Gobeklitepe, an archaeological wonder nestled in southeastern Türkiye, is earning accolades from government officials as a potential global brand. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, recently highlighted the significant buzz surrounding the exhibition “Gobeklitepe, The Enigma of a Sacred Place” at Rome’s iconic Colosseum, where it has tantalisingly attracted over 6 million visitors. This indicates just how vital Gobeklitepe is in the national cultural landscape and suggests it should be be promoted internationally.
Recognised as the oldest temple in the world, Gobeklitepe has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List since 2011. The intriguing site was first uncovered in 1963 through the combined efforts of researchers from Istanbul and Chicago universities near Sanliurfa, and now, it holds an esteemed place in history. Ersoy’s contentment is palpable as he talked about the overwhelming visitor numbers at the exhibition, which first opened its doors on October 24 and runs until next week. “We’re looking at a probable 6.4 million by the exhibition’s end,” he stated.
The minister extolled the advantages of showcasing an enigma like Gobeklitepe in such a high-profile venue. “The Colosseum is a premier spot for history buffs,” he noted, adding that tourists willingly pay to witness its beauty, making it a perfect target for strategic branding efforts. With tourism from Italy in particular on the up, Ersoy mentioned a sharp rise in visitors from this nation—from 420,000 in 2022 to an anticipated 900,000 this year after the exhibition’s success.
When pressed about whether the exhibition was merely for promotional purposes, Ersoy clarified that it stands as a significant part of a broader branding strategy. “Our rich offerings like Ephesus and Gobeklitepe set us apart globally,” he mentioned, emphasising that while Stonehenge may be famous in England, it pales in comparison to Gobeklitepe’s impressive 12,000-year history.
In a related vein, Ersoy discussed Türkiye’s commitment to repatriating cultural artefacts. “It’s a major priority for us,” he stressed, touting improvements in operations to tackle archaeological smuggling. The ministry has not only upgraded its anti-smuggling unit to a department, but it has also brought in more experts to collaborate effectively on the international stage.
Praising his dedicated team for tracking down stolen treasures, he termed them “our Sherlock Holmeses,” highlighting their role in disrupting the illicit trade of cultural property. He confidently stated that collectors are now wary of purchasing Anatolian artefacts, as Türkiye has built a solid reputation for reclaiming illegally removed items. With an unwavering stance, Ersoy declared, “If someone tries to display a stolen artefact, the Ministry will find it and take action.” This passionate push for Jones-style diligence appears to be bolstering Türkiye’s reputation on a global scale.
Gobeklitepe is being hailed by Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy as a key cultural asset with the potential to become a global brand. The exhibition at the Rome Colosseum has attracted over 6 million visitors, demonstrating its appeal. Türkiye is also prioritising repatriation efforts for smuggled artefacts to safeguard its rich heritage.
Ultimately, Gobeklitepe emerges as not just a site of historical interest, but a pivotal player in Turkey’s cultural branding campaign. The impressive visitor figures from prominent exhibitions showcase its allure, while the government’s commitment to repatriation efforts underscores a broader strategy to protect and elevate Türkiye’s rich heritage on the world stage.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
