Some of the priceless works of ancient mosaic art depict mythological events, others scenes from everyday life. In other words, mosaics also contain important traces about the cultures, beliefs and thought systems of human communities living in past periods. In this article, we have brought together some of the most valuable works of mosaic art in our country. Here are Turkey’s most important mosaics from Gypsy Girl to Sulusaray.
1- Gypsy Girl mosaic – Gaziantep
When it comes to Turkey’s most valuable mosaics, the work called Gypsy Girl is at the top of almost every list. There is also no doubt that it is one of the most famous mosaics in our country. Exhibited in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, it is one of the most remarkable pieces of the museum.
The Gypsy Girl mosaic, dated to the end of the 2nd century A.D., is thought to have decorated the floor of the dining room of the Maenad Villa in the ancient city of Zeugma. Discovered in 1998 during excavations, the technique used in the work is thought to have inspired the famous painter Leonardo Da Vinci to paint the Mona Lisa.
2- Amisos mosaic – Samsun
Second on our list is a unique mosaic discovered in 1958 in the ancient city of Amisos near Samsun. The mosaic floor, which originally consisted of 10 panels, covers an area of 56 square meters. It is thought to have been made in the late 3rd century A.D. and depicts different mythological characters and themes.
3- Amazons villa – Sanliurfa
The Haleplibahçe museum, located near the Şanlıurfa Museum, is home to mosaics discovered in Aleppo. The most interesting artifact in the museum is called the Villa of the Amazons. The villa of the Amazons is a villa-type work consisting of rooms decorated with mosaics. The work includes scenes from the life of Achilles and depictions of amazons.
4- Skeleton mosaic – Hatay
This interesting mosaic on display at the Hatay Archaeological Museum dates back to the 3rd century AD. As the name suggests, the work features a cheerful skeleton and an inscription that has caused various debates. According to some experts, the inscription on the mosaic carries meanings such as joy, cheer up, be happy, be happy, participate in life. According to some studies, it means ‘late for dinner’. Regardless of what is written on it, this ancient artifact is among the most important mosaics in Turkey.
5- Akratos and Euphrosine mosaic – Gaziantep
Akratos and Euphrosine mosaic, which is among the most important mosaics of Turkey and exhibited in Gaziantep Zeugma Museum, consists of mosaics excavated from the side room of the Gypsy Girl mosaic. The mosaic depicts Akratos and the nymph Euphrosine and shows Akratos offering the sacred wine in the golden crater taken from the divine source to Euphrosine with the horn of fertility.
6- Achilles mosaic – Gaziantep
The Achilles mosaic waiting for visitors at the Zeugma Museum is one of the many mosaics depicting this famous mythological hero. The work depicts a scene from ancient mythological narratives: The moment when the true identity of the famous Achilles is revealed.
7- Mosaic Hall – Izmir
The mosaics discovered in the hall of a building in the ancient city of Metropolis are among the best preserved artifacts in Western Anatolia. The recently discovered mosaics feature figures such as the Ancient Greek god Dionysus, his wife Ariadne, the god of love Eros and Maenad. The mosaics also depict concepts such as love and theater.
8- Sulusaray mosaic – Tokat
Sebastapolis Ancient City is located within the borders of Sulusaray district of Tokat. This ancient city is built on a mound thought to have emerged in the Bronze Age. The ancient city draws attention to the works called Sulusaray mosaics as well as other historical buildings.
9- Three Graces mosaic – Mersin
One of the most important mosaics in Turkey is the Three Graces mosaic on display at the Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum in Mersin’s Silifke district. The work, which is part of a bath built in the ancient Roman period, depicts Zeus’ daughters Aglaia, Thalia and Euphrosine, called the three beauties.
10- Okeanos and Tethys mosaic – Gaziantep
Last on our list of Turkey’s most important mosaics is the Okeanos and Tethys mosaic on display at the Zeugma Museum. The work dates back to the early periods of the Roman Empire. The Okeanos and Tethys mosaic tells the story of the river god Okeanos, the source of life, and his wife Tethys.
The post The 10 Most Valuable Mosaics Found in Turkey appeared first on NSF News and Magazine.