Aksaray Museum

The Aksaray Museum (Aksaray Müzesi in Turkish) is an important institution that showcases the history, culture, and archaeological treasures of the Aksaray province in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. The museum is known for its extensive collection that highlights the diverse civilizations that have inhabited the region throughout history.

Overview and Collections

The museum’s collections include artifacts from various periods, including the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Hittite, Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, reflecting the rich tapestry of civilizations that have left their mark on this part of Anatolia. Some of the notable collections include:

• Archaeological Finds: This includes pottery, coins, tools, and statues unearthed from local excavations, providing insight into the daily lives and economies of ancient peoples.
• Ethnographic Collections: These collections display items related to the everyday life and culture of the region, including traditional costumes, jewelry, utensils, and weapons.
• Coin Collections: A significant collection of coins offering a glimpse into the economic history and trade practices that span across various eras.
• Manuscript and Document Archives: Preserved manuscripts and documents that hold historical, artistic, and literary significance.

Visiting the Museum

For visitors, the museum provides a comprehensive journey through time, highlighting the significance of the Aksaray region in the context of Anatolian history. The exhibits are well-curated, with informative descriptions in both Turkish and English. The museum layout is designed to guide visitors through the chronological history of the area.

How to get to Aksaray Museum

To visit the Aksaray Museum in Aksaray, Turkey, you can follow these general steps depending on your starting location:

By Air: If you are coming from another country or a far city in Turkey, the nearest airports to Aksaray are Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). From either airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach Aksaray city center.

By Road: Aksaray is well-connected by road and is accessible via the D300 highway which crosses through the city. It is roughly situated about 1 hour from Nevşehir and 1.5 hours from Kayseri by car.

By Bus: There are regular intercity bus services to Aksaray from major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir. The bus journey from Ankara to Aksaray takes about 3-4 hours. Upon arriving at the Aksaray Bus Station, you can take a local taxi or a minibus (dolmuş) to reach the museum.

Local Transport: Once in Aksaray, the museum is fairly easy to reach as it is located in the city center. You can use local taxis or minibuses for a short ride to the museum. If you’re close enough, it could also be a comfortable walking distance.

Address: The Aksaray Museum’s address is usually listed as ‘Ereğlikapı Mahallesi, 68100 Aksaray Merkez/Aksaray, Turkey’. Having the address handy for taxi drivers or for use with a GPS device can be helpful.

Tips:

• Always check the opening hours of the museum before planning your visit, as they can vary depending on the season or public holidays.
• Consider checking the local bus lines for the most direct routes to the museum if you’re using public transportation within the city.
• If you’re driving, ensure that you have parking information. There may be nearby parking lots or street parking available.

What to pack for Aksaray Museum

When preparing for a visit to the Aksaray Museum, or any museum for that matter, it’s good to pack thoughtfully for the day. Here is a general list of items you might consider taking with you:

Comfortable Clothing: Choose attire suitable for the weather in Aksaray. Since you will likely be indoors at the museum, layers are advisable so you can adjust to different temperatures inside and outside.

Comfortable Shoes: Opt for comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be on your feet for extended periods while exploring the museum exhibits.

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential. Many museums have water fountains where you can refill your bottle.

Snacks: Some light snacks can be useful, especially if you’re planning a long visit, but remember to consume them outside exhibition areas as food and drinks may not be allowed inside.

Camera: Bring a camera if you want to capture memories of your visit. Always check the museum’s photography policy first, as some exhibitions may not allow photography.

Portable Phone Charger: If you plan to use your phone for audio guides, to take pictures, or to use social media, make sure it stays charged.

Notebook and Pen: For those interested in taking notes about the exhibits or jotting down thoughts and reflections, a small notebook can be handy.

Museum Guide or Map: While these are often available at the museum, you might want to download or print one in advance for planning your visit.

Small Bag or Backpack: A small bag can carry all your items, but make sure it adheres to the museum’s size restrictions for bags.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen: If you are visiting during the sunny months, protect yourself against the sun for your comfort during outdoor walking.

Identity Document: Some museums require an ID for purchasing tickets or as part of security measures.

Where to stay near Aksaray Museum?

When looking for accommodation near the Aksaray Museum in Aksaray, Turkey, you have several options depending on your preferences and budget. Below are some suggestions:

• Hotels:
• Agacli Hotel: This is a well-reviewed hotel that offers a comfortable stay with amenities suitable for various types of travelers.
• Kuzucular Park Hotel: Located relatively close to the city center, this hotel provides good service and access to local attractions.
• Grand Saatcioglu Otel: A higher-end option, this hotel is known for its quality rooms and service.
• Boutique Hotels:
• Ihlara Konaklari & Caves: A bit of a drive from Aksaray Museum, but for those seeking a unique experience, this hotel offers cave accommodations in the historic Ihlara Valley.
• Karamanli Konagi: A boutique hotel that combines traditional architecture with modern amenities.

When is the best time to visit Aksaray Museum?

The best time to visit the Aksaray Museum in Turkey would typically depend on a couple of factors including the local climate, peak tourist seasons, and any special exhibitions or events that the museum might host.

Climate Considerations: Aksaray experiences a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Therefore, the most comfortable time for a visit, weather-wise, would be during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the temperatures are mild and the weather is more likely to be pleasant for walking around and exploring.

Tourist Seasons: During the high tourist season, which usually coincides with the summer months (late June to August), the area might be more crowded and accommodations may be more expensive. Visiting in the shoulder season can mean fewer crowds and potentially lower prices for hotels.

Museum Schedules: The Aksaray Museum might have specific exhibitions, events, or programs at certain times of the year which can also influence the best time to visit. It would be wise to check the museum’s official website or contact them directly for any scheduled special events that might be of interest.

Hours of Operation: It’s important to verify the museum’s hours as they can change seasonally or due to holidays. Typically, museums in Turkey are closed on Mondays and on certain public holidays. The museum may also have shorter hours during the winter season.

The history of Aksaray Museum

The Aksaray Museum (Aksaray Müzesi) is situated in the city of Aksaray, in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. It serves as a prominent cultural institution in the area, showcasing the rich history and diverse artifacts that span several periods, with a particular focus on archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic collections.

Establishment and Development:

• The Aksaray Museum was officially opened to the public on April 1, 1969, though its establishment dates back to earlier efforts of collection and preservation.
• Initially, the museum started with archaeological findings that were kept in the Ulu Mosque and the Zinciriye Medrese to protect them. As the collection grew, there was a need for a dedicated space.
• The museum began in the Zinciriye Medrese, a historical Islamic religious school, and moved to a new building as the collection expanded and the need for more modern exhibition spaces became apparent.

Collections:

• Tan, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuhe museum houses artifacts from the surrounding regions that include Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Hittite, Phrygik, and Ottoman periods, reflecting the area’s extensive and diverse historical occupancy.
• It showcases an array of objects from nearby archaeological sites, such as coins, ceramics, sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural fragments.
• There is also an ethnographic section that displays local cultural items such as traditional costumes, textiles, handcrafts, and examples of folkloric artifacts, giving insight into the lives of the region’s inhabitants throughout history.

Significant Finds and Exhibitions:

• The museum has been enriched by finds from the archaeological excavations at the Acemhöyük site, which include a rich collection from the Assyrian Trade Colonies Period.
• Special thematic exhibitions may be hosted by the museum periodically, highlighting specific aspects of the region’s past or showcasing new research and discoveries.