Located in the southeast of Ankara Tower, in the Altındag district of Ankara, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was built in 1921 at the request of Atatürk, the Nationalist Leader of the Turkish people. The museum was constructed by Mübarek Galip Bey, the director of culture at the time.
HISTORY
Initially, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was constructed as the Eti (Hittite) Museum, designed to showcase artifacts from the Hittite Period. As a result of Atatürk’s advice, many Hittite artifacts from the region were sent to Ankara, which created the need for a larger museum.
Between 1938 and 1968, two old and fascinating structures named Mahmud Pasha Covered Bazaar and Kursunlu Inn were renovated and repurposed as a museum. Following the addition of these charming structures, the building of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was completed.
MAHMUDPASHA BAZAAR
The history of Mahmud Pasha Bazaar is quite interesting. The building is located on the piedmont of Ankara Castle and was constructed by Mahmud Pasha, one of the grand viziers during the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror, in 1471.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the bazaar was a major center of trade in Ankara, particularly for the valuable Ankara mohair fabric. However, by the end of the 19th century, the building had lost its function. In addition, the bazaar, which had 10 magnificent domes and 102 various stores, was damaged in a fire in 1881. In the first years following the proclamation of the Republic, it housed stores selling shoes, hand-printed head scarves, draperies, and textiles.
Later on, this classic style building was repaired and converted into a museum.
Reflecting Ottoman architecture, this splendid building features two-story rooms with yards and porches. Its ground floor has 28 rooms with a furnace and was once home to many breathtaking shops. Today, Kursunlu Inn is used as an administrative building and contains research rooms, a library, a conference hall, ateliers, and a laboratory. Following its rebuilding, it was converted into a museum.
FEATURES OF HITTITE MUSEUM
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located in the capital of Turkey, Ankara, was awarded the title of European Museum of the Year in 1997 in Lausanne, Switzerland, after being selected from among 68 museums. The museum’s collection comprises unique masterpieces belonging to the civilizations of Anatolia, making it the foremost collection of its kind in the world.
This priceless collection preserves the heritage of civilizations ranging from the Paleolithic era and prehistoric times to the Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian kingdoms. It also includes a special section on Ankara.
Some of the main unique pieces in the collection include the Goddess Kybele Relief, which symbolizes fertility and abundance, the sculpture of Kubaba (the main goddess belonging to the Paleolithic period), the sculpture of Dionysus (the god of wine), the Acemhöyük Box made of stone, the statue of Storm God and bulls belonging to the Hittites, the Bronze Inscription, and the statue of Hittite Sphinx.
At Tour Maker Turkey, we are proud to offer exceptional tours to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and other fascinating destinations throughout Turkey. Our expertly crafted tours are designed to provide you with an unforgettable travel experience, immersing you in the rich history and culture of this remarkable region.
Our Anatolian Civilizations Museum tour is the perfect way to explore this incredible museum and gain a deeper understanding of the ancient civilizations that once flourished in Anatolia. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the museum’s vast collection of priceless artifacts, providing insight into the historical and cultural significance of each piece.
But our tours don’t stop there. We offer a wide range of tours throughout Turkey, from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya. Our tours are carefully crafted to ensure that you experience the very best that Turkey has to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage.
At Tour Maker Turkey, we believe that travel should be a transformative experience, one that allows you to explore new places, learn new things, and create lifelong memories. That’s why we are dedicated to providing our guests with the highest level of service, ensuring that every aspect of your trip is carefully planned and executed to perfection.
So why not book your tour with Tour Maker Turkey today and experience the magic of the Hittite Museum and the beauty of Turkey for yourself? Our team of experienced travel professionals is standing by to help you plan the perfect itinerary, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to start planning your dream vacation.