Kars Cheese Museum

Kars Cheese Museum is the first thematic cheese museum in Türkiye dedicated solely to one subject. Cheese has held an important place in human nutrition throughout history. This museum was established to educate visitors about how different cheeses produced in Kars are made and how they have evolved from the past to the present. Visiting this museum means witnessing firsthand the journey of milk transforming into delicious cheese.

Kars Cheese Museum (Culture Portal)

Where Is It Located and What Kind of Place Is It?

The Kars Cheese Museum opened to the public in 2022. It is housed in the historic Süvari (Dere) Tabya building, constructed in 1734 in the center of Kars. The term "tabya" refers to sturdy, ancient military structures built for defense against enemy attacks. This historic building has been transformed into a large space dedicated to displaying and narrating the story of cheese. The museum covers an area of approximately 5,000 square meters, and according to some sources, this size makes it the largest cheese museum in the world.

A Journey Through Time

The word "tabya" may sound unfamiliar to you. This structure was built exactly 291 years ago, in 1734, during the Ottoman Empire. Tabyas were used in the past to protect cities during wartime. The Süvari Tabya, now serving as the museum building, fulfilled this purpose for many years. Later, due to its cool temperatures and thick walls, it was also known locally as "buzhane," meaning ice house.

Kars Cheese Museum (Culture Portal)

How Is the Journey of Cheese Presented?

Inside the museum, the process of cheese-making is shown step by step. There is a section showcasing the endemic plants—special plants that grow only in this region—where animals graze on the highlands. These plants give Kars’s famous cheeses their distinctive flavor. The museum also introduces visitors to the unique animal breeds raised in Kars.

• Cheese-Making Stages: All stages, from milking to fermentation and shaping the cheese under pressure, are brought to life through vivid displays.
• Cheese Varieties: The journey of approximately 30 types of cheese is exhibited, including regional specialties such as Gruyère cheese and Kars Kaşar, as well as Karın Kaymağı and Çeçil cheese.
• Workshops and Activities: Cheese-making workshops are organized for visitors. Here, both children and adults can knead their own cheese dough and experience the process of making kaşar cheese.