First published: 28/03/22.

Zoë Sheng 1

Archeological Site Of Zeugma

Archeological Site of Zeugma (On tentative list)

Archeological Site of Zeugma by Zoë Sheng

The Turkish authorities really dropped the ball on this one. No protection for decades meant looting and damage from nature, which was obviously accelerated by building a damn that would flood the site! Once the site got flooded they still tried to rescue mosaics but many were damaged badly, some are surely still underwater.

Going to the site isn't too spectacular. It has a building with rooms and some basic mosaic floors, all not really worth the entrance ticket even though it's cheap, but gives you an idea how the original site was.

The must visit is the Zeugma mosaic museum which claims to be biggest in the world. It's grande alright, with huge mosaic floors lifted and placed on floors and walls with fake surroundings to stand in for the lack of scenery. It's a great visit - and I love mosaics, and surely the highlight is the Mona Lisa of mosaics: gypsy girl. I love gypsy girl and the presentation is so eery, that gives it a special feel. A guard will only let in one person/group at a time. You walk through a dark winding corridor and step into a completely dark room with the mosaic at the end. As you walk closer the zoom in effect in the dark leaves a lasting effect. A guard will ensure you are not being naughty and try to touch the exhibit. There wasn't a time limit for me as only a handful of people were in the museum but I wouldn't be surprised if there is one in summer. Gypsy girl will never be forgotten and lives on as a magnet on my fridge.

Worth the time and admission and while I can forsee issues inscribing the original site due to all the work/damage done I think it should belong to the world heritage list.

FYI parking in front of the museum is very limited.

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