ISAC Exhibit: Hartapu: The Forgotten King of Anatolia

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is mounting a special exhibition that reconstructs the story of a king who, until a chance discovery in 2019, was barely a footnote. Hartapu: The Forgotten King of Anatolia traces how an inscribed stone pulled from an irrigation canal in central Türkiye revealed an eighth-century BCE ruler who claimed to have conquered Phrygia, placing his capital at the massive tell of Türkmen-Karahöyük. The exhibition draws on recent excavations by ISAC and Bilkent University, pairing ancient inscriptions and archaeological finds with 3D printing and advanced imaging. Contemporary works by artist SaraNoa Mark offer a reflective counterpoint on landscape and memory. On view from September 17, 2026 through March 14, 2027, accessible with museum admission during regular hours. The museum is open on Sunday, January 10, the day of this listing.