Commagen Biennale

History

2022: First event

In 2022, Turkey hosts for the first time the Commagen Biennale, which brings together the work of 53 artists from 23 countries. The event is located at the foot of the majestic Mount Nemrut in the southeastern province of Adyaman, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. As part of the Biennale, artists exhibit their work on a burial mound on the mountain, on the Chandere Bridge, in Kakhta Castle and on five islands on the Euphrates River. The event also includes various workshops, performances and concerts.

Mount Nemrut with a mound, which contains the tomb of King Antiochus from the Kingdom of Commagene and several giant statues, is described as an outstanding archaeological, cultural and natural treasure. There are many large statues, presumably, which are royal tombs of the first century BC. Considered the tallest open-air museum in the world, Mount Nemrut is believed to have been a place of worship in ancient Anatolia.

In the province of Adyaman, the Kakhta region and its environs, many civilizations lived for thousands of years, their traces have survived to this day. Before the establishment of the Kingdom of Commagene in 2000 BC, the region was dominated by Hittites, Mitannians, Arameans, Assyrians, late Hittites, Persians. These lands remember Alexander the Great and the soldiers of the Roman Empire. At a later time, the Umayyads, Byzantines, Ottomans and other peoples came to this place.

Thanks to these civilizations and the footprints they left, as well as the huge development of Metaverse and digital universes, the theme of the event was: "Imaginary Civilization." With their works, artists of different directions create an imaginary world with imaginary archeology, history, language, economy, music, agriculture, architecture, fashion and laws.

The Commagen Biennale will be open to visitors until October 20, 2022.