Tutankhamun, the famous pharaoh of ancient Egypt, is the child king who came to the throne 3300 years ago and is famous for his treasures. His tomb has been attracting people’s attention for 100 years due to its tragic life story and unresolved mysteries. The exhibition “Child King’s Treasures,” opening in Istanbul on January 20, will offer the opportunity to explore Tutankhamun’s belongings and his Ancient Egypt experience. The exhibition will remain open until the end of March 2023.
Tutankhamun ruled during the end of the 18th dynasty in the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. He lived between 1332 BC – 1323 BC, ascending the throne at the age of 9 and dying suddenly at the age of 19. Despite his early demise, many researchers were curious about the cause of death but a definitive conclusion could not be reached. A splendid golden coffin, golden face mask, thrones, bows, trumpets, lotus globes, furniture, food, wine, sandals, and many other items were found in his tomb. Known as the “funerary mask”, the golden mask is among the most magnificent of the items found in the tomb.
The treasures of Tutankhamun have been showcased in many countries, from Asia to Europe, since it was discovered. Tutankhamun, Child King’s Treasures Exhibition has traveled the world’s major metropolises for more than 60 years and has garnered more than 40 million visitors. The exhibition, soon to be opened in Istanbul, will be presented to the taste of history, culture, and art lovers on the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the treasures in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. One of the most important archeological discoveries of the 20th century, Tutankhamun’s treasure is very popular around the world. The treasure is famous for its wealth and inspiration.
Sharing valuable information about the place and importance of Ancient Egypt and Tutankhamun, one of the most significant civilizations in history. In this remarkable civilization, Professor Dr. İlber Ortaylı stated the following:
Tutankhamun came to the throne at a tumultuous time in Egyptian history. His father, Akhenaten (also known as Amenhotep IV), was a pharaoh of the new 18th dynasty of Egypt. In the 6th year of his reign, he decided to leave Thebes, the former capital of Egypt, and establish a new capital in the untouched lands known today as Tell el-Amarna. Akhenaten removed the names of other gods from the temples in order to devote himself solely to Aten, the sun god, and established the Aten religion. Aten is the only god related to the Sun, who is believed to have passed from Babylonia to Egypt. It can be considered the beginning of monotheistic Hebrew religions.
One of the most prominent wives of the famous Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten was the Mitanni princess Nefertiti. After Akhenaten passed away, one of his sons, Tutankhamun, took the throne at the young age of 9. He also died at an early age. During his reign, Egypt reverted to its ancient polytheistic religion. The priests of Amun were also reestablished. But it is a fact that Tutankhamun is the pharaoh we know best because of the discovery of his tomb in the 20th century and the resurrection of Egyptian civilization.
In ancient Egypt, the great pyramids of Giza were built by Pharaohs, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These marvels of engineering were constructed during a time when nothing beyond imagination was found in the tombs and that all of them were unfortunately robbed. However, Tutankhamun’s undiscovered tomb is perfectly preserved, and when it was found by British Archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, it holds an important position as the only pharaoh whose treasures have survived without his tomb being plundered.
When Pharaoh Tutankhamun died, his body was embalmed within 70 days. The Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt, was taken to the cemetery number 69 in the Valley of the Kings by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Tutankhamun’s treasure had a great impact around the world and the artifacts found became symbols of Ancient Egypt. There are exact replicas of 409 works specially selected from the treasure in the treasury in the exhibition hall for Tutankhamun, also known as the ‘Golden King’ because all of the items in his tomb were made of solid gold. These works illuminate many aspects of the history of ancient Egyptian civilization.
During the Child King’s Treasures Exhibition, visitors were seen wandering around with masks, fascinated by depictions of Ancient Egyptian goddesses Isis, Nephthys, Neith, and Selket. Among the crowd, there was a man telling the story of his love for Queen Ankhesenamun, the young wife of Tutankhamun, as children followed him eagerly. The exhibits portrayed various funerary objects, personal belongings, weapons such as bows and arrows, and intriguing artifacts like the “dagger from outer space” made from a meteorite that fell in Anatolia.
One of the most captivating exhibits, which caused a stir at Tutankhamun’s death at a young age, was him placed on his feet. This forced him to limp on one of his feet. Examples of his walking sticks and replicas of his damaged feet are on display, along with other relics, that were awe-inspiring when his grave was found, are on display.
