Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi, known in English as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, is situated on Gözcü Street at the south side of Ankara Castle in the historic Atpazarı district of Ankara, Turkey. Nestled within two beautifully restored Ottoman-era buildings, this museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the cradle of Anatolian cultures. With its prime location just below the castle, it provides a perfect blend of rich history and enchanting urban ambience.

About the Museum

From the moment you set foot in the Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi, the museum’s chronological presentation of Anatolian artefacts immerses you in human history. The collection begins in the Paleolithic era and traverses the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze, Assyrian Trading Colonies, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuq, and Ottoman periods.

The museum spans two distinct Ottoman structures: the Mahmut Paşa Bedesteni and the Kurşunlu Han. The former, originally built between 1464 and 1471, now serves as the primary exhibition hall, while Kurşunlu Han houses administrative offices, a library, research rooms, a conference hall, laboratory, and workshops. Restoration began in 1938 and was completed in 1968, transforming these historic buildings into a world-class museum.

Thanks to the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his advisors, the site became Turkey’s first Hittite-centric museum. Over time, it evolved into a fully encompassing archaeological museum exhibiting artefacts from every major Anatolian civilisation.

https://youtu.be/rPtK7ESb_sk

Interesting Facts

Awarded “European Museum of the Year” on April 19, 1997, in Lausanne, Switzerland, selected from among 68 museums.
Ottoman architectural heritage: Mahmut Paşa Bedesteni and Kurşunlu Han, dating from the mid-15th century, are repurposed into exhibition and administrative spaces.
Extensive collection: The museum holds nearly 195,000 objects, including rare gold, silver, glass, marble, and bronze pieces, plus an impressive coin collection spanning ancient to modern times.
Iconic artefacts: Highlights include the Mother Goddess statue from Çatalhöyük, Hittite artefacts like the İnandık vase and the unique bronze Hittite tablet, Phrygian tumulus funerary objects (including a model of King Midas’s tomb), and Urartian ivory works.
Interactive features: The museum offers virtual tours, reconstructions (including Göbekli Tepe–style T‑shaped pillars), and immersive displays that enliven ancient worlds .

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +90312 324 3160

Website: muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=AMM01&DistId=AMM

Conclusion

The Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi is more than a museum—it is a bridge across millennia. With its exceptional curation and engaging presentation, it invites every visitor—history enthusiast or curious traveller—to trace the footsteps of early societies. The architectural elegance of Ottoman structures coupled with the astonishing array of artefacts provides a sensory-rich, educational experience. Whether it is the awe-inspiring presence of a Neolithic sculpture or the polished sophistication of a Hittite vase, each exhibit tells a story that is undeniably human and deeply Anatolian. A visit to this museum is truly a journey through the annals of civilization. If you find yourself in Ankara, this exceptional treasure trove of heritage is not merely worth a visit—it is essential.