Antalya:Türkiye is utilizing its rich cultural heritage spanning 12,000 years to emphasize the significance of sustainability and climate resilience at the United Nations climate summit held in Antalya. The country's pavilion at COP31 has been constructed using recycled materials such as excavated soil, coffee grounds, scrap metal, copper, and wood, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the pavilion, situated in the summit's Blue Zone for official negotiations and accredited participants, offers visitors an immersive experience into Anatolia's cultural and artistic legacy, from the 12,000-year-old Gobeklitepe archaeological site to contemporary times. Attendees can participate in climate-related panel discussions, engage in traditional crafts like filigree metalwork and glassblowing, and enjoy Turkish coffee, tea, and Turkish delight.
The pavilion draws attention to the climate crisis and the importance of recycling, welcoming thousands of visitors daily. Orhan Solak, deputy head of Türkiye's Climate Change Directorate, expressed that the pavilion has attracted global visitors, highlighting the theme "Roots of Adaptation and Resilience," which suggests that ancient civilizations provide valuable insights for tackling modern environmental issues.
The exhibition delves into themes such as balance, harvesting, healing, gathering, and shelter, showcasing how historical communities adapted to their environments. Solak emphasized that the fundamental principles for combating climate change are rooted in Anatolia's extensive history, which Türkiye intends to leverage in future climate initiatives.
Architect Bunyamin Atan, working with creative director Cengiz Ayildiz and curator Hasan Mert Kaya, designed the pavilion to minimize environmental impact using recycled materials. The design illustrates how Anatolia's people developed architectural and cultural practices in response to local climate conditions. The exhibition also includes works by contemporary artists like Refik Anadol, Serkan Serefhanoglu, and Taha Baydar.
One international visitor, Godwin Ehijele Okoduwa from Nigeria, expressed admiration for the ancient city of Dara and a Hittite civilization water monument. He noted these structures as examples of ancient communities' sustainability efforts. Okoduwa also emphasized the necessity for countries to translate climate commitments into tangible action, underscoring the importance of international financial support for economically challenged nations.