In the Lay of Shahmaran

The myth of Shahmaran, the queen of snakes was born in the Middle East. From Türkiye to Iran, this story has been told for centuries. In Tarsus, in the south of Türkiye, the myth is still alive and can be found throughout the city.

She is a half woman and half snake, creature, living in a hidden underground kingdom.

One day, a man named Cemsap discovered her world and became trapped there. Shahmaran chose to keep him alive and shared with him the secrets of snakes and healing. They fell in love and lived together for decades.

Later, the King of Tarsus became ill. It was said that only the flesh of Shahmaran could cure him. Under pressure from the king, Cemsap revealed where she was hiding. Shahmaran was killed, and her body was taken.

The story of Shahmaran is about love, wisdom, betrayal, and sacrifice.

Through this exhibition, you are invited into her lair — her home, her kingdom. These ceramic pieces imagine a world of beauty, sensuality, and memory, frozen in time.