31.12.2025
7 Dakika
As the new year approaches, we all begin to dream of the future. Some of us cut photos from magazines, while others compile images found online to create a "Vision Board" for themselves. The goal is clear: to see what we desire every day and attract it into our lives. But this year, instead of pinning a piece of paper to that board, how about visiting the "real" symbol of that dream in the ancient world?
We can almost hear you asking, "So, how will that work?" The inspiration for all the wishes and intentions you want to pursue in the new year is actually not far away; it is hidden in the memory accumulated by these lands for thousands of years. Each artifact we have listed for you to meet goes beyond being a mere archaeological find; they are powerful symbols through which people in the ancient world reflected their wishes for a good life, abundance, hope, and journey. Therefore, seeking inspiration for your new year's wishes not on a board, but at the stops in Türkiye that bear the traces of these symbols, might be exactly what you need.
Now, let's take a closer look at each of these ancient symbols that will inspire your new year intentions.
If "making a leap in your career" or "finally overcoming that tough obstacle" is at the top of your new year list, the motivation you are looking for awaits you in Samsun Museum.
In the ancient world, when things got tough or competition heated up, the first name that came to mind was Nike, because she was the goddess of those who did not give up the fight, those who crossed the finish line—in short, the "winners." The Nike Earring, part of the Amisos Treasures located in the Samsun Museum, carries exactly this spirit.
Even though it stands still in the showcase, with its cape flowing backward and the wind effect on its wings, Nike actually never stops for a moment. Looking at her, that familiar, fluttering feeling fills you: "This year is my year, it's time to rise!" If you intend not to march in place this year but to catch that wind and rise, you can be sure that seeing this artifact up close will give you the feeling of "I can succeed" in abundance.
If images of "peace, protection, and positive energy" dominate your vision board, the Şanlıurfa Museum is waiting for you.
People of the Chalcolithic Period must not have liked leaving life to chance; they presented their eye idols to temples like petitions for a "good destiny" so that their daily affairs would go well and their households would be filled with abundance and prosperity. They were not just offerings, but also the oldest protective talismans carried against epidemics and evil. As you look into these eyes staring at you from thousands of years ago, you will not feel a shiver, but rather feel that both your health and your luck are under protection this year. Let us also mention that you won't find a more sympathetic support to get your affairs in order in the new year and take that ancient shield of protection with you.
The indispensable item of new year wish lists is clear: "Health first." If your intention this year is to be purified not only physically but also spiritually and to get rid of all the weights on you, your source of inspiration awaits you at the Uşak Atatürk and Ethnography Museum.
In the Ottoman period, people sought healing not only from physicians but sometimes also in talismanic objects and the power of prayers. These bowls, made of brass or copper and adorned inside and out with prayers and symbols, are like the most elegant proof of that search for "well-being." The method is quite mystical: Water is put into the bowl, prayers are recited, and that water is either drunk or used for washing. The aim was to "purify" and drive away illness through the power of water and prayer, just as in ancient medical traditions. The idea of "washing away" all the fatigue and illness of the past, even if symbolically, does not sound bad at all for the new year. Seeing this delicate artifact up close could be the most peaceful way to concretize your health wish in your mind and start the new year with a purified soul.
If "starting over," "wisdom," and "productivity" are among your new year wishes, you can find the inspiration you seek at the Izmir Culture and Arts Factory.
In Ancient Egypt, the Scarab was held in high esteem as it symbolized the rebirth of the sun every morning and immortality. People wore it not just as a stylish accessory, but as a "protective amulet" to ward off all kinds of evil. Its meaning was so great that all the secrets of life, from creation to reproduction, from wisdom to rebirth, were attributed to it. This protection was trusted so much that it was even left in graves as a gift for the dead. The Scarab ring you will encounter at the Izmir Culture and Arts Factory is waiting for you to remind you that the sun rises again every day and a fresh start is possible at any moment.
And the most exciting corner of the vision board... "Unplanned beauties" and "luck." For this, Tyche, the goddess of destiny and prosperity, awaits you in Istanbul.
The Tyche statue you will see in the Istanbul Archaeology Museums actually paints a picture of "abundance" with its details. On her head, instead of the crowns we are used to, she wears a crown (kalathos) adorned with flowers, symbolizing the fertility of nature. If you look carefully at her left arm, you can see the famous Cornucopia overflowing with fruits and the tiny Plutos symbolizing wealth. But what about her missing right hand? Based on ancient coins, we can say that Tyche was holding a "ship's rudder" there. So the message is very clear: The route is plotted, the sails are set, but what brings abundance is holding that rudder correctly. Examining this statue, the symbol of unexpected successes and beautiful coincidences, up close might be the most aesthetic way to concretize the wish "may my luck be plentiful and my route be open" for the new year.
In conclusion, pinning your intentions to a board is a good start, but coming face to face with the witnesses of these intentions for thousands of years is a completely different experience. As we mentioned throughout the article, the luck, peace, or success you wish for has already turned into works of art in these lands. Do not keep your dreams waiting only in your mind in the new year. Pack your bags and trace these symbols hidden in the memory of these lands. Why? Because the most beautiful stories begin not when you wait for luck, but when you chase after it.
May you have a fruitful year where your path always leads to beauty!
