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The premiere of "Treasures with Bettany Hughes: Türkiye – Ancient Origins," a new documentary exploring Türkiye’s extraordinary cultural heritage, was held in London at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). The screening drew a large audience and featured appearances by acclaimed British historian and presenter Bettany Hughes, Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Osman Koray Ertas, and Counsellor for Press and Communications Busra Karaduman Aktuna.
Held in one of London’s most prestigious venues, the event highlighted the historical richness of Anatolia, a region that has witnessed the rise and fall of many civilizations. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ertas underlined that the land known today as Türkiye has served as a bridge not only between continents but also between ideas, beliefs, and cultures.
“From the Hittites and Phrygians to the Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans, Anatolia tells stories of abundance, love, and compassion,” he said. He also noted that Türkiye’s appeal is not limited to its natural beauty but extends to its deep cultural and historical wealth, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
Emphasizing Türkiye’s position as the fourth most visited country in the world, Ertas shared that approximately 4.5 million British nationals traveled to Türkiye in 2024. He added that this level of interest was no coincidence but the result of the country's rich cultural offering and heritage. He also expressed gratitude to Bettany Hughes for her dedication, and to Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications for supporting the event.
Following the ambassador’s speech, a panel moderated by TRT World anchor Maria Ramos featured clips from the documentary and insights from Bettany Hughes. Reflecting on her personal connection to Türkiye, Hughes recalled traveling through Anatolia by hitchhiking at the age of 18, describing the trip as a transformative experience.
“The moment I saw the sunrise in Ephesus, I suddenly understood the depth of human stories and how cultures intertwine,” she said. “That was the moment I decided what I wanted to do in life. I would become a scholar and a professional historian. This journey changed my life.”
The documentary showcases Hughes’ visits to archaeological sites including the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Aydin province, where she visited the home of a retired excavation worker named Ibrahim. The film also features scenes from other prominent sites such as Pergamon (Bergama), Sagalassos, and Gordion.
Bringing the evening to a close, Busra Karaduman Aktuna described the screening as more than just a film presentation. “For us, this is not only a film screening but also a shared moment of discovery,” she said, praising the elegance and passion with which Hughes presents history.
She added that being part of such a distinguished audience, united by curiosity and admiration, reminded everyone of storytelling’s power to transcend time and place. Aktuna emphasized how meaningful it felt to discover Türkiye’s cultural richness together with international viewers.
2 min read
