The Most Comprehensive Documentary Ever Made on Civilization: The River That Flows West

The civilization documentary "The River That Flows West," prepared by the Bahçeşehir University Center for Civilization Studies (MEDAM), draws global attention to Mesopotamia, the true birthplace of civilization.

Humanity's long journey of civilization, which began on the fertile lands of Mesopotamia and Anatolia, dates back some twelve thousand years. "The River That Flows West Civilization Documentary"tells the story of this long journey from an objective perspective.

Aiming to turn global attention to the true birthplace of civilization, Mesopotamia, the land between two rivers in the Middle East, "The River That Flows West" was prepared by the Bahçeşehir University Center for Civilization Studies (MEDAM) with contributions from the Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Communication.

FILMED IN 16 COUNTRIES

Filming for "The River That Flows West Civilization Documentary" began two years ago and took place in 16 countries; views were gathered from around 200 thinkers, artists, scientists and politicians, and the cities and works of ancient times were brought back to life through dramatizations combined with state-of-the-art computer graphics. The documentary consists of 20 episodes of 45 minutes each and has two versions, one long and one short.

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENTARY EVER MADE ON CIVILIZATION

Described by international opinion leaders as "the most comprehensive documentary ever made on civilization," the project was launched to bring humanity together around a more balanced perspective in response to the opposition to the East and Islam that spread across the world after the 9/11 attacks. "The River That Flows West" aims to be a documentary of peace.

Supported by the Prime Ministry Promotion Fund of Türkiye and produced by Lion TV, one of the largest production companies in the United Kingdom, the documentary will be broadcast on TRT in September and on international TV channels in the following months.

MEDAM CONDUCTS RESEARCH ALL OVER THE WORLD

Founded by Bahçeşehir University and chaired by Prof. Dr. Bekir Karlığa, MEDAM (Center for Civilization Studies) uses contemporary technologies and scientific methods to research the accumulated knowledge and contributions of Türkiye and its region in science, thought, art and civilization from the past to the present. Its aim is to introduce the resulting research data to universities around the world first and foremost, as well as to Turkish youth, the Turkish people and all of humanity. MEDAM establishes connections with centers conducting civilization studies in various countries to exchange knowledge, experience, scholars and students, and organizes joint programs and meetings with non-governmental organizations conducting international research. Publishing works on civilization studies in Turkish and foreign languages, MEDAM ensures that studies on civilization carried out at Bahçeşehir University are published and promoted.

The documentary will be launched on 17 September 2011 at the Harbiye Congress Center with a special evening to be attended by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.