Spanish photographer Isabel Muñoz, renowned for her evocative imagery, is set to bring Spain closer to the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe, an archaeological site that has redefined our understanding of human history. Muñoz’s exhibition, titled “A New History,” opened at the National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid on October 12. The event is supported by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Turkish Embassy in Madrid.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Muñoz emphasized the global significance of Göbeklitepe, calling it the “Year Zero of Civilization.” She remarked, Göbeklitepe is a discovery for humanity. It is the cradle of civilization. While we may not yet fully grasp its importance, it is extraordinary—the origin of all human design.”
Muñoz also shared her profound emotional connection to Karahantepe, another key archaeological site near Göbeklitepe. Describing her experience there as deeply moving, she said, “Photographing these sites was an extraordinary journey filled with powerful emotions.”
Muñoz drew parallels between Spain and Türkiye, highlighting their shared cultural heritage, particularly in relation to bullfighting. She suggested that bullfighting may have originated in Türkiye, supported by bull and shaman figures found at Göbeklitepe. “We always thought bullfighting came from the Hellenistic period, but Göbeklitepe shows it existed 5,000 years ago in Türkiye,” she explained.
The artist also compared the ancient stone carvings at Göbeklitepe to the works of Pablo Picasso, noting their striking similarities. “If Picasso had seen Göbeklitepe, he would have been in awe,” she said.
Muñoz, who visited the Göbeklitepe region seven times to capture its essence, described her experience as transformative. “It was a project that made me feel very privileged,”Muñoz said, highlighting the extraordinary work she did at night. She described moments when the ancient stones seemed to come alive under the moonlight, as if “the stone structures were playing with light and shadow, talking and laughing.” These nighttime experiences, she explained, made her feel a deep connection with the people who once inhabited the site, a connection she sought to convey through her photography.
Muñoz also revealed a personal touch in her exhibition by including a handful of soil from Göbeklitepe in the frames of her photographs. She emphasized, “Türkiye should be here,” underscoring the deep connection between her work and the historical significance of the site.
