Stepping inside the Ethnography Museum of Ankara, a sense of timelessness fills the air. The building, designed by Arif Hikmet Koyunoğlu, one of Turkey’s most important architects, stands as a testament to Ankara’s rich history. Before you stands the entrance hall, a place imbued with historical significance and poignant memory. Imagine Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s body resting here, a place of solemn reverence, until its transfer to Anıtkabir in 1953.
This museum, inaugurated in 1930, is the first museum established in the Republic of Turkey. Within its walls, you can journey through time, traversing centuries of Turkish art from the Seljuk period to the modern era. Here, intricately woven carpets and rugs with unique patterns, crafted in towns like Uşak, Gödes, Bergama, Kula, Milas, Ladik, Karaman, Niğde, and Kırşehir, speak of the artistry and tradition of the Turkish people.
Take a moment to admire the ornate woodwork – a testament to the craftsmanship of bygone eras. The throne of Seljuk Sultan Kaykhusraw III, the Ahi Şerafettin Sarcophagus, and the Mihrab of Taşhur Pasha Mosque of Damsa Village in Ürgüp are prized possessions, showcasing the beauty and skill of Turkish woodcarvers.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by an eclectic collection of artifacts – from beautiful examples of Turkish calligraphy and porcelain to the power and military items of a bygone era. In the Gallery of Power and Military Items, you’ll encounter bows, arrows, flintlock pistols and rifles, swords, and yataghans, all whispering tales of past battles and conquests.
Here, within the Ethnography Museum of Ankara, the past comes alive, each object and exhibit a window into Turkey’s vibrant cultural heritage. As you wander through the halls, take the time to appreciate the exquisite detail and craftsmanship that defines Turkish folk art. Each piece tells a story, woven into the fabric of this nation’s history, waiting to be discovered by those who venture to listen.