Zeugma Mosaic Museum: A Window to History and Art

Located in the heart of Gaziantep, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum is one of the largest mosaic museums in the world and a source of pride for Turkey. It was inaugurated on September 9, 2011, on the site of a former Tekel factory, and covers a vast area of 30,000 square meters. The museum boasts a closed area of 25,000 square meters and consists of three main sections.

A Block: The Rich Mosaic World of Zeugma

The A block of the museum showcases mosaics brought from the ancient city of Zeugma. These mosaics represent the finest examples of art and craftsmanship from the Roman and Eastern Roman periods. Featuring a wide range of themes from mythological figures to geometric patterns, daily life to depictions of nature, the mosaics reflect the rich culture and artistic taste of Zeugma.

B Block: The Mosaic Heritage of the Eastern Roman Period

The B block houses the floor mosaics of Eastern Roman churches excavated in Gaziantep and its surroundings. These mosaics are adorned with figures and symbols that depict the Christian faith and iconography. The colorful and impressive mosaics take visitors on a journey back in time.

C Block: All About the Museum

The C block encompasses the administrative offices, conference hall, and foyer areas. Visitors can find information about the museum, relax, and participate in various events in this section.

A Rich Collection: Beyond Mosaics

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum’s collection boasts not only mosaics but also numerous other artifacts from the Roman and Eastern Roman periods. The museum is further enriched by 140 square meters of wall paintings, 4 Roman fountains, 20 columns, 4 limestone statues, a bronze Mars statue, tombstones, sarcophagi, and architectural fragments.

The Gypsy Girl: The Museum’s Magnificent Symbol

One of the most captivating works at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum is the “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, considered one of the museum’s most important pieces. The mosaic, which was smuggled out of the country in the 1960s and later returned to Turkey, mesmerizes visitors with its realism and captivating gaze.

Technical Superiority: Reaching the Pinnacle of Art

The mosaics displayed at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum stand out not only for their variety of subjects and colors but also for their technical brilliance. The high number of tesserae (mosaic tiles) per square meter and the three-dimensional designs are the elements that make these mosaics special. Crafted with superior techniques, the mosaics depict the architecture, lifestyle, flora, and fauna of the period in minute detail, making Zeugma one of the world’s most important mosaic centers.

A Museum for Everyone

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum is a significant attraction not only for art historians and archaeologists but also for visitors of all ages interested in history and culture. The mosaics, which reflect a superior artistic taste, and the examples of Early Syriac and Christian iconography from the Late Antique Period churches make the museum even more appealing.

Preserving and Perpetuating Cultural Heritage

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum serves as a crucial center for preserving and exhibiting the cultural heritage of Gaziantep and Turkey. In addition to offering visitors a unique experience of history and art, the museum also contributes to the cultural life by organizing various events and educational programs.