Gobeklitepe exhibition opens at Rome’s iconic Colosseum

The Colosseum, a world-renowned symbol of Rome, is now hosting a captivating exhibition titled “Gobeklitepe: The Mystery of a Sacred Site,” bringing the deep and ancient history of Gobeklitepe, one of humanity’s earliest monumental structures, to a global audience.

The exhibition is a collaborative effort supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye’s Embassy in Rome, the Embassy’s Culture and Promotion Office, the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Colosseum and Roman Forum Archaeological Area Directorate and Turkish Airlines (THY). The event marks a significant cultural exchange between Türkiye and Italy.

Dignitaries unite for cultural diplomacy

Hosted by the Director of the Colosseum and Roman Forum Archaeological Area Alfonsina Russo, the opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gokhan Yazgi, Chairman of the Italian Parliament’s Culture Commission Federico Mollicone, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Rome Omer Gucuk and Türkiye’s Ambassador to the Vatican Ufuk Ulutas, among other distinguished guests. The Italian media also showed considerable interest in the event.

During his speech, Deputy Minister Yazgi expressed his pleasure in presenting Gobeklitepe to both Italians and global visitors in such a prestigious setting. He remarked, “We are delighted to bring the profound and ancient history of Gobeklitepe, a site that has hosted pivotal moments in human civilization, to the majestic atmosphere of the Colosseum, a symbol of Rome, which for centuries was regarded as the center of the world.”

Italy expresses solidarity amid tragic events

Chairman Mollicone took a moment to express condolences over the recent terror attack in Ankara targeting Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), condemning all forms of terrorism. This gesture of solidarity set a poignant tone for the event, underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering unity.

Ancient history meets modern tourism

After the speeches, Deputy Minister Yazgi, Ambassador Gucuk, Chairman Mollicone and Director Russo cut the ribbon, officially opening the exhibition. They, along with other guests, received detailed insights into the display from Director Russo, while professor Necmi Karul provided additional context about Gobeklitepe to the Italian visitors.

The exhibition features three stone replicas of original artifacts from the 12,000-year-old site, known as the world’s oldest temple and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, shortened versions of films, originally shown at the Gobeklitepe Visitor Center, are available with Italian subtitles, offering an immersive experience for attendees.

The opening ceremony also included tastings of Turkish delicacies such as stuffed grape leaves, lentil patties, baklava, and Turkish delight, alongside selections from Italian cuisine, celebrating a fusion of culinary traditions.

Exhibition to continue until March 2025

The exhibition will be open to visitors at the Colosseum until March 2, 2025, providing millions of tourists a chance to experience a piece of Türkiye’s ancient history. Last year alone, the Colosseum welcomed 12.5 million visitors from around the world, making it one of the most-visited historical sites globally.

Symbolic connection between 2 UNESCO sites

Speaking to the press, Deputy Minister Yazgi highlighted the significance of bringing Gobeklitepe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to a venue as iconic as the Colosseum.

“Both Gobeklitepe and the Colosseum hold a prominent place in world heritage, and we are thrilled to unite these two significant sites. This project, done in collaboration with Italian authorities, aims to connect Gobeklitepe – often referred to as the ‘zero point of history’ – with Rome’s most famous landmark,” said Yazgi.

He emphasized the hope that the exhibition would raise global awareness about Gobeklitepe’s importance, similar to how the Colosseum has captivated millions. Yazgi extended his gratitude to Director Russo and Ambassador Gucuk for their contributions to the event.

Step toward cultural exchange

Chairman Mollicone described the exhibition as a blend of cultural diplomacy, bringing together Italy and Türkiye in one of the most magnificent settings. “This is a perfect example of archaeological and cultural diplomacy, a union that transcends time and place,” he remarked.

Director Russo expressed her satisfaction with hosting the exhibition in such an extraordinary setting.

“The Colosseum is visited by millions of people annually, not just from Italy but from across the world. From today until March 2, 2025, we expect the exhibition to be viewed by visitors from countless nations, offering them a unique opportunity to explore Gobeklitepe’s rich history.”

Exhibition design praised by experts

Professor Necmi Karul, who heads the Tas Tepeler Project, shared his thoughts on the exhibition: “The Colosseum is undoubtedly one of the world’s most recognizable and fascinating locations. Hosting the Gobeklitepe exhibition here is significant for showcasing the archaeological richness of our region to the world.

Both sites have served as places where people gathered in large numbers for different purposes. Now, the Colosseum is once again bringing people together, this time to learn about Gobeklitepe.”

Karul expressed his hope that this initiative would pave the way for future exhibitions across Europe and beyond, starting with Rome.

“The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to bring such exhibitions to other cities in Europe and even the Far East. Starting in Rome, a very meaningful location, this event sets the stage for a broader cultural dialogue.”

He praised the exhibition’s design, describing it as “well-crafted, educational, and engaging.” Visitors are also provided with a catalog, allowing them to take a piece of the experience home. “We are proud to say this exhibition has been a successful and fulfilling endeavor,” Karul concluded.

The “Gobeklitepe: The Mystery of a Sacred Place” exhibition at Rome’s Colosseum has successfully brought together two iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fostering a unique cultural exchange.

With millions of visitors expected, this exhibition not only highlights the archaeological significance of Gobeklitepe but also strengthens ties between Türkiye and Italy, paving the way for similar future events across Europe and beyond.