Scholar Akcay explains significance of Pope Francis’ Iznik visit for Türkiye’s diplomacy

Pope Francis announced plans to visit Iznik (Nicaea) in Bursa, Türkiye next year to commemorate the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a milestone in Christian history.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, Pope Francis stated that during the Holy Year, the Christian Church would celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, which convened in 325 A.D.

Speaking at a theological committee, he remarked, “We will have the opportunity to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first great Ecumenical Council. I plan to visit Iznik for this occasion.”

Tuna Akcay: ‘Cultural intelligence officers must work carefully and make preparations’

Assoc. Professor Tuna Akcay, a renowned academic and archaeologist from Alanya Alaaddin Keykubad University, spoke to Türkiye Today about Pope Francis’ visit to Türkiye and its impact on cultural diplomacy.

He emphasized that international relations, especially those involving historical and cultural events, need to be approached with great care. Akcay highlighted that cultural intelligence officers play a vital role in ensuring this process is conducted with precision.

‘Careful work and preparation are essential’

In his statements, Tuna Akcay explained that cultural intelligence is not just about gathering information, but also about evaluating this information effectively and planning strategic actions in advance.

According to Akcay, promoting Türkiye’s historical and cultural heritage on the international stage can only be achieved through such preparation.

“Cultural intelligence officers must work carefully and make preparations,” Akcay stressed, emphasizing that no detail should be overlooked in this process.

Iznik, potential risks and challenges

Pope Francis’s planned visit to Iznik in 2025 makes Akcay’s comments even more crucial. Iznik holds significant importance for both the Christian world and Türkiye’s cultural heritage. Akcay explained that such historical events provide an opportunity for Türkiye to strengthen its cultural diplomacy but must be managed correctly.

Political sensitivities

• Nationalist criticism: The visit may be viewed by nationalist groups in Türkiye as a political gesture tied to religious symbolism.
• Greek-Turkish relations: Given Nicaea’s historical significance during the Byzantine Empire, the visit could reignite cultural ownership debates.

Cultural and religious perceptions

• Interfaith misunderstandings: While promoting dialogue, the visit may spark accusations of proselytism or fears of Christian dominance among certain groups in Türkiye.
• Historical narrative: Overemphasis on Byzantine heritage could overshadow Türkiye’s broader historical and cultural identity.

Tourism and infrastructure challenges

• Increased tourism might overwhelm Iznik’s infrastructure, potentially causing damage to its archaeological sites. Proper preparations are crucial to avoid negative impacts.

Security risks

• Large gatherings could attract protests or provoke radical elements. Ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors is a priority.

‘Preparation and proactive approach’

Akcay stressed that Türkiye must develop an effective strategy ahead of such an important event. He suggested that the following steps should be prioritized in this strategy:

Highlight Iznik’s multilayered heritage: Showcase its diverse history, from the Byzantine era to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, through exhibitions and events.

Promote interfaith dialogue: Use inclusive language in official statements to emphasize Türkiye’s role as a bridge between cultures and religions.

Engage local and international scholars: Include Turkish academics and archaeologists in events to ensure accurate narratives.

Strengthen media relations: Develop a media strategy to counteract any misrepresentation and to highlight Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy efforts.

Enhance security measures: Implement robust security protocols to protect attendees and maintain order.

Importance of Pope Francis’ visit and cultural intelligence

Akcay pointed out that the importance of cultural intelligence goes beyond just such events. In his view, cultural intelligence plays a critical role in both protecting national identity and establishing a strong foundation for international relations.

Finally, Akcay stated, “If we want to promote our cultural values and historical heritage on the world stage, cultural intelligence is a necessity.”

Tuna Akcay’s statements highlight the critical importance of cultural intelligence for Türkiye’s ability to be a strong player on the international stage. In this context, historical events like the visit to Iznik present not only an opportunity to preserve cultural heritage but also to strengthen Türkiye’s diplomatic strategies.