Van Museum
Eastern Anatolia Region
Van Museum, also known as Urartu Museum, is situated in the city of Van in eastern Turkey and spans 13,000 square meters. It presents an extensive archaeological and ethnographic record from the Stone Age to modern times, with a special emphasis on the Urartian period dating back 2800-2600 years ago. The museum's collection includes ancient obsidian and bone tools from the Palaeolithic to Chalcolithic periods, artifacts from the Karagündüz necropolis, and a rich array of Urartian objects such as weapons, everyday items, stone inscriptions, and cuneiform tablets. Additionally, exhibits cover Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Aq Qoyunlu, Qara Qoyunlu, and Ottoman eras, featuring notable Seljuk tombs shaped like rams and sheep. The museum is renowned for the Hakkari kurgan stelae, a group of thirteen limestone stelae depicting armed warriors and women, reflecting the nomadic culture of the region between the 15th and 11th centuries BCE. The ethnographic section highlights local weaving traditions with kilims and rugs, though it does not specifically mention Kurdish crafts. The current museum building, opened in 2019 near Van Fortress, was constructed after the previous structure was damaged by earthquakes in 2011. It houses 23 exhibition halls and presents immersive displays on the lifestyles and warfare of the civilizations that once inhabited the Van region.
Plan your trip to Turkey with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit the museum during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets on-site as online options may not be available. Discounted admission may be offered for students, seniors, or groups. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the rich Urartian and regional history. The museum's proximity to Van Fortress makes it convenient to combine visits.
Interesting facts
- •Van Museum is considered the world's richest museum in Urartian artifacts.
- •The museum houses 13 Hakkari kurgan stelae dating from the 15th to 11th centuries BCE, depicting armed warriors and women.
- •Urartian artifacts include a rare bronze horse breastplate with a battle scene from the 8th century BCE.
- •A unique Urartian seal in the museum depicts Gilgamesh, a Mesopotamian epic hero, which is uncommon in Urartian art.
- •The museum's collection includes 39 Ottoman seals made from various metals including brass, copper, silver, and bronze.
History
The Van Museum's origins trace back to 1932 when a depot was established to protect movable cultural assets in Van.
It evolved into a museum administration in 1945 and later a museum directorate in 1972.
The original museum building sustained damage during the 2011 Van earthquakes, prompting the construction of a new, modern single-story building near Van Fortress between 2012 and 2015, designed by architect Bahadır Kul.
After extensive exhibition arrangements, the new museum opened to the public in August 2019, offering a comprehensive display of artifacts spanning from the Stone Age through various historical periods including Urartian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras.
Place Guide
Hakkari Kurgan Stelae15th-11th centuries BCE
Thirteen limestone stelae carved between the 15th and 11th centuries BCE, depicting armed warrior-men and women, reflecting the nomadic culture of ancient Hakkari with detailed reliefs including weapons, drinking vessels, and yurts.
Urartian Artifacts Hall9th-6th centuries BCE
Exhibits include weapons, everyday objects, stone inscriptions, cuneiform tablets, and a notable bronze horse breastplate with a battle scene dating to the 8th century BCE, illustrating the advanced metallurgy and artistry of the Urartian civilization.
Seljuk Tombs Section12th-14th centuries
Features intricately carved tombstones shaped as rams and sheep from the Seljuk period, highlighting funerary art and symbolism in medieval Anatolia.
Ethnographic Collection
Displays a variety of kilims and rugs from the Van and Hakkari regions, showcasing traditional weaving techniques and regional textile arts, though the Kurdish weaving tradition is not explicitly highlighted.
Contact
Phone: (0432) 216 11 39