Newsletters
Singer Aydin Aydin is under investigation after he filmed himself breaking his saz (a traditional stringed instrument) on the 2,100-year-old archaeological site on Mount Nemrut.
The video drew strong reactions because the site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and contains monuments from the Kingdom of Commagene (Kommagene).
Aydin said he acted out of frustration over the rise of artificial intelligence in the music sector. He argued that AI threatens jobs and claimed that “AI took away my livelihood” as he destroyed his instrument on the ancient remains.
According to the video he shared, Aydin climbed Nemrut and struck his saz against the historic structures until it broke. He said, “AI now plays, AI sings, AI dances, AI shoots clips. What will happen to us? Will we all disappear? Humanity should not surrender to AI.”
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched an investigation after the video circulated.
Officials want to determine whether the act caused any damage to the stone monuments that date back to the reign of King Antiochos I of Commagene.
These monuments are central to the archaeological value of the UNESCO-listed site.
Turkish news outlets reported that expert teams were sent to the area to inspect the statues and structures. Authorities will assess whether the surfaces show traces of impact from the saz.
The incident created widespread criticism online because Nemrut is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Türkiye. It is also a protected cultural asset under national legislation.
The case now falls under laws that protect immovable cultural property.
According to the Turkish Penal Code, people who intentionally cause destruction or damage to protected historical assets can receive between two and five years in prison. Courts may also impose fines of up to 5,000 days.
The investigation will determine whether Aydin Aydin’s actions meet the legal threshold for intentional damage.
The outcome depends on the expert report on the condition of the Commagene statues and surrounding structures.
2 min read
