Ankara Ethnography Museum, Ankara

Ankara Ethnography Museum, Ankara

The Ethnography Museum of Ankara showcases Turkish history and culture through its wide range of artifacts, from art and manuscripts to costumes and weaponry. Housed in a white marble building on Namazgah hill designed by architect Arif Hikmet Koyunoğlu, it was built in 1925 – ’27.

The Ethnography Museum of Ankara showcases Turkish history and culture through its wide range of artifacts, from art and manuscripts to costumes and weaponry.

Housed in a white marble building on Namazgah hill designed by architect Arif Hikmet Koyunoğlu, it was built in 1925 – ’27. In front of the museum building is a massive bronze equestrian statue of Ataturk by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. The two storeyed administrative wing lies behind the single storeyed museum to the front. The entrance has four columns with Muqarnase column heads, and three wooden doors with a ceramic pediment which lead to the inner courtyard surrounded by exhibition rooms. From 1938 to 1953, the courtyard contained the mortal remains of Ataturk before they were transferred to Anitkabir. Items on display in the surrounding rooms include everyday objects such as clothes, accessories, boilers, cutlery, Kutahya porcelain, Turkish pottery, and carpets. Artwork on display ranges from the Seljuq period to the present day, which includes works of fine wood craftsmanship such as Sultan Keyhüsrev III's throne and the Merzifon Çelebi Sultan Medrese Gate. The manuscript collection of tomes, illuminations, miniatures and items with Turkish scripture art dates from the 11th century to the present day.