How Türkiye’s Asclepieion bridges ancient, modern medicine
People visit the Asclepieion of Pergamon ancient city, one of the most important treatment centers of Ancient Greece, in Izmir, Türkiye, October 10, 2024. (AA Photo)
The Asclepieion archaeological site in Bergama, Izmir, one of Ancient Greece’s renowned healing centers, continues to serve health-related purposes by hosting various organizations and events today.
In 2014, Bergama was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a “Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape Area.” The district attracts both local and international visitors, with its remnants from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Among these sites, the Asclepieion, founded in the fourth century B.C. in honor of the god of healing, Asklepios, has preserved its historical grandeur.
( Lokman İlhan – Anadolu Agency )
Asclepieion: Pioneering medical school
Asclepieion is notable as the medical school where Galen, known as the “father of pharmacy” and one of Ancient Rome’s most influential physicians, was trained. It is also regarded as the world’s first psychiatric hospital, where early psychotherapy methods were applied.
The center employed various healing methods, such as suggestion therapy, physiotherapy, water and mud baths, massages, medicinal herbs, music therapy, ceremonies, sleep rooms and healing sounds like water and bird songs.
These techniques have contributed to a rise in visitor numbers in recent years.
Increased visitor interest: Global attraction
Nilgun Ustura, Director of Bergama Museum, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Asclepieion is the second most-visited historical site in Bergama, following the Bergama Acropolis.
Ustura noted that the site’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the growing global recognition of Bergama have significantly boosted visitor numbers.
“We now host visitors from all over the world, including the Americas, East Asia, and other regions,” Ustura explained.
“Bergama attracts a truly international audience, and there is a growing interest from those who wish to visit every year. We expect our visitor numbers, which have grown from 320,000 to 370,000, to exceed the 450,000 mark this year,” the director added.
( Lokman İlhan – Anadolu Agency )
Asclepieion’s enduring health mission
Ustura emphasized that Asclepieion continues to fulfill its ancient health-related purpose. She highlighted the continuation of psychotherapy events that have been held at the site for 47 years, noting that academic studies and health-focused university panels also take place at the site.
“The mission and function of Asclepieion from ancient times continue today,” Ustura said. “For instance, psychotherapy activities have been ongoing for 47 years. Academics continue to come here for research projects. Health-themed panels from universities are also held here, reflecting the sustainability of Asclepieion’s original health mission. Each event paves the way for future gatherings on similar themes. It’s not just a onetime visit for many; people are returning year after year, and we’re delighted to see this tradition continue.”
Asclepieion’s modern role in global health
Asclepieion, an ancient healing center that has stood for over two millennia, continues to play a vital role in modern health practices.
Its legacy as a center of healing and education endures, attracting visitors from around the world and continuing its mission of promoting wellness, both physical and mental.
The site’s rich history is not just preserved; it is actively contributing to the ongoing global conversation about health and healing.
