Berlin to get acquainted with the treasures of Margiana
The exhibition “Margiana: A Bronze Age Kingdom in Turkmenistan” which presenting for the first time outside Turkmenistan archaeological remains from Margiana – the old delta of the Murgab River, opened in the Neues Museum in Berlin.
The centrepieces of the exhibition are the sensational results of archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Gonur Depe, not far from Merv. Even today, it is clear from the building structures which have been uncovered that this was an impressive achievement of early town planning. Enclosed by a massive circular wall and covering an area of 28 hectares, the city’s street plan was divided into different areas, including a residential area, an artisan area and a number of cemeteries. At its heart was a square palace complex, fortified by walls with defensive towers.
The grave goods – jewellery, ritual objects, magnificent gold and silver vessels and fine statuettes – represent unique masterpieces of Bronze Age craftwork and goldsmithing.
Archaeological research of Gonur Depe continues, as well as the conservation of its ruins. Today it is also a tourist site, attracting curious travelers from all over the world.
Margiana is far more than an archaeological exhibition. In January 2018, German photographer Herlinde Koelbl accompanied the curators from the Museum on a two-week trip to Turkmenistan, and for the first time in her creative career engaged with archaeological remains. The result is a completely original and fascinating portfolio of photographs of a country and its inhabitants, impressive natural landscapes, and archaeological and historical monuments. In this respect, the exhibition breaks new ground, offering an unusual, exciting sweep from the traces of an early civilization beyond the Caspian Sea to the creative achievements of modern photography.
The exhibition will last until October 15, and after Berlin will go on display for a few more months at the Archäologisches Museum in Hamburg and the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen in Mannheim.
