Kaman Kalehoyuk Archeology Museum: Ancient History of Anatolia
Located in the heart of Anatolia, Kırşehir Kaman Kalehöyük Archaeological Museum is one of the most unique museums in Turkey with its thousands of years of history and eco-friendly architecture. With its layered history ranging from the Hittites to the Phrygians, from the Romans to the Ottomans, this archaeological museum offers an unforgettable journey to history enthusiasts. Kaman Kalehöyük, which stands out among the top places to visit in Central Anatolia, also holds worldwide archaeological significance as it is home to the world's oldest steel sample. It is a must-see destination for anyone looking for cultural tourism, museum trips and history discovery in Kırşehir.
(Image Sources: Turkish Museums - Kaman Belediyesi)
Layer by Layer Heritage of Kaman Kalehöyük
Kalehöyük, located within the borders of Çağırkan Village of Kaman district, is one of the most important multi-layered archaeological sites in Turkey. Excavations first began in 1986 and are currently being carried out under the auspices of the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology and Prince Mikasa of Japan.
This mound is a unique time capsule containing traces of different periods. The settlement history dates back to the Chalcolithic Age, approximately 5,000 years ago. Then, layers belonging to the Early Bronze Age, Middle Bronze Age (Assyrian Trade Colonies Age), Hittite Period, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods were identified here. Seals, ceramics, architectural remains and metal workmanship of different civilisations were unearthed in each layer.
The carbon steel found dating back to 1800 BC, unearthed at Kalehöyük, is considered to be one of the oldest steel samples in human history. This has caused a great resonance in world archaeology as it shows that technological development dates back much earlier than expected.
Architectural Structure and Landscaping: A Museum in Harmony with Nature
Kaman Kalehöyük Archaeological Museum draws attention both with its environmentally sensitive architecture and its design that integrates with the natural texture. In the design of the building, the mound form was taken as an example and a green roof system that integrates with the soil was applied. In this way, the museum building provides both visual and ecological harmony with its surroundings.
Completed in 2008, the museum was opened to visitors in 2010, selected as the ‘Best Green Museum’ by the European Museum Forum (EMF) in 2011 and nominated for the ‘European Museum of the Year Award’ in 2012. Its architecture is not only functional, but also represents an environmental philosophy.
The Prince Mikasa Memorial Garden, located right next to the museum, is the largest Japanese garden built outside Japan. With its stone paths, ponds, miniature bridges and symbolic landscape elements, this area, where Japanese aesthetics are embodied in Anatolian soil, is also a permanent symbol of Japanese-Turkish friendship.
Location and Transport Guide
📍 Address: Cagirkan Village, Fatih Neighbourhood, Kaman / Kirsehir
🚗 Distance to Kirshehir city centre: approx. 30 km
🚍 Transport Options:
It can be reached by minibuses and private vehicles departing from Kırşehir with a 30-40 minute journey.
It is a 1.5-hour drive from Ankara by private car.
From the Kaman district centre, you can reach the museum in a short time by taxi or on foot.
🅿️ There is a car parking area around the museum.
Visit Information: Hours, Fees, Entrance Requirements
Visiting Hours: It is open every day of the week between 08:30 and 17:30. It is useful to check in advance whether it is open on public holidays.
Entrance Fee:
MuseumCard is valid for citizens of the Republic of Turkey.
For those who do not have a museum card, a low entrance fee (usually between 30-50 TL) applies.
For foreign tourists, the price is 3 Euros.
Exhibited Works: Anatolia's Layered Memory
Thousands of objects unearthed in Kalehöyük, Büklükale and Yassıhöyük excavations constitute the collection of this museum. Kaman Kalehöyük Archaeological Museum, which houses more than 5,000 artefacts in total, draws attention, especially with its unique pieces from the Early Bronze Age and Hittite period.
Featured artefacts:
The world's oldest example of steel (1800 BC)
Examples of early glass production - glass artefacts dating back about 3,600 years
Hittite seals and bullae - clues to trade, state and belief system
Phrygian fibulae and metal accessories
Roman and Byzantine jewellery, ceramics, ornaments
Daily use items and Chinese porcelains with Ottoman and Seljuk traces
The works are exhibited in chronological and thematic order; the effect of the periods on each other is conceptually presented to the visitor.
Museum Experience: Education and Interaction
The museum is designed not only as an exhibition space but also as an interactive educational centre. There are many interesting activities and practical areas for both children and adults.
Cinevision screening room - short documentaries on excavation processes
Interactive digital displays - explanation of stratification, mound model
Holographic presentations and 3D excavation simulations
Summer schools and workshops:
Ceramic making
Pottery
Ancient seal printing
Marbling art
Children's excavation site simulation with archaeologist
In addition, the conservation and restoration of artefacts are carried out in the museum's laboratories, and a library and visual archive are available for academic research.
Places to Visit & Activities to Do in the Area
After visiting the museum, there are many nature and history spots worth exploring in the neighbourhood:
Kalehöyük Excavation Site: It is located just behind the museum. It is possible to observe the area where excavations continue.
Büklükale Mound: 50 km away. Located at the junction of ancient roads, this mound bears traces of Phrygian and Late Hittite.
Ömerhacılı Castle: Approximately 12 km away, it is a historical defence structure from the Byzantine and Seljuk periods.
Hirfanlı Dam Lake: It is a great stop for swimming, boat tours and nature walks, especially in summer.
Kaman Walnut Festival: It is organised every year in October. It attracts attention with local products, folk dances, concerts and traditional workshops.
Thermal Rest: Thermal hotels in and around Karakurt offer an accommodation alternative that combines history and nature.
What You Should Know Before Visiting
It is recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to catch the ideal light for photography.
During the summer months, it can get quite hot around the museum; hats, sunscreen and water are recommended.
Don't forget to take a walk in the Japanese Garden - the perfect harmony of nature and architecture offers a relaxing effect.
Souvenirs and local walnut products are available in the museum shop.
For museum card holders, it provides both economic advantage and validity in other museums.
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