
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Çankaya, Turkey
1. Museum of Innocence
A museum dedicated to the novels of Orhan Pamuk, filled with everyday objects from Istanbul's recent past.
- Novel-Inspired: Each item has a connection to the author's novel, 'The Museum of Innocence'
- Historical Artifacts: Displays a unique collection of objects dating from the late 1970s to the early 2000s
- Immersive Experience: Offers visitors an opportunity to step into the world of the novel, providing a unique cultural experience
2. Çankaya Underground City
An ancient underground network dating back to the Byzantine period, offering a glimpse into Anatolian history.
- Historical Significance: Provides a unique perspective on the region's past, showcasing ancient defensive structures
- Underground Exploration: Offers visitors an opportunity to explore subterranean passages and chambers
- Archaeological Discoveries: Features a variety of artifacts unearthed from the excavations, providing insights into the past
3. Anafartalar Street Art
A vibrant and ever-changing street art scene in a district known for its bohemian spirit.
- Street Art Hub: Home to numerous artists and their unique, evolving murals
- Cultural Expression: Serves as a canvas for local and international artists to express themselves
- Al fresco Gallery: Provides an open-air gallery, inviting visitors to explore the street art scene on foot
4. Atatürk's House and Workshop Museum
The former residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, featuring his workshop and personal belongings.
- Historical Importance: Offers a glimpse into the life and work of Atatürk, a pivotal figure in Turkish history
- Preserved Workspace: Allows visitors to see the workspace where Atatürk wrote many of his important works
- Personal Belongings: Displays a collection of personal items belonging to Atatürk, providing insights into his life
5. Çankaya Telephone Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and evolution of telecommunications in Turkey.
- Communication History: Showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the development of communication technology
- Interactive Experience: Offers visitors hands-on experiences with vintage telecommunications equipment
- Educational Insights: Provides a better understanding of the role of telecommunications in shaping modern society
6. Anıtkabir
The mausoleum and museum dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
- National Landmark: Serves as a symbol of Turkish national identity and unity
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by the renowned architects Alexandros Tombazis and Pietro Canonica
- Museum Exhibits: Displays artifacts, documents, and memorabilia related to Atatürk's life and legacy
7. Çankaya Puppet Theater
A unique theater dedicated to the traditional art of Turkish shadow puppetry.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve the traditional art of Turkish shadow puppetry
- Entertaining Performances: Offers entertaining performances for both children and adults
- Artistic Expression: Provides a platform for artists to express themselves through the art of shadow puppetry
8. Ankara Ethnography Museum
A museum dedicated to showcasing the traditional life and culture of Anatolia.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia
- Historical Artifacts: Displays a collection of traditional costumes, tools, and household items
- Regional Focus: Emphasizes the unique cultural aspects of different regions within Anatolia
9. Çifteler Mosaic Museum
A museum featuring a collection of ancient mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
- Historical Artifacts: Showcases a unique collection of well-preserved ancient mosaics
- Archaeological Insights: Provides insights into the lives, beliefs, and artistry of the Roman and Byzantine periods
- Immersive Experience: Offers visitors an opportunity to walk through a reconstructed ancient Roman villa featuring the mosaics
10. Çubuklu Karagöz Museum
A museum dedicated to the traditional Turkish art of karagöz shadow puppetry.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve the traditional art of Turkish shadow puppetry
- Entertaining Performances: Offers entertaining performances for both children and adults
- Artistic Expression: Provides a platform for artists to express themselves through the art of karagöz shadow puppetry
11. Çankaya Zoo
A zoo showcasing a variety of animals from around the world.
- Wildlife Exhibits: Features a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, bears, and reptiles
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about the animals and conservation efforts
- Family-Friendly Fun: Provides a fun and engaging experience for families and animal lovers alike
12. Çankaya Aquarium
An aquarium showcasing marine life from around the world.
- Marine Life Exhibits: Features a variety of fish, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine creatures
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about marine life and conservation efforts
- Family-Friendly Fun: Provides a fun and engaging experience for families and sea life enthusiasts alike
13. Çankaya Toy Museum
A museum dedicated to showcasing toys from various periods and cultures.
- Historical Artifacts: Showcases a unique collection of vintage and antique toys
- Cultural Insights: Offers insights into the history, culture, and societal values of different eras and countries
- Nostalgic Experience: Allows visitors to reminisce about their childhoods or discover toys from eras past
14. Çankaya Bamboo House
A unique house made entirely of bamboo, showcasing sustainable architecture.
- Sustainable Architecture: Demonstrates the potential for eco-friendly and cost-effective construction methods
- Innovative Design: Features a unique and modern design made from sustainable materials
- Educational Opportunities: Offers insights into the benefits of sustainable architecture and building practices
15. Çankaya Miniature Park
A park featuring miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world.
- Cultural Landmarks: Showcases a variety of famous landmarks, providing a unique global perspective
- Educational Opportunities: Offers insights into the history and architecture of different countries and cultures
- Family-Friendly Fun: Provides a fun and engaging experience for families and travel enthusiasts alike