Cooperation protocol between Seoul-Gimhae and Corum-Bogazkale Museums  

A cooperation protocol was signed between the Seoul and Gimhae National Museum and the Corum and Bogazkale Museums for the exhibition, which will be opened in Seoul and Gimhae, the capital of South Korea, where the works of the Hittites, one of the world’s greatest civilizations, will be introduced.

Cooperation protocols were signed with the delegation from South Korea at the signing ceremony held in Corum Governorship. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Assoc. Prof. Zulkif Dagli stated that preparations for the Hittites Exhibition to be opened in South Korea in order to promote the Hittites are continuing and said that they will represent and promote Corum in the best way.

Reminding that Corum became a friend city with Gimhae, South Korea with a protocol signed in 2018, Governor Dagli said, “Mutual visits were made between both sister cities. During these visits, a request was received for the opening of two separate Hittites exhibitions in the South Korean capital Seoul and Gimhae. In the evaluation made by our Ministry, the opening of this exhibition was approved. The process related to this is ongoing. We thank the Ministry for its approach. The situation between these two sister cities has turned into a reality, a manifestation. As Corum, we will have the opportunity to exhibit our works in Seoul. It will be very good for both countries. We know that Korean citizens sympathize with the Hittites and are very close to them. We are signing a preliminary protocol with Gimhae. This and similar collaborations between both countries will continue with our municipality, governorship and related institutions. This event will lead to good developments for Corum. May it be auspicious,” he said.

Mayor Halil Ibrahim Asgin stated that the city of Gimhae is a city whose cultural structure, industry and development are similar to Corum and said, “Our first exhibition will be opened at the Gimhae National Museum between October 7, 2024 and February 2, 2025. South Korean people have a great interest in Hittites.  After the protocol, a request came from Seoul. This request was approved by our ministry. Hittite artifacts will be exhibited again in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, between March 7 and June 9, 2025. The exhibition of Hittite artifacts in Gimhae and Seoul is extremely important in terms of promoting the cultural life of our city and tourism. Over 220 artifacts from archaeological excavations in Corum will be exhibited in South Korea.”

Seoul Museum Director Jiyeon Kim stated that he would be pleased that the artifacts belonging to the Hittite civilization, which has the first iron culture in the world, will be exhibited in Seoul and said, “I would like to thank the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Corum Municipality and Governorship. I hope that the cooperation between the Ministries of Culture and Tourism of South Korea and Türkiye will increase. I have visited Turkiye before, but this is the first time I have visited Corum. I saw the artifacts found in archaeological excavations. It is very nice that not only historical buildings are preserved here but also the artifacts are exhibited in the museum.”

Stating that the artifacts of the Hittite civilization will be exhibited for the first time in Gimhae, Yun Hyeung-Won, Director of the Gimhae National Museum, said, “Our mayor has helped museums a lot. For 40 years I have been interested in excavations. Hittite civilization is very perfect. We have Gaya in Gimhae. It is on the world heritage list. In addition, our universities will cooperate,” he said.

Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Sumeyra Bektas, Corum Museum Director Metin Cakar, Bogazkale Museum Director Resul Ibis and Ortakoy Excavation Head Onder Ipek attended the signing ceremony. After the speeches, a cooperation protocol was signed between Seoul and Gimhae National Museum and Corum and Bogazkale Museums for the exhibition where the artifacts belonging to Hittites, one of the greatest civilizations of the world, to be opened in Seoul and Gimhae.