Aktopraklık Höyük Archaeopark and Open-Air Museum

Aktopraklık Höyük Archaeopark and Open-Air Museum is a significant archaeological and cultural heritage site located in the Akçalar neighbourhood of Nilüfer district in Bursa, situated on one of the eastern terraces of Lake Uluabat. This complex, recognized as Europe’s largest prehistoric park, brings to life human settlements and lifestyles dating back approximately 8,500 years through archaeological evidence. The project was implemented through a collaboration between Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and Istanbul University and opened to the public on 12 September 2015.

Aktopraklık Höyük Arkeopark ve Açık Hava Müzesi (Culture Portal)

Archaeological Significance and Excavations

Aktopraklık Höyük is one of the oldest settlements in Bursa, continuously inhabited for about a thousand years beginning approximately 8,500 years ago. It also holds the distinction of being the largest excavated tell in Western Anatolia. Archaeological excavations conducted by Istanbul University since 2004 have provided evidence regarding the emergence of settled life in the region and its spread to western geographical areas. At least eight layers of settlement have been identified, with particularly notable ditch-encircled settlement strata offering a unique example for understanding prehistoric Anatolian architecture and settlement patterns. The earliest settlement layers at the site are dated to around 6500 BCE.

Aktopraklık Höyük Arkeopark ve Açık Hava Müzesi (AA)

Archaeopark and Exhibition Units

Aktopraklık Archaeopark draws attention not only through its archaeological excavation areas but also through reconstructions and hands-on activities based on findings from the digs. The museum comprises three main exhibition units:

Neolithic Village: A reconstructed village reflecting the lifestyle and dwellings of the period approximately 8,500 years ago, based on archaeological data.

Chalcolithic Village: A reconstructed village featuring structures built with mudbrick and solid walls, representing more advanced village communities from around 7,500 years ago. Visitors reach this village by passing through a “time tunnel” covered with vines after exploring the 8,500-year-old settlement.

Aktopraklık Höyük Arkeopark ve Açık Hava Müzesi (AA)

Traditional (Ottoman) Village: This village consists of approximately 200-year-old wooden houses relocated and reconstructed from the village of Eskikızılelma, illustrating traditional rural life in the region. Realistic textures have been created with additional structures such as a village café, stable, woodshed, watermill, fountain, bread oven, storage room, blacksmith workshop, and grape molasses production area. Each structure in this village functions as a museum exhibit, conveying concepts such as traditional weaving techniques, diet, and folktales.

Aktopraklık Höyük Arkeopark ve Açık Hava Müzesi (AA)

Throughout the park, replicas of artifacts discovered during excavations are displayed within the reconstructed buildings to inform visitors about daily life in those ancient periods. Additionally, practical activities introducing the scientific methods used in archaeology aim to foster a closer understanding of the discipline.

Archaeology School

Aktopraklık Archaeopark also functions as an “Archaeology School,” offering educational programs for a wide age range from preschool to university level. Events are also organized for experts and students in archaeology and related fields. In addition to the reconstructed villages representing different settlement types, the site includes indoor and outdoor spaces for educational workshops and social facilities. A small grove of oak trees has been designated for experimental studies, and open-air classrooms have been established throughout the area for use in workshops and experimental activities.

A Museum of Natural History and Archaeology has also been constructed to complete the visitor experience at the Aktopraklık Höyük complex.