Ethnography Museum

Ethnography Museum

The Ethnography Museum of Ankara, established in 1930, holds the distinction of being Turkey's first museum. It was constructed with the purpose of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia and its connection to ancient civilizations. The museum's architectural style reflects various periods in Ottoman and Republic history, making it a true gem.

Ethnography Museum

The museum's collection is a rich assemblage of works reflecting the ethnic diversity of the Anatolian people. Among the exhibits are traditional cultural costumes, ornaments, and technical materials unique to Turkey, as well as fine examples of Ottoman calligraphy. Additionally, the Ethnography Museum in Ankara houses a library with books on Anatolian ethnology and folklore, as well as a display of rugs and kilims from renowned carpet weaving centers such as Uşak, Bergama, Kula, Milas, Ladik, Karaman, Niğde, and Kırşehir.

In front of the museum stands a bronze statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on horseback, sculpted by the Italian artist Pietro Canonica in 1927. This statue serves as a symbol of the museum's connection to the history and culture of Turkey. Interestingly, during the construction of Anıtkabir, the final resting place of Atatürk from 1938 to 1953, the sarcophagus was temporarily housed inside this museum building.