Natural History Museum Ankara

Also Refered As:

Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi

Natural History Museum Ankara, Ankara Overview

Natural History Museum in Ankara, officially known as the Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi, is Turkey's first and largest natural history museum. Located within the MTA (General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration) complex, the museum was originally established in 1968 and later renovated in 2003. It houses an extensive collection of fossils, minerals, geological specimens, and prehistoric artifacts, offering a deep insight into the evolution of life on Earth.

The ground floor introduces visitors to Earth and space sciences with a large-scale solar system model, meteorite samples, and an interactive "Science Sphere", which provides a 360-degree digital simulation of Earth and planetary movements. One of the main attractions on this level is the planetarium, where visitors can experience 3D projections of space and learn about celestial bodies.

The first floor focuses on prehistoric life and paleontology. It showcases fossils of dinosaurs, mammoths, and ancient marine creatures, offering a glimpse into life millions of years ago. One of the most fascinating exhibits is the fossilized human footprints from Kula, Manisa, estimated to be 20,000 years old, along with prehistoric cave paintings and stone tools. Dioramas recreate natural habitats of extinct and endangered species, including the Anatolian Panther, which was last seen in Turkey in 1974.

The second floor is dedicated to minerals, geology, and the Earth's history. Visitors can explore a vast collection of precious gemstones, minerals, and different types of rock formations found in Turkey and around the world. The museum also features an exhibition on Turkey's underground resources, including metallic ores and industrial minerals.

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