The provincial archaeology museum, opened in 2014, displaying finds from Asikli Hoyuk, Acemhoyuk and the wider region and housing Turkey's only dedicated mummy section, with human, infant and even cat mummies from the rock churches dated between the 10th and 13th centuries.
The Aksaray Museum (Aksaray Müzesi) is the provincial archaeology museum of Aksaray province in central Turkey, housed in a purpose-built facility opened in 2014 in the Bahçeli neighbourhood of Aksaray city. Its permanent collection documents the extraordinary archaeological depth of the province, drawing principally on excavations at Asıklı Höyük and Acemhöyük — two of Central Anatolia's most significant prehistoric sites — alongside finds from Seljuk and Byzantine-era monuments across the region.
The ground-floor galleries are arranged in broadly chronological order, beginning with the Neolithic material from Asıklı Höyük: obsidian tools, bone implements, animal bones, and architectural models illustrating the roof-entry mudbrick houses of one of Anatolia's earliest permanent settlements. A dedicated display presents the trepanned human skull from Asıklı Höyük — argued to be the earliest known example of successful neurosurgical intervention, dated to approximately 7000 BC — alongside clinical diagrams and comparative skeletal material explaining the surgical technique and the evidence for the patient's post-operative survival.
The Bronze Age section presents carved ivory figurines and cylinder seals from Acemhöyük, a 2nd-millennium BC palatial centre near modern Yeşilova, whose objects reflect extensive trade connections with Mesopotamia and the Levant. Upper-floor Seljuk galleries display carved stone architectural panels, glazed ceramics, coins and metalwork from the region's 12th- and 13th-century Islamic monuments.
The museum's single most distinctive feature is its mummy section — the only dedicated mummy display in Turkey. The collection includes human mummies (adults and infants) and a cat mummy, all recovered from the rock-cut churches of the Ihlara Valley and dated between the 10th and 13th centuries CE. The preservation conditions inside the tufa cliffs produced natural mummification without any deliberate preparation. Labels throughout are in Turkish and English, and the mummy section includes medical and anthropological context drawn from scientific analysis of the remains.
Location
Bahceli Mah., Zafer Cd., 68100 Merkez/Aksaray, Turkiye
38.3713, 34.0285 View on map
Highlights
- Turkey's only dedicated mummy collection — human (adult and infant) and cat mummies from Ihlara Valley rock churches (10th–13th c.)
- The trepanned Neolithic skull from Asıklı Höyük with clinical context — argued to be the world's earliest known neurosurgical case
- Carved ivory figurines and seals from the Bronze Age palatial site of Acemhöyük
- Chronologically arranged galleries spanning Neolithic through Seljuk periods with bilingual labels
- Purpose-built 2014 facility with wheelchair access, lifts and accessible toilets
Tips for visiting
- Begin with the Neolithic galleries on the ground floor to establish chronological context before viewing the mummy section
- The mummy section is the only dedicated collection of its kind in Turkey — allow at least 30 minutes here
- The museum is closed Mondays; check current seasonal hours before visiting
- Entry is free with the Turkish Müzekart (Museum Card), available at major museums across the country
- Combine with a visit to Asıklı Höyük (25 km southeast) on the same day for a full Neolithic experience
Accessibility
The 2014 purpose-built museum building is wheelchair accessible at ground level via the main entrance ramp on Zafer Caddesi. Lifts connect all floors, and toilet facilities include accessible provision. The exterior approach from the street involves a short paved path with no significant level changes.
Frequently asked questions
Are the exhibits labelled in English?
Yes. The permanent collection has Turkish and English labels throughout, including the mummy section and the Asıklı Höyük trepanation display.
How long does a full visit take?
A thorough visit covering all permanent galleries takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The mummy section and Neolithic displays typically engage visitors longest.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Generally yes, though parents should be aware that the mummy section — which includes infant mummies — may be distressing for young children. The Bronze Age and Seljuk galleries are well suited to family visits of all ages.