6.05.2024
5 Dakika
Ready for a day exploring the history-packed museums of Ankara? This guide offers a well-rounded experience, from the industrial heritage to chess, from the postal history to many nostalgic memories at the heart of Türkiye's capital. If you want to embark on a journey in Ankara that is not just engaging and educational, but emotional as well, make sure to add this route to your bucket list for a taste of the city's rich historical and cultural legacy.
The Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Ankara, established in 2005, showcases the city’s industrial heritage and is the first industrial museum in Ankara. Housed in the restored Çengelhan and Safranhan buildings which have played various roles since the Ottoman Empire and throughout the history of the Republic of Türkiye, the museum carefully preserves the city's cultural heritage.
The museum is dedicated to collecting, researching, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and documents related to industry and engineering. Its extensive collection consists of great objects from vintage cars and trains to maritime and aviation objects, as well as scientific instruments. Additionally showcasing objects used in other areas such as medicine, agriculture, printing, communication, and pharmaceutics, the museum is a non-profit organization focused on bridging generations by sharing industrial heritage from across the world. Its collections offer insight into industrial history and design for the visitors, while supporting academic research on these subjects. Last but not least, the museum displays Atatürk's personal belongings and invites visitors to explore the Craftsmen Street to explore Ankara's commercial history.
Located at the heart of Ankara, the Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum provides an unforgettable experience for chess enthusiasts. The museum, housed in a building that reflects the architectural style of traditional Ankara homes, displays 723 chess sets from 110 different countries. The sets are showcased under four themes: "children," "design," "countries-civilisations," and "war-peace." Besides exploring the history of chess, visitors can participate in educational events, seminars, and tournaments that allow chess enthusiasts to come together and learn from each other. If you are interested in chess or just want to explore a cultural and historical destination in a fun and interactive environment, Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum may be the ideal place for you.
Chaturanga Cafe, within the museum, offers a cozy atmosphere for all seasons with fresh coffee and seating options both indoors and outdoors. It's an ideal spot to read, meet friends, or hold group gatherings while enjoying your coffee. Moreover, thhe museum shop offers a selection of unique gifts, including chess-themed items and home goods. For a better understanding of the museum, you can watch the introductory video on our YouTube channel to learn more before your visit.
How about wrapping up the day at the Stamp Museum to discover Türkiye's cultural treasure of postal history?
This museum, located in central Ankara, stands out as a world-renowned monument to the history of communication. The building, designed in neoclassical style and formerly serving as the headquarters of Emlak and Eytam Bank –the Republic of Türkiye's third bank– has been meticulously restored by PTT (National Post and Telegraph Directorate of Türkiye) and opened as a museum in 2013. Reflecting a modern museology approach, the building houses collections under themes such as World Stamps, Ottoman Empire Stamps, Anatolian Government Stamps, Republic of Türkiye Stamps, and more. You can also take a journey through Türkiye's communication history by exploring exhibits such as "Postal Services from Past to Present”, “The Role of PTT in the War of Independence”, and “Nostalgic PTT”.
Your visit to the Stamp Museum will illuminate Türkiye's postal history and cultural heritage while its nostalgic ambiance will transport you back in time, offering a visual feast. Don't forget to add the Stamp Museum to your itinerary when in Ankara and you will find yourself immersed in the wonders of stamp design, the captivating tales told in letters, and perhaps relive the childhood joy of stamp collecting.
A day spent visiting these three museums in Ankara will take you on a delightful journey through the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Discover industrial history at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, delve into the world of chess at the Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum, and uncover postal history at the Stamp Museum. Enjoy a full day exploring the multifaceted history of Ankara!
