Antalya Museum | Antalya Archaeological Museum Guide
Where is Antalya Museum? What are the works exhibited in Antalya Museum? What should be considered in Antalya Museum? Which region’s artifacts are more abundant in the museum?
Antalya, is undoubtedly one of the first places that come to our mind with the summer months in our country. It is already one of the most popular tourist centers not only in our country but also in the world.
Antalya The summer months and the sea-sand-sun trio, which are identified with the trio of sea-sand-sun, are too beautiful and attractive to be discussed. However Antalya both because of its season and because it has with historical, natural and cultural values it deserves so much more. In fact, Antalya is a city with enough charm to be visited outside the summer months.
Antalya is a well-established city. Throughout history, many civilizations have come and gone and left important traces. When we look at the provincial basis, we see that one of the ancient civilizations of Anatolia Lycia, Pamphylia and Pisidia is the intersection of three important civilizations.
West LyciaEast Pamphylia and the north Psidia Antalya, which has lands, has also been home to many civilizations that have come and gone from here in their showers and provided dominance. Persian, Alexander the Great, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Empire in general, they are the states that left their mark on Antalya. But among them, in particular, Rome and the Anatolian Seljuk Empire it stands out a little more than the others.
The place where you can see the works of these civilizations passing through Antalya is located in the center of Antalya. Antalya Museum (Antalya Archeology Museum). Especially with the statues of emperors, gods and goddesses from the Roman period One of the richest museums of Roman sculptures in the world someone. Museum Perge Ancient City his works stand out.
History of the Museum
Antalya Museum Its emergence goes back to the occupation period of Anatolia after World War I. When our country was invaded, the occupation forces, who saw this as an opportunity, smuggled many historical monuments to their own countries.
Antalya During this period it was under the occupation of the Italians. in 1919 a teacher was Süleyman Fikri Bey’s As a result of his initiatives to protect historical artifacts, the foundations of the museum began to be laid.
By applying to the district governorship, he “Asar-ı Atika”, i.e. Historical Monument Officer and was ordained. Historical artifacts collected in 1922 In Antalya Kaleiçi Following the Alaaddin Mosque At Yivli Minare Mosque exhibited and preserved. 1972 When we came to the year, the museum moved to the building where it is located today.
In 1988 “Council of Europe Museum of the Year” Antalya Museum, which also received its award, is one of the first museums of the Republic. In the museum, you will be able to see many works from the Lower Paleolithic Age, that is, from thousands of years ago to the Anatolian Seljuk period.
Location of the Museum
Antalya Museum, located in the center of Antalya. Approximately from Kaleiçi, the historical center of Antalya 2 km Away. After the museum on Konyaaltı Street, Antalya’s world-famous beach Konyaalti Begins.
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Entrance Fee of the Museum
Antalya Museum, as it is under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Müzekart procedure applies. So you can use Müzekart. Teachers over 65 and under 18 are free. If you say I don’t want to buy a Museumcard, the entrance fee is 45 TL for 2020.
Antalya Museum There are 13 sections in it, one of which is the Children’s Section, which we are not used to seeing in other museums. Let’s try to talk about what you will see in this unique museum, which is arranged in a chronological order.
You can check out our article about the Lycian Kingdom.
Parts of the Museum
Children’s Lounge
Museums in our country generally do not have such sections. But it is the best way to arouse curiosity in children about the past of the land and the country they are in and to make children love museums.
Children’s Section don’t look at what we say. No matter how old you are, when you walk in, you will be more curious than the children.a. The history, natural beauties and some cultural elements of our country and of course mostly Antalya are animated in a very nice way with small models.
What’s up? When you enter this colorful room, you can immediately turn it from the right Karain Cave, Catalhöyük, Alacahöyük, Myra (Rock Tombs), Perge (Colonnaded Street), Patara (Lighthouse), Aspendos Theatre and the Clock Tower with the Yivli Minaret, one of the symbols of Antalya, were revived. After these, you will also see animations related to crafts that are about to disappear today.
Historical Nature and Prehistory Hall
This hall is the section where the most works in the museum are exhibited. Not only historical monuments I. Geological time IV. Geological time You can also see fossils of some animals and plants that have lived. Antalya Karain Cave, Burdur Hacılar Mound especially Karataş and Bademağacı Many historical interesting materials from his excavations are on display.
In the Stone Age, as everyone knows, From the Paleolithic Age (12 thousand BC) The cutting and piercing stone tools that have survived to the present day and are necessary for people to continue their lives at that time constitute the most interesting works of the hall.
Ceramics Hall
Throughout human history, the most important tools of daily life have been simply ceramic containers has been. Of course, among the materials made of ceramics, there are not only those used for plates and dishes.
Although this is the most intensive use area in religious ceremonies, used for the purpose of putting drinks, water, oil, perfume or as a toilet, etc. The materials used for many needs were made of ceramics. It is also worth mentioning that ceramics are still used today and there is a reversal in this direction.
Since humanity has always been in a state of development and renewal throughout history, many differences arise in these ceramic products produced according to the age and period. In this hall of the museum, respectively Geometric Period (9th-7th century BC), Archaic Period (7th-5th century BC), Classical Period (5th-4th century BC), Hellenistic Period (330-30 BC), Roman Period 1st century BC – 4th century AD) and artifacts from the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Period (5th century – 15th century AD) are on display.
Among the things you will see here is Kothon called perfume, purposeful containers in which to put oil; lekythos narrow long, single-handled vessels with figures on them, which are also used to put oil, water and perfume; Wide-mouthed, handle-wielding vessels used in the Classical Period to store drinks; Potty; epinetron The ceramic products called Ceramic Products that the woman puts on her knees to protect her legs while bending wool are just a few of the ones that will attract your attention.
Regional Excavations Hall
Museum, located in and around Antalya mound, cave, ancient city It is also home to artifacts found in excavations in places such as From this point of view, I think it would not be wrong to say that Antalya is one of the richest cities of our country.
This Cities or mounds Since they have been dominated by many civilizations over long periods of time, you will be able to see these works in a very wide range in this respect. Among the many rare pieces, some made of ceramic, some of glass, some of bronze, etc., one in the middle will attract your attention. In the ancient city of Perge made of bronze found and dated to the 2nd century AD Statue of Attis It’s almost like in the middle of the hall “I’m the hero of this episode.” Says.
In Karain Cave thousands of years old cutting, piercing stone tools found; Dating to the Early Neolithic Age Bademağacı Mound Works; Dating to the Early Bronze Period Karatas-Semayük; With its history going back to the Neolithic Age Hacımusalar Mound they are the places with the oldest works of this section.
Apart from these, King Pericles’ city of Limyra, one of the most organized Roman cities right next to the city of Antalya Perge, Arykanda, democracy and lessThe city where Nicholas was born Patara, the once Lycian capital Xanthos (Xanthos), Pataralı in Demre To St. Nicholas Church Dozens of works of this section will show you.
Hall of Emperors and Empresses
If we say that it is one of the most magnificent and magnificent halls of the museum, we will probably not exaggerate. When you enter this section, you will see that you are surrounded by statues on all sides, and the majority of these statues are To the Roman Emperors are the statues that belong. At the beginning, we said that it is a museum where you can see the most beautiful Roman statues. This hall is especially Perge Ancient City it can also be said that he literally made a signature. Because all of the works are from the 2nd century AD and To Perge belong.
Also known as the Statue of Atalante Dancing Woman Statue, It was made with the use of black and white marble together and is one of the most remarkable works. Apart from dressed woman, clerk There are also statues called “Emperors”, but the most interesting ones are of course the emperors.
One of the most visited emperors in Anatolia Hadrian and Trajan It is a hall where statues (there are many buildings dedicated to these two emperors in the cities of Anatolia.) are predominant. Hadrian often depicted as nude, Trajan She is animated by her armor with the head of Medusa on it. Apart from both, there is also Caracalla statue.
In the middle of the hall, he put his hands on each other’s shoulders. The Three Beauties is also exhibited here. The Three Beauties, She was the daughter of Zeus and Eurynome. Girls who symbolize brightness, sparkle and beauty Kharites Also known as.
Another different person in the hall is Plancia is Magna. Plancia Magna, the daughter of a Roman senator named Marcu Plancius Varus, died during the reign of Hadrian In Perge Lived. In the Temple of Artemis She served as a nun. Since he and his family had influence in the city, he helped build many structures in large halves in the city. After he died, he received a letter on behalf of the people of Perge. statue and inscription they planted.
The inscription for Plancia Magna read: “Plancia Magna, daughter of Marcus Plancius Varus and the city, priestess of Artemis, demiourgos for the third time, Priestess of Meter Theon during her lifetime, and High Priestess of the Augusts; Marcus Plancius honored the patron of Alexandros with a statue.”
Hall of Gods and Goddesses
It is the section that is much more magnificent and magnificent than the previous Hall of Emperors. After all, Hall of Gods and Goddesses. In Greek mythology The section where the statues of many prominent gods and goddesses mentioned are again marked Perge City it’s happening.
Aphrodite and her son Eros, Tykhe, Hunted Artemis, Athena, with an eagle next to it Chief God Zeus, jealous wife of Zeus Hera, Shielded Aphrodite, daughter of Asclepius, goddess of cleanliness Hygieia, with turtle Hermes, declaring the arrogant to their place Nemesis, Apollo and Asclepius you can see.
From the Egyptian goddesses Isis, a Greco-Egyptian god of patience, secrets, silence Harpokrates (In Egypt, it is associated with Horus.) again from the Egyptian gods Serapis, the hero of the events that caused Midas to have donkey ears with a lion’s skin on his back and arm Marsyas works of this department.
Mosaics Hall
East of Antalya Pamphylia We have already mentioned that there is a region called . In the middle of this hall is the city of Pamphylia in the section that opens on the ground In Seleukeia The mosaics found are exhibited in this section. Located in the agora of the city and “Mosaic of Philosophers” The most notable of the so-called.
Also in this section can be considered the ancestor of backgammon Ludus Duodecim Scripta There is also the stone table played by the game called . In this game, which is called the 12 Stone Game, players have 15 pieces each and are played with 3 dice, as in backgammon.
Hall of Beginnings and Portraits
It is the section where the statue heads are located, which is located right next to the area where the mosaics are located. Although it has a separate name, it does not have a different hall of its own. It is the place where the god-goddess statues you have seen in the previous halls are exhibited only their heads this time. Having been in Perge Apollo, Artemis You can see the heads of gods and goddesses here.
There is also a cinevision hall with an entrance from here. Located in the theaters at the entrance of the hall various masks placed on the walls and displayed.
F5 Fountain Hall
In the ancient city of Perge It is the small section where the sculptures from the pool of the West Street and the F5 Fountain are exhibited. Aphrodite and Athena Apart from the statue, 11 statues of gods and goddesses are exhibited in this section.
Perge Theater Hall
Perge Ancient City The sculptures and reliefs found during the excavations carried out in the theater between 1985 and 1993 are exhibited in this hall. Friezes with sacrificial scenes, which are the fearful dream of the gods Typhoon’s the friezes in which it is revived and the one located right in the middle Marsyas are the most notable works.
Apart from Emperor Trajan, HermesAlexander the Great Heracles or HerculesDionysos Other works of sculpture that will attract your attention.
Sarcophagus Hall
In the part of the museum, which is one of the richest and most remarkable halls, the most common among the burial techniques sarcophagi you’ll see. Sarcophagi are called by different names according to the reliefs and decorations on them. Like the Sarcophagus of Heracles…
The sarcophagi in this hall are again From the ancient city of Perge it was removed and belongs to the 2nd century. Among them, there are ornaments made in the form of flowers and leaves hanging from both ends girland in the middle of which he is called the one who stones, with his gaze. Medusa head is found. In the corners, ox heads are again important features of this sarcophagus.
Another remarkable sarcophagus is It is the sarcophagus of Heracles. Heracles on the edges 12 of the mission The most prominent among these sarcophagi, which are told with a unique workmanship, is the one caught in Switzerland while being smuggled abroad It is the Sarcophagus of Heracles. As a result of the attempts, he was returned to our country on September 13, 2017.
Another noteworthy are the sarcophagi, the cover of which is thought to depict the deceased. Aurelia Botiane Sarcophagus of Demetria is one of the best examples of this. The sarcophagus, dated to the 3rd century BC, was found in 1997. In Perge has been found.
Ostothek and from Termessos, dated to the 3rd century Stephanos The dog sarcophagus is one of the interesting finds of the hall.
Perge In this hall identified with Lycia L which is one of the important cities of the regionTo Pericles, king of Imyra dated to the 4th century BC Heroon In other words, the remains of the monumental tomb are also exhibited here. Periclesis one of the important heroes of Lycia.
One of the symbols of the museum, Tired Statue of Heracles (Heracles Farnese) is also exhibited here. The upper part of the statue, which is in two pieces, was smuggled to the United States after being found in the 1970s and the 200 kg lower part in 1980 In Perge It’s located. When it is revealed that the other part is exhibited in the Boston Museum, he returns to the land where he belongs as a result of many years of attempts.
Another sarcophagus dated to the 3rd century AD and unearthed from Patara is Champion Sarcophagus is called. His victory over the sarcophagus belonging to an athlete named Lucius Septimus Theronides 7 international awards crowns are embroidered. According to the inscription, Olympia won championships in the games of Pythia, Kapitolia, Aktia, Koina Asia, Hadrianeia and Kaisereia. Therefore, he is told that he is entitled to “Paradoxos” title.
Apollo and his Musas This is another important work of the hall. In Perge The Muses, found and dated to the 2nd century, are the muses of Apollo. They were the children of Zeus and the goddess Mnomosyne. Entertaining the gods with their tunes are divine singers. On the marble next to Apollo’s right foot, which is located in the middle, is his twin brother. Artemis’s It has relief.
Hall of Coins, Small Works and Icons
We mentioned that there are many civilizations within the borders of Antalya province. It belongs to these civilizations Coins It is on display on the upper floor of the museum. Lycian Region In addition to the coins, there are finds that are expressed as treasures in the place where the coins belonging to the Anatolian Seljuk, Ottoman and European States (13th – 18th century) are exhibited.
Side Treasure and Aspendos Treasure mostly made up of coins.
Korydalla Treasure (Treasure of Sion)was found in the ancient city of Korydalla in the Kumluca district of Antalya in 1963. Treasure in the 6th century during the reign of Justinian In Istanbul (Constantinople) There are also works made.
The treasure consists of church items made of gold and silver, iconographic items, plates, small columns and pedestals. While some of the treasure is in the Antalya Museum, some of it is in the Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington.
13th Anatolian Seljuk Coins Exhibition Hall
Antalyais one of the important cities of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. When we look at the ruins already in the city, the weight of the Seljuks in the city immediately catches the eye. Therefore From the Seljuks The remaining coins are listed on the upper floor of the museum according to the periods in which they were minted. Anatolian Seljuk Coins Exhibition It is a special collection of the museum.
