Gobeklitepe exhibition in Rome closes after drawing 6 million visitors

The closing ceremony of the “Gobeklitepe: The Mystery of a Sacred Place” exhibition at Rome’s iconic Colosseum marked the end of a cultural milestone that attracted over 6 million visitors in just six months. Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy described the exhibition as a global success that expanded awareness of Gobeklitepe, recognized as the world’s oldest known temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The exhibition, which opened on Oct. 24, 2024, was a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish Embassy in Rome, and the Italian Ministry of Culture, with support from Turkish Airlines and the Directorate of the Colosseum and Roman Forum Archaeological Park.

‘A historic encounter’ between Gobeklitepe, Colosseum

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister Ersoy emphasized the significance of bringing together two monumental symbols of civilization—the 12,000-year-old Gobeklitepe and the 2,000-year-old Colosseum.

“This is a historic encounter,” Ersoy said. “The Colosseum, a symbol of Rome’s imperial grandeur, hosted the story of Gobeklitepe, which reshaped our understanding of humanity’s belief systems and ways of life.”

Ersoy reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to preserving and promoting Gobeklitepe, especially through the comprehensive “Legacy for the Future” initiative, which aims to transform Sanliurfa—the region where Gobeklitepe is located—into a global hub for Neolithic research.

“In 2021, we launched the ‘Tas Tepeler: The Land of Great Transformation’ project under this vision,” he added. “This exhibition was one important component of that broader cultural vision.”

Global acclaim and powerful cultural diplomacy

Ersoy noted that the overwhelming interest in the exhibition confirmed the success of cross-border collaboration with Italian institutions.

“This exhibition, visited by more than 6 million people, clearly demonstrates the value and strength of our partnership,” he said. “We will continue to share this legacy of humanity with people around the world through new exhibitions.”

Ersoy also announced two new cultural projects in Italy: the upcoming Magna Mater exhibition in June, where artifacts from Turkish museums will be displayed, and plans for a Troy-themed exhibition in Rome.

“These initiatives will highlight the deep historical connection between Rome and Troy,” he stated.

High-level diplomatic engagement during closing

The closing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gokhan Yazgi, Colosseum and Roman Forum Director Alfonsina Russo, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Rome Elif Comoglu Ulgen, former Ambassador Omer Gucuk, and temporary charge d’affaires to the Vatican Neslihan Altay.

Ambassador Ulgen, who recently began her post in Rome, expressed her enthusiasm about the direction of bilateral cultural ties.

“It is truly exciting to start this mission with such a positive and impactful event,” she said. “I believe the commitments made today will soon be realized at the highest level.”

Russo: ‘A celebration of friendship between nations’

Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum and Roman Forum Archaeological Park, praised the exhibition’s ability to foster international understanding and cultural connection.

“With Gobeklitepe and the Colosseum side by side, this exhibition became a celebration of the enduring friendship between Türkiye and Italy,” she said. “From the beginning, we knew this would be a special collaboration.”

Russo added that the exhibition’s success was evident in the numbers and the cultural resonance it created.

“From 24 October until now, over 6 million visitors from all over the world have explored the Gobeklitepe exhibition within the Colosseum,” she said. “It’s a record that speaks volumes about the global appeal of ancient heritage.”