being sent off to the afterlife in a positive manner.
During the excavation, five skeletons were discovered, including two young adults, a 6-month-old infant, and two individuals whose ages could not be determined due to poor preservation. The Council of Nicaea, which took place in Iznik and produced a creed still recited by Christians today, marked its 1,700th anniversary recently. Pope Leo XIV visited the town to commemorate this event and pray for Christian unity.
Anatolia has been a significant region in Christian history, with connections to St. Paul, St. John, and possibly the Virgin Mary. The discovery of the Good Shepherd fresco adds to the rich Christian heritage of the area. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented a tile painting of the discovery to Pope Leo XIV during his visit, emphasizing the importance of this find in the context of Christian history in Anatolia.