The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A Historical Journey into the Heart of Turkey

Turkish culture took a leap towards the preservation of its historical heritage with the establishment of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located in the heart of Turkey's capital city, Ankara. This inimitable museum, situated in the charming historical district of Atpazarı, stands as a testament to the rich, sprawling history of Anatolia, offering its visitors a vivid re-imagination of the region’s antiquated civilizations.

As you approach this treasure trove of history, the magnificence of the Ottoman-era buildings that host the museum immediately captures your attention. The architectural marvel in itself, the buildings of the museum; the old Mahmut Paşa bazaar and Kurşunlu Han (inn), are parts of the ancient Atpazarı district of Ankara and dates back to the 15th century. With its stone walls, high ceilings, and archaic elements, the buildings resonate the architectural charm of a bygone era.

Internationally recognized as one of the top 20 museums, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, consistently delivers narratives of the intricate timeline stretching back to the Palaeolithic era. A repository of the country’s most extensive archaeological collections, the museum chronicles the many past civilizations that once inhabited the Anatolian lands.

Commencing your exploration of the museum, you'll first encounter the ‘Hall of Anatolian Archaeology', showcasing the remarkable finds from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras. Notably, the artifacts from the world’s first-known settlement of Çatalhöyük, offering you an in-depth glimpse into the fascinations of the Stone Age. Performing a clockwise pilgrimage around the museum transports you sequentially through time, flowing from bygone epochs to more recent history. The sections dedicated to the vast civilizations such as those of Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartians will have their respective tales serenading by your side as you walk past the artifacts they once cherished. The exhibits from the Kingdom of the Hittites, a Bronze Age civilization known for its advanced legal systems and ethnic tolerance, arguably steal the show. Precious artifacts like tablets of cuneiform inscriptions and majestic statues narrate the grandeur of this ancient kingdom. The Hittite collection additionally enshrines the 'Bronze Tablet’, which is a replica of the peace treaty signed between the Hittites and the Ancient Egyptians, remarking the first-ever peace treaty in the world’s history. The Urartian collections, especially the jewelry section, are an absolute feast to the eyes and the Phrygian section offers treasures like the statue of mother goddess Cybele, fascinating pottery, and fabulous jewelry.

Thanks to its immaculately preserved artifacts and detailed information plaques, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations ensures a captivating journey through the timelines of these civilizations. In addition to its regular exhibits, the museum also offers a variety of special exhibitions that spotlight different aspects of Turkey's culture and history. Additionally, the museum's extensive library is an invaluable resource for historians and scholars.

Equipped with a museum shop, visitors can bring home memorabilia and reproductions of the displayed artworks. Furthermore, the museum provides facilities for physically challenged, ensuring that history is accessible for all. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations not only serves as a sanctuary for the rich history of Anatolia but also as a platform to bridge the past and the present. It aids us in understating the historical milestones that shaped the world we live in today and offers a unique sense of connection with our ancient predecessors.

In conclusion, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is far more than a mere walkthrough of artifacts; it is an immersive experience that reveals the profound mysteries of humanity's ancient past as seen through the lens of the Anatolian civilizations. If you are a history lover or a curious explorer yearning to understand the roots of human civilization, then this museum is a definite must-see destination. As you depart, you're left with a lingering sense of awe over the grandeur of human history and an enriched perspective of the world.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:2, 06240 Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Rating: 4.7
Rated count: 12226

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