Press release

New exhibition celebrates history of ancient village

Published on 15 March 2022

A new exhibition at the University of Dundee helps bring to life a Neolithic village of huge historical significance

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Aşıklı Höyük in Central Antolia, the peninsula that today constitutes the Asian portion of Turkey, is the oldest known village in the region. Dating back 10,500 years, Aşıklı Höyük excavation sites reveal almost every stage of the transition from the hunter-gatherer period to sedentary agricultural life.

Inspired by excavation findings and the history of the region, 13 artists, including Professor Anita Taylor, Dean of the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, conveyed their responses to Aşıklı Höyük and the important developments in human history through art.

Their work, which includes drawing, painting, video sculpture, photography, installation and other art forms, is shown in the ‘Lines of Site’ exhibition, which opens to the public on Wednesday 23 March in the University’s Matthew Building.

Excavations have been taking place in Aşıklı Höyük for the past 32 years, with new artefacts that expand our understanding of history continuing to be uncovered.

The exhibition includes works by artists from Turkey, Spain, Colombia, the United States and the UK, as well as documentary material and videos about the site. The project was led by the Friends of Aşıklı Society, who aim to support the excavations and to ensure that the cultural heritage is embraced and protected by the local people and that the visibility and awareness of the excavation site is raised.

The Dundee event follows on from the first ‘Lines of Site’ exhibition presented in Istanbul during February 2022.

“Aşıklı Höyük is a significant archaeological settlement where many firsts, such as the first brain surgery and the domestication of sheep and goats, took place,” said Professor Taylor.

“The presentation of the exhibition in Istanbul was met with great acclaim and covered by numerous national media networks and press. It was exciting to witness the passion and enthusiasm in contemporary culture for the significance of this important site.

”We are delighted to present this thought-provoking exhibition at the University of Dundee, and to share the dialogue between art and archaeology inspired by Aşıklı Höyük.

“Along with the Friends of Aşıklı Society we are delighted to present an exciting programme of lectures and discussions that bring international experts to Dundee for the first time to speak directly to staff, students and public about the important research developed in the oldest known village in Central Anatolia.”

The ‘Lines of Site’ exhibition runs until 8 April. 

The Friends of Aşıklı Society were awarded funding under the Grant Scheme for Common Cultural Heritage: Preservation and Dialogue between Türkiye and the EU–II (CCH-II) for the Project, ‘An Intercultural Dialogue Through Art and Archaeology’, which is implemented by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism with the financial support of the European Union.

The interdisciplinary Project has been planned and implemented together with the University of Dundee and Universitat Autonama de Barcelona and aims to promote Aşıklı Höyük by bringing together art, history, archaeology and anthropology.

Enquiries

Jessica Rorke

Media Relations Officer

+44 (0)1382 388878

jrorke001@dundee.ac.uk
Story category Events and exhibitions