‘Gypsy Girl’ mosaic breaks visitor records at Zeugma Mosaic Museum

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to significant artifacts including the renowned “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, has attracted 355,000 visitors in the first nine months of the year.

This record-breaking influx highlights the museum’s status as one of the largest mosaic museums in the world and a key destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Significant increase in visitors

Located in Gaziantep, the museum is a treasure trove of history, showcasing important works such as the “Mars Statue,” mosaics from villas along the Euphrates River, and fountains from the Roman era. The museum provides visitors with a captivating journey through history.

Ozgur Comak, Director of the Gaziantep Museum, stated that the museum is one of the most important in Türkiye under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Comak noted the museum’s collection of vital artifacts, particularly the “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, which has received immense appreciation from visitors. “We are witnessing a surge in tourism across Türkiye, and we can see its effects in Gaziantep, which is incredibly encouraging,” he said.

On track to break visitor records

Comak shared optimistic projections regarding visitor numbers, indicating that the museum is on track to surpass last year’s record of 440,000 visitors since its opening in 2022.

“With more than two months left in the year, we have already reached 355,000 visitors. We are anticipating a busy week during the Republic Day holiday on October 29,” he added.

Autumn boost in tourism

Comak emphasized the satisfaction of both domestic and international tourists visiting the museum, noting an increase in tour groups and a growing number of visitors during early morning hours.

“We are experiencing an autumn boost, with increased activity over the last 15 days. We expect this trend to continue through the end of the year,” he remarked.

Year-end goal of 500,000 visitors

Highlighting the museum’s remarkable year, Comak mentioned the impact of the nine-day Ramadan holiday on visitor numbers.

“We broke the daily visitor record twice in a row, accommodating nearly 6,300 visitors in a single day. This positive trend continued through the Kurban Bayram holiday,” he noted.

While visitor numbers slightly dipped during the summer months due to a focus on coastal tourism, Comak is hopeful that the momentum from the autumn season will help the museum reach its year-end target of 500,000 visitors.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum stands as a beacon of cultural heritage in Türkiye, drawing thousands of visitors eager to explore its historical treasures. As tourism continues to rise, the museum remains a vital part of Gaziantep’s identity and a significant contributor to the local economy.