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Ancient Sculptures Reveal Secrets of Early Community Life in Türkiye
Berlin – A groundbreaking exhibition opening at the Vorderasiatisches Museum in berlin offers an unprecedented look into the world’s earliest settled communities.The exhibit, titled “built community. Göbeklitepe,Taş Tepeler,and Life 12,000 Years Ago,” showcases remarkable art and sculptures from the southeastern region of present-day Türkiye,shedding light on the dawn of civilization.
Unearthing the Past: Göbeklitepe and the Taş Tepeler Project
The exhibition centers around discoveries made at Göbeklitepe and other sites within the “Taş Tepeler” (Stone Hills) project, archaeological endeavors revealing monumental stone structures adorned with intricate sculptures. These sites predate known agricultural practices, suggesting that complex social association and ritualistic beliefs drove the initial impetus for settlement. The exhibition features many sculptures being shown outside of Türkiye for the first time, in collaboration with Turkish archaeologists.
The Power of Community in Ancient Times
Central to the exhibition’s theme is the idea of “community.” Researchers believe that a strong sense of belonging and cooperation were vital for the survival and success of these early sedentary groups. the sculptures themselves appear to reflect a complex spiritual world and functioned as a means of reinforcing community bonds through rituals and celebrations. Recent archaeological findings indicate a deep connection between people, their ancestors, animals, and the unseen realm.
A Multi-Faceted exhibition Experiance
Visitors will traverse eight sections, each exploring a different facet of life in these ancient communities – from birth and daily routines to death and spiritual practices. The exhibition seamlessly blends archaeological artifacts with architectural reconstructions, compelling visual media, and captivating photographs by acclaimed Spanish artist Isabel Muñoz. Her work offers a contemporary lens through which to view the symbolic world of these prehistoric cultures.
International collaboration and Cutting-Edge Research
“built Community” highlights an unusual international research partnership involving institutions from Türkiye, germany, Japan, Italy, and England. The exhibition is a product of the joint efforts of the Vorderasiatisches Museum, the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum, and the “Taş Tepeler” research project at Istanbul University, supported by the Deutsches Ärchäologisches Institut. This collaborative approach allows for a multifaceted understanding of these complex archaeological sites.
Exhibition Details and Supporting Materials
The exhibition is accompanied by a extensive program of events, including artist talks, lectures, and guided tours. A dedicated publication,“Built community: Göbeklitepe,Taş Tepeler,and life 12,000 years ago,” published by Kulturverlag Kadmos,provides in-depth analysis and essays by leading researchers. The book is available in German, Turkish, and English.
Key Exhibition Facts
| Exhibition Title | Built Community. Göbeklitepe, Taş Tepeler, and Life 12,000 Years Ago |
|---|---|
| Location | Vorderasiatisches Museum, Berlin |
| Duration | Ongoing until July 19, 2026 |
| Supported by | Deutsche Stiftung Klassenlotterie, Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Freunde der Antike auf der Museumsinsel e.V., Turkish Airlines |
The exhibition has garnered support from a variety of organizations including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. Preservation of cultural heritage sites has become an increasingly crucial topic globally, with UNESCO playing a key role in the safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage.
What does this exhibition reveal about the origins of human societal structures? And how can understanding these ancient communities inform our approach to building stronger, more resilient societies today?
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