aşıklı höyük
About This Museum
Perched on the arid, beautiful plains of central Anatolia, Aşıklı Höyük isn't your typical museum with white walls and placards. This is the very earth itself, a vast, layered mound that whispers 10,500 years of human history. Walking the wooden pathways above the excavated trenches feels like traveling back to the dawn of a settled society. You're not just looking at artifacts behind glass; you're standing where people first built homes, buried their dead, and began to shape the world we know.
Collection Highlights
The most profound exhibits are the foundations of mud-brick houses and the skeletal remains found tucked beneath their floors, offering an intimate glimpse into Neolithic rituals. Look for evidence of early brain surgery on a skull and some of the world's first known textiles. The onsite reconstructions of a wattle-and-daub hut really bring the daily grind—and genius—of these early farmers to life.
Visitor Information
It's an open-air site, so wear a hat and comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground. The small visitor center provides essential context before you head out to explore the sprawling grounds. It's located just outside Aksaray, making it a perfect half-day trip for anyone fascinated by humanity's deepest roots.
Architecture & Building
There is no grand building here; the architecture is entirely archaeological. The experience is defined by excavated pits revealing ancient stone foundations and the protective shelters built over them, all designed to let you walk directly above history.
Contact & Location
Address: Kızılkaya, Gülağaç, Aksaray, İç Anadolu Bölgesi, Türkiye
Website: Visit Website
