Vakıf Eserleri Müzesi

Ankara


The tradition of carpets being gifted to mosques has helped preserve many of Turkey's finest specimens. This extensive collection – which once graced the floors of mosques throughout the country – was put on display to the public in 2007. A must for anyone interested in Turkish textiles, the exhibits also include a fascinating Ottoman manuscript collection, tile work, metalwork and intricately carved wood panels.

All of it is superbly displayed with detailed information panels in English (labelling for individual items though is generally only in Turkish) explaining the history of Turkish crafts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ankara attractions

1. Melike Hatun Cami

0.11 MILES

This huge modern mosque, with a capacity of up to 7000 worshippers, was built in 2017 in traditional Ottoman style. It's a major landmark on Atatürk…

2. Painting & Sculpture Museum

0.14 MILES

The Painting & Sculpture Museum showcases the cream of Turkish artists. Ranging from angular war scenes to society portraits, the pieces demonstrate that…

3. Ethnography Museum

0.15 MILES

Housed inside the building (built 1927) that served as Atatürk's mausoleum until the Anıt Kabir was built, the Ethnography Museum has a small but well…

4. Gençlik Parkı

0.23 MILES

In the heart of the city, Gençlik Parkı has a lake and fountains (lit up after dark), colourful flower beds and plenty of space for kids to run about. It…

5. Cer Modern

0.26 MILES

Located in an old train depot, this huge artists' park and gallery exhibits modern and challenging art from across Europe, plus there's an excellent cafe…

6. Museum of Anatolian Civilisations

0.46 MILES

The best place in the country to get to grips with the complex weave of Turkey's history, the exhibits here house artefacts cherry-picked from just about…

7. Republic Monument

0.5 MILES

This large equestrian statue, erected to honour the soldiers of the War of Independence is a good landmark to get your bearings while exploring Ulus.

8. Erimtan Archaeology & Arts Museum

0.53 MILES

Ankara's newest museum houses the astounding collection of mostly Roman (but also Bronze Age, Hittite and Byzantine) artefacts collected over the years by…