The Gerga Monumental Statue, stolen from the ancient city of Gerga in the Karia region, has been left to its fate after being discovered 14 years ago in a farmhouse.
Rescued from antiquities traffickers, the Gerga statue was initially handed over to the İzmir Archaeology Museum, where it was stored in a neglected corner. Recently transferred to the Aydın Archaeology Museum, the statue is unfortunately uncared for and has been abandoned in the museum’s garden without being displayed.
Archaeologist Selahattin Aydın, who played a key role in bringing the statue to Aydın, shared its story with Aydın Haberleri.
The Ancient City of Gerga Awaits Attention
“Gerga is a site within the Caria Region that showcases distinct Carian characteristics. There are no traces from the Hellenistic or Roman periods, and the site has preserved its original essence. It is likely a sacred area. When you visit, you can see the inscriptions ‘Gerga’ and ‘Gergas’ on the rocks, as well as in front of a small temple. We do not know the exact name of the city, as excavations have not been conducted, but it is highly probable that it was a sacred city. There appears to be a temple-like structure, possibly a small temple, and there are indications of worship related to the Great Mother goddess. In addition to the stolen statue, there are other sculptures in the area, and I know that similar ones were erected at various points in the city.”
The statue has been neglected in the museum’s garden
“The Gerga inscribed statue was seized in 2011 at a farmhouse in İzmir and was subsequently moved to the İzmir Archaeology Museum. There, it was left in a little-known corner, neglected and forgotten. We have worked hard to bring this important artifact to its rightful place at the Aydın Archaeology Museum because it is truly significant. The stone used for the statue is sourced from its own geography, showcasing local and Anatolian characteristics. The name ‘Gerga’ is inscribed on it. After much effort, the statue finally arrived at the Aydın Archaeology Museum, but unfortunately, it was said that it would be placed in a display area. Instead, it has simply been left on the museum’s lawn, still not prepared for exhibition.”
