3 gift baskets filled with Bursa’s geographically indicated olives and olive oil, wrapped with decorative natural elements before being presented to Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Iznik, Bursa, Türkiye, Nov. 28, 2025.(AA Photo)
December 01, 2025 11:43 AM GMT+03:00
During his visit to Türkiye’s northwestern Iznik (historically known as Nicaea) district for the 1700th-anniversary commemoration of the First Council of Nicaea, Vatican Head of State Pope Leo XIV was presented with baskets filled with Bursa’s geographically indicated products, including its celebrated olives, olive oil, chestnuts, chestnut confectionery and the region’s famous pears.
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Showcasing Bursa’s heritage through regional flavors
Local officials welcomed Pope Leo XIV with three separate gift baskets highlighting agricultural specialties long associated with Bursa.
The olive basket featured products sourced from the Gemlik and Iznik regions, including EU-registered Gemlik olives, green “domat” olives, green olives stuffed with pepper, grilled green olives, and cracked green olives.
Alongside these, a chestnut basket included Bursa’s globally known EU-registered candied chestnuts as well as raw Bursa chestnuts. A third basket showcased Gursu’s Deveci pears, which also hold geographical indication status.
A Bursa silk miniature featuring a Nusret Colpan depiction of the city extending from Uludag, gifted to Pope Leo XIV during his visit for the First Council of Nicaea’s 1700th anniversary. (AA Photo)
Miniature portraying Bursa’s landscape
As part of the presentation, Pope Leo XIV received a Bursa silk miniature featuring an artwork by Nusret Colpan, depicting the former Ottoman capital cascading down from Uludag in the traditional “paradise depiction” style.
The Pope was reportedly impressed by the miniature, and he was also given a brief presentation about the city and its protected regional products.
According to officials, Pope Leo XIV listened attentively to the information provided and conveyed his gratitude to the people of Bursa.
December 01, 2025 11:43 AM GMT+03:00
Dining and Cooking