THE EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION

MALATYA
"Malatya Archeology Museum", which was opened in 1979, hosts 16,064 historical findings that were unearthed mostly in Aslantepe Tumulus. Excavations in Aslantepe Tumulus were started by French archeologists in 1932. Various artifacts dating back between Chalcolithic period and late Hittite period are displayed in the museum. The swords, which were unearthed in Aslantepe Tumulus, are the first examples of arsenic-copper alloy swords. The museum also displays statues which belong to Neolithic period and were found in excavations in Cafer Tumulus under Karakaya Dam Lake. The statues are the first samples sculptured by human being.

ERZURUM
"Erzurum Archeology Museum" hosts nearly 20,000 artifacts including 8,000 coins and 3,000-4,000 ethnographic findings. The most interesting part of the museum is the hall where the documents showing Armenians murdering Turks are exhibited. Documents, which were found in 6-7 excavations, are showing that Armenians massacred Turks.


"Ataturk House", where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk --founder of Republic of Turkey-- stayed for 52 days, displays both the life of Ataturk and how Republic of Turkey was founded. Ataturk House reflects the period before War of Independence. Pictures, photographs and maps are displayed in the house.

KARS
"Kars Museum", which was opened in 1981, displays nearly 1,600 historical artifacts from Palaeolithic period. There are also artifacts belonging Bronze age and Urartu period which were unearthed in Ani Ruins and Sarikamis Micingirt village. Kars Museum is the only museum displaying dinosaur fossil in the eastern Anatolia region. During the excavations in Demirkent village of Akyaka town in 1988, archeologists unearthed a dinosaur fossil which lived 65 million years ago. The fossil is 42 kg and one meter long.

IGDIR
"Monument & Museum of Turks Massacred by Armenians" was opened on October 5, 1999. The monument is 43.5 meters in height, and is among the highest monuments of Turkey. There are symbolic tombs of Turks, who were killed by Armenians, in the museum. The museum also displays photos of mass graves of Turks killed by Armenians as well as various documents.

BITLIS
"Ahlat Museum" was opened in 1970. It displays 4,311 artifacts which were unearthed during the excavation started in 1967. The ceramic pitcher belonging to Seljuk period is displayed only in Ahlat Museum in Turkey.


"Bitlis Ethnography Museum" shows local arts of the region. Examples of stonework, forging, local shoes, fabrics, manuscripts, Ahlat sticks and local clothes are displayed in the museum.

VAN
"Van Museum" has a 3,000-piece collection dating back to 5,000 BC. It displays artifacts belonging to Urartu, Seljuk, Aq Qoyunlu and Karakoyunlu periods.