Silent Witnesses of Nicomedia: Çukurbağ Reliefs Exhibition Opens in Kocaeli

To mark International Museum Day on May 18 and in honor of the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, the “Silent Witnesses of Nicomedia” exhibition has opened at the Kocaeli Archaeology Museum. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the ancient city of Nicomedia, showcasing sculptural relics that reflect the grandeur of a Roman imperial center. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until the end of July.

At the opening ceremony, Izmit Mayor Fatma Kaplan Hürriyet stated:
“Today, we greet the echoes of an ancient civilization through stories carved into marble. ‘Silent Witnesses of Nicomedia’ is more than a collection of archaeological artifacts—it is a reflection of a city’s memory, cultural identity, and its lasting contribution to human history.”

Nicomedia: An Imperial Capital in the East

Founded in the 3rd century BCE by King Nicomedes I of Bithynia, Nicomedia reached the height of its political and cultural prominence under Roman Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd century CE, briefly serving as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. With its palaces, temples, and monumental architecture, Nicomedia became a hub of imperial power and ideology.

The Çukurbağ Reliefs: Echoes of a Lost Empire

Ongoing excavations in the Çukurbağ neighborhood of İzmit have unearthed more than 35 monumental marble reliefs dating to the Diocletian period. These artworks depict scenes of imperial ceremonies, religious rituals, and military victories, offering valuable insight into the artistic and symbolic language of Roman rule in Asia Minor.

Each relief panel captures elements of belief, authority, and mythology, making them not just decorative art, but narrative vessels carrying the identity and worldview of an ancient society.

A Journey Through Cultural Memory

The exhibition presents these extraordinary works as windows into Nicomedia’s layered history. From depictions of emperors to mythological references, the sculptures embody a civilization where power, faith, and aesthetics intertwined in stone.

A Tribute to Cultural Continuity

Organized in celebration of the 102nd year of the Republic, this exhibition stands as a symbol of Türkiye’s enduring connection to its rich historical past. The Çukurbağ reliefs, silent for centuries, now speak to modern audiences, emphasizing the value of cultural heritage in shaping future generations.