Zeugma Museum and Conference Center

Zeugma Museum and Conference Center Review

What claims to be the largest mosaic museum in the world houses a stunning collection of Roman-era mosaics rescued from a nearby archaeological site called Zeugma, which was submerged under the waters of a man-made lake. The intricate mosaics, some portraying scenes from Roman mythology, others more artistic geometric designs, are dazzling to behold. The fragment of a mosaic depicting a young woman with an enigmatic gaze (called "The Gypsy Girl") is quickly earning Mona Lisa-like iconic status across Turkey. Many of the mosaics depcit less common myths, such as that of Achilles, hidden by his mother before the Trojan War and disguised in women's clothing but tricked into showing interest in a sword, and Parthenope and Metiochus, a Romeo and Juliet of the ancient world. Destruction by illegal excavations is also highlighted, and several of the mosaics on display did time in private collections in the United States before being recovered. Unfortunately, the museum is a bit soulless and cavernous, and the lighting is very low.