Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Southeastern Anatolia Region
The Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum, opened in 2011, is the largest mosaic museum globally, housing over 2,400 square meters of intricate mosaics primarily from the ancient city of Zeugma. Founded as Seleucia by Seleucus I Nicator, Zeugma was a significant Hellenistic and Roman settlement whose mosaics reveal rich cultural and artistic heritage. The museum complex spans 30,000 square meters and includes three blocks featuring mosaics, frescoes, statues, fountains, and architectural relics from Roman and Eastern Roman periods. Notable exhibits include the famous 'Gypsy Girl' mosaic, renowned for its captivating gaze and artistic mastery, often compared to the Mona Lisa. The museum survived the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake unscathed and continues to be a vital center for archaeological research and public education. Interactive touch screens provide visitors with detailed information on the mosaics' excavation and history, enhancing the immersive experience. The museum not only preserves but also celebrates the advanced mosaic techniques and cultural life of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
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Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the exhibits. The museum is open daily from 08:30 to 17:00 with last ticket sales at 16:30. Audio guides are available to enrich your visit. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance or use the Müzekart for discounted entry. The museum reopened shortly after the 2023 earthquake, ensuring full safety and accessibility.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds the largest collection of mosaics in the world, surpassing the Bardo National Museum in Tunis.
- •The 'Gypsy Girl' mosaic is often compared to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa due to her enigmatic expression.
- •The museum complex includes over 3,000 square meters of mosaics and 140 square meters of frescoes.
- •Some mosaics were illegally excavated and smuggled in the 1960s but later repatriated to Turkey.
- •The museum survived the devastating 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake without damage.
History
Zeugma was founded as Seleucia by Seleucus I Nicator, a general under Alexander the Great, establishing it as a key Hellenistic city.
Over centuries, it flourished under Roman rule, becoming renowned for its elaborate mosaics.
The site remained relatively unknown until the early 2000s when dam construction threatened to flood much of it, prompting extensive archaeological excavations.
The museum was established in 2011 on the site of a former tobacco factory to house and protect these invaluable mosaics.
Despite regional earthquakes, including the significant 2023 Turkey–Syria event, the museum and its collections have remained intact and continue to serve as a major cultural landmark.
Place Guide
Gypsy Girl Mosaic2nd century AD
This iconic mosaic depicts a woman with frizzy hair and large hoop earrings, believed to be a Maenad follower of Dionysos. Despite damage, her gaze captivates visitors and symbolizes the artistic excellence of Zeugma.
Block A - Zeugma Ancient City Mosaics1st century BC - 3rd century AD
Houses the majority of mosaics excavated from the ancient city of Zeugma, showcasing Hellenistic and Roman artistic styles and themes reflecting daily life, mythology, and nature.
Block B - Eastern Roman Period Floor Mosaics4th - 7th century AD
Features floor mosaics from churches in Gaziantep and surrounding areas dating back to the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) period, highlighting religious art and architectural decoration.
Museum Facilities and Exhibition Center (Block C)
Administrative area with conference halls and foyer spaces supporting educational and cultural events related to the museum's collections and archaeological research.
Contact
Phone: (0342) 325 27 27
