Alanya is a district located within the borders of Antalya province. The Alanya Archaeology Museum is an institution that exhibits and preserves the archaeological heritage of this region. Alanya, which has hosted many civilizations from antiquity to the present, plays an important role as a reflection of this rich historical background. The museum presents the history and culture of the region through artifacts obtained from archaeological excavations in Alanya and its surroundings.

Foundation and History of the Museum

The Alanya Archaeology Museum was founded in 1967. Initially, the museum operated in a small area at the foothills of Alanya Castle, limited by the conditions of the period. However, the growing collection of artifacts and increasing visitor demand since its establishment necessitated moving the museum to a larger space. Towards the late 1980s, with its increased capacity, the museum was relocated to a new, more modern building.

In the new museum building, appropriate exhibition halls and storage spaces were created to display artifacts unearthed from excavations in Alanya and its surroundings. Over time, the museum evolved from being solely an exhibition area for archaeological artifacts into a center where scientific studies are conducted and cultural and educational activities are organized. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore Alanya’s historical texture and cultural heritage more closely.

^{Exterior View of the Museum (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Collection and Exhibited Artifacts

The Alanya Archaeology Museum, with its rich collection, makes significant contributions to the cultural heritage of Antalya province. By showcasing the region’s historical wealth, the museum covers a wide period from antiquity to the Middle Ages. The collections include numerous artifacts from the prehistoric period, Ancient Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman era. The museum’s collections are shaped by artifacts obtained from excavations in Alanya and its surroundings.

The museum collection, enriched with archaeological finds, includes statues, tombstones, ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, salt containers, seesaws, and coin collections, attracting both local and international attention.

Ancient Period Artifacts

The collection includes many important pieces from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Stone artifacts, sculptures, and sarcophagi unearthed from ancient settlements around Alanya provide valuable information on the historical development of the region. Roman stone structures and sculptures offer important clues about the art and culture of the period.

Hellenistic Period Artifacts

Stone structures, sculptures, and figurines from the Hellenistic period occupy a significant place in the museum’s collection. These works reflect the culture and art of Alanya’s ancient settlements during the Hellenistic period. The sculptures from this period show the artistic style and figurative depictions of the era. Artifacts related to daily life from the period are also exhibited in the museum.

Roman Period Artifacts

Artifacts from the Roman period are among the museum’s most important collections. Roman sarcophagi, tombstones, statue heads, and other portable objects reveal the art of the period and the Roman influence in Alanya. In particular, statue heads and inscriptions from the Roman period reflect the social structure and cultural life of Alanya during the Roman Empire.

Byzantine Period Artifacts

Byzantine artifacts also form an important collection in the museum. Religious figures, icons, and other church objects from this period reveal the religious and cultural structure of Byzantine settlements in and around Alanya. The art and religious beliefs of the Byzantine period are conveyed to visitors through these works.

Highlighted Artifacts

Heracles Statue

Dated to the 2nd century AD and standing 52 cm high, the bronze-cast Heracles Statue is one of the museum’s most important works. This statue is an elegant example of Roman sculpture. Heracles, one of the powerful heroes of Greek mythology, is depicted carrying the skin of the Nemean Lion over his shoulder. This piece reflects the admiration for gods and heroes in the Roman Empire.

^{Heracles Statue (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Ancient Coin Collection

The Alanya Archaeology Museum also houses a large collection of coins from various ancient civilizations. These, dating to the Hellenistic and Roman periods, provide information about the economic life of the region.

Tombstones and Monuments

The museum’s collection includes tombstones and monumental structures from the Roman and Byzantine periods. These stones are important archaeological finds reflecting the religious beliefs, burial customs, and social structure of the era.

Ceramics and Other Everyday Objects

The ceramics on display are important finds that illustrate daily life and trade. Roman kitchenware, pots, and terracotta figurines reveal the historical background and cultural structure of the region.

^{Phoenician Stone Inscription (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Other Significant Artifacts Exhibited in the Museum

Other notable artifacts in the Alanya Archaeology Museum include gold jewelry, religious figurines, salt containers, and geometric figures. These works reflect the region’s cultural diversity and historical depth.

The museum’s vast collection has been enriched with finds from excavations in ancient regions such as Pamphylia, Lycia, and Caria. The artifacts provide a unique opportunity to understand ancient life not only in Alanya but also in different regions of Anatolia.

^{Artifacts Exhibited in the Museum Garden (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Exhibition Layout and Visitor Experience

The Alanya Archaeology Museum organizes its artifacts using modern display techniques to provide visitors with a visual experience. Exhibitions are divided by periods and categorized according to historical timelines. Visitors have the chance to gain comprehensive information about the cultural, social, and economic structures of each era. The arrangement gives artifacts valuable context, enabling visitors to better understand the historical process.

Museum Structure and Exhibition Areas

The Alanya Archaeology Museum offers a broad cultural experience with modern exhibition spaces and regular temporary exhibitions. The museum displays its extensive collection both indoors and outdoors. Visitors can examine artifacts from various periods and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history.

Inside, the museum features halls where artifacts are displayed in chronological order. Visitors can study the artifacts of each period in sequence and observe changes throughout Alanya’s historical processes. Temporary exhibitions also provide opportunities to explore the region’s cultural heritage from different perspectives.

In the outdoor exhibition area, large stone artifacts and sculptures unearthed from ancient settlements in and around Alanya are displayed, creating an open-air museum experience.

^{Interior View of the Museum (Turkish Museums)}

Education and Cultural Activities

The Alanya Archaeology Museum functions not only as an exhibition area but also as an educational center. It offers guided tours for school groups and both local and foreign tourists. The museum management also organizes seminars, conferences, and workshops from time to time. These activities provide visitors with in-depth academic and cultural knowledge.