MTA Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum

Exploring the MTA Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum: A Journey Through Time and Nature in Ankara, Türkiye

Nestled in the heart of Ankara, the MTA Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum stands as a testament to Türkiye's rich geological and paleontological heritage. Established on February 7, 1968, under the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA), this museum holds the distinction of being the nation's first natural history museum. Relocated to its modern premises in 2003, it offers visitors an immersive experience into the Earth's ancient past .

A Four-Story Chronicle of Earth's History

The museum spans four floors, each meticulously curated to showcase over 5,000 specimens from Türkiye and around the globe. From ancient fossils to dazzling minerals, each exhibit tells a story of our planet's dynamic history.

Ground Floor: A Cosmic Introduction

Visitors are greeted with interactive displays that bridge the gap between Earth and the cosmos. Highlights include:

• Space Scale: Understand your weight on different celestial bodies.
• Solar System Model: A comprehensive overview of our planetary neighbors.
• Science Sphere: A global visualization system projecting dynamic Earth data.
• Planetarium: A dome-shaped theater offering 3D astronomical presentations.
• Educational and Application Area: Designed for school groups and young learners.
• Temporary Exhibition Area: Hosts rotating exhibits on various scientific topics.
• Conference Hall: Venue for lectures and seminars.
• Gift Shop: Offers souvenirs and educational materials.
• Section for Visually Impaired Visitors: Features tactile exhibits labeled in Braille and audio guides .

First Floor: Fossils and Dioramas

This level delves into the prehistoric era, showcasing:

• Aquarium: Displays marine life and ecosystems.
• Fossil Exhibits: Includes vertebrate and invertebrate fossils, such as:
  • Maraş Elephant (Elephas maximus asurus): A 3,500-year-old skeleton from Kahramanmaraş.
  • Gomphotherium angustidens: A 17-10 million-year-old proboscidean.
  • Giant Rhinoceros Fossils: From the Çankırı-Çorum Basin, dating back 28-23 million years.
  • Allosaurus fragilis Skeleton Replica: A 140-million-year-old carnivorous dinosaur.
  • Tyrannosaurus rex Skull Cast and Full Skeleton Model: Dating back 67-65.5 million years.
  • Mesosaurus brasiliensis Fossil: A 280-million-year-old freshwater reptile from Brazil.
  • Giant Ammonite Fossil: A 193-million-year-old specimen from Köserelik, Ankara .
• Diorama Section: Life-like representations of extinct and endangered species native to Türkiye, including the Anatolian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana) .
• Prehistoric Tools and Cave Art Replicas: Showcasing early human creativity and adaptation.

Second Floor: Minerals, Rocks, and Mining Heritage

This floor offers insights into Earth's geological treasures and human interaction with them:

• Systematic Mineralogy Section: Displays a vast array of minerals, highlighting their structures and properties.
• Rock Section: Showcases various rock types formed through different geological processes.
• Türkiye's Underground Resources Section: Features metallic ores, industrial raw materials, and energy resources.
• Gemstones Section: Exhibits stunning crystals and gemstones from Türkiye and abroad.
• Türkiye's Mining History Section: Chronicles the evolution of mining in the region, complete with:
  • Cupellation and Cementation Demonstrations: Illustrating ancient metal extraction techniques.
  • Bronze Age Mining Model: Depicting early mining methods and tools .

Third Floor: The Science Tunnel

Inaugurated in 2017, the Science Tunnel offers a multimedia journey through:

• Türkiye's Geological Heritage Sites: Highlighting significant natural landmarks.
• South African Safari Parks: Showcasing biodiversity and conservation efforts.
• Underwater Reefs: Exploring marine ecosystems and their inhabitants.
• Floral Diversity: Celebrating the vibrant world of flowers and plant life .

Beyond Exhibits: Laboratories and Archives

The museum houses specialized laboratories in paleontology, mineralogy-petrology, and gemology. Additionally, its archives safeguard nearly 100,000 specimens, serving as a valuable resource for researchers and educators .

Educational Outreach and Mobile Museum Initiatives

Committed to fostering scientific curiosity, the museum conducts:

• Mobile Museum Activities: Bringing exhibits to schools across Türkiye.
• Educational Kits: Distributing mineral and rock sets to educational institutions.
• Scientific Research Projects: Collaborating with academic and research entities .

Şehit Mehmet Alan Energy Park: A Sustainable Future

Adjacent to the museum, the Şehit Mehmet Alan Energy Park, operational since 2013, educates visitors on energy sources and sustainability. Features include:

• Renewable Energy Models: Demonstrating wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power.
• Fossil Fuel Displays: Showcasing traditional energy sources and their extraction methods.
• Hybrid Technology Demonstration: A system combining wind and solar energy, supplying up to 8 kWh for the park's needs .

Visitor Information

• Location: Çukurambar Mahallesi Dumlupınar Bulvarı No:11, 06530 Çankaya/ANKARA.
• Contact: +90 (312) 201-2397 |
• Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–16:00; closed on Mondays.
• Admission: Free of charge .
• Facilities: Restrooms, café, gift shop, parking, guided tours, accessibility features, and educational areas.

Getting There

Accessible via public transportation:

• EGO Bus Lines: 132 and 133 from Kızılay Güvenpark.
• Minibus/Dolmuş Routes: Ulus–Yüzüncü Yıl–Çiğdem Mahallesi and Kızılay–Yüzüncü Yıl–Balgat

Conclusion

The MTA Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum offers a comprehensive exploration of Earth's history, from the depths of prehistoric times to the forefront of sustainable energy. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a student, or a curious traveler, this museum provides an enriching experience that underscores the wonders of our natural world.