The 'Turkey Night Museum Project' promoted by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has launched a new season in June.
First introduced last year, this project received positive feedback from travelers worldwide, with more than 395,000 visitors touring major archaeological sites including Ephesus and Pamukkale.
This year, a total of 25 archaeological sites will remain open after sunset. Visitors can enjoy the sites quietly and leisurely while avoiding the daytime crowds, enhanced by the tranquil and mystical atmosphere unique to the night, offering a special experience. This project aims to enhance accessibility to cultural heritage and lay the groundwork for year-round tourism in 81 cities across Turkey.
In Istanbul, the Archaeology Museum (except for some areas), the Hagia Sophia History Experience Center, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts will stay open until 10 p.m., while the Galata Tower will welcome visitors under bright lights until 11 p.m. The capital Ankara is no exception. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, filled with artifacts from the Hittite civilization, and the Ethnography Museum, which served as the first provisional resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, will operate until 9 p.m.
The summit of Mount Nemrut at dawn is one of the highlights of this project. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is well known for its massive statues erected by Antiochus I of the Commagene Kingdom facing the sunrise. By visiting during the limited hours from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m., one can witness the spectacular sight of darkness gradually lifting and light seeping onto the faces of the statues.
Turkey is a country located in the Mediterranean, bridging Europe and Asia, and is a beautiful resort and cultural city visited by more than 50 million tourists annually.