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One of the world’s largest mosaic museums, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, has welcomed more than 3.5 million visitors since its opening on Sept. 9, 2011. The museum is home to masterpieces such as the famous Gypsy Girl mosaic, the Mars statue, and Roman-era fountains, all originally discovered in villas near the banks of the Euphrates River.
The story of the museum began in 1998, when rescue excavations at the ancient city of Zeugma, near Belkis village in Nizip district, unearthed extraordinary Roman mosaics and sculptures.
To preserve and display these treasures, Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism constructed a modern facility in central Gaziantep, covering 30,000 square meters, including 25,000 square meters of indoor space. The museum also contains exhibition halls and conference rooms that host cultural events.
Since its inauguration, the museum has attracted 3,536,460 people. In May 2025 alone, the museum set a new record, with 8,167 visitors in a single day.
The year 2024 marked its busiest season so far, with more than 466,000 people coming through its doors. By the first eight months of 2025, 385,000 visitors had already been counted, suggesting another record year ahead.
According to Gaziantep Museum Director Ozgur Comak, Zeugma has become one of the world’s most important museums thanks to its collection of mosaics inspired by Greek and Roman mythology.
He described the Gypsy Girl mosaic as “not only a symbol of Türkiye but an international brand of cultural heritage.” The return of 12 missing pieces of this mosaic from the United States in 2018 has strengthened its global reputation.
Comak also stressed the museum’s role as a “child-friendly institution.” Through a protocol with the Provincial Directorate of National Education, schoolchildren visit the museum throughout the academic year.
These visits include guided tours, museum education sessions, and drama activities designed to connect younger generations with ancient culture.
Local tour operators confirm that the museum is often the first stop for visitors to Gaziantep.
Travel agency owner Ergin Erol noted that tourists are particularly drawn to the Gypsy Girl, while guide Hasan Erdogan said the museum plays a central role in GAP tours, which focus on Southeastern Anatolia.
Visitors such as Mumine Gokaslan, who traveled from Kocaeli, described the mosaics as “astonishing works of art, especially considering their age.”
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