Hatay Archaeology Museum

Hatay Archaeology Museum

Hatay Archeology Museum, the first phase of which was opened on 28 December 2014, and the second phase on 02 March 2019, consists of 19 exhibition halls. In the museum, which was designed according to the understanding of contemporary museology, many important works from the Paleolithic period to the end of the middle ages are exhibited chronologically. In the museum, which holds the title of 'The World's Largest Mosaic Museum', mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine periods are of beauty and workmanship that are worth seeing.

There are some prominent works in the museum, some of which are;

KING ŠUPPILULIUMA: The colossal statue of King Šuppiluliuma was found in Tell Tayinat Mound in the Amik Plain. Made of basalt stone, the work belonging to the Late Hittite Kingdom Period is a unique work with its rather large size, beard and three-dimensional construction, impressive eye depiction, and many other features. There is also a Luwian language inscription on the back of the 1.5 meters high and 1.5 tons king statue. The statue of Šuppiluliuma, which has become an important archaeological face, awaits its visitors at the Hatay Archeology Museum.

ANTAKYA SARCOPHAGUS: One of the unique works of the Hatay Archeology Museum, the Antakya Sarcophagus belongs to the Roman Period. It is thought that the tomb may belong to a highly respected and cultured person from the figures on the sarcophagus exhibited in a special section. The Antakya Sarcophagus, which is impressive in terms of workmanship and visuals, is exhibited in a special room with valuable artifacts and skeletons of individuals.

POINTED SKULLS: The tradition of pointed skulls dating back to the Middle Chalcolithic Period dates back 4000 years and still continues in Africa today.

GODDESS ISHTAR STATUETTE: The Goddess Ishtar Statuette dated to the Late Bronze Age has quite different qualities due to its color and is made of a special stone, Lapis Lazuli.

ANTAKYA TYKHE: The Tyche of Antakya, which is associated with the luck and fortune of Antiocheia (Antakya), appears as both a coin and a statue in terms of symbolizing the city walls of Antakya, Orontes (River of Asi) and Habibi Neccar Mountain. These artifacts exclusive to Antakya are waiting for their visitors at the Hatay Archeology Museum.