Everything You Need to Know About the MüzeKart

Türkiye is truly a paradise when it comes to natural and cultural treasures. We live in a land where both local and foreign tourists and guests won't leave without being amazed by its rich history and endless natural beauty. Türkiye, with its countless museums and ancient ruins, stands out as one of the top destinations to visit. To fully experience the past, there's the MüzeKart, a perfect option for accessing museums and ruins. Let's dive into all the details about the MüzeKart in this article.

What is the MüzeKart and What Does It Offer?

Getting a MüzeKart is a smart move, no doubt about it. This card remains valid for one full year from the day of purchase, granting you unlimited access to over 350 museums and archaeological sites. This includes museums and archaeological sites affiliated with the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, National Palaces, and the Çanakkale Area Presidency. For a mere 60 TL, you can have a MüzeKart that's good for a whole year.

Once you download the "Türkiye’nin Müzeleri” (Museums of Türkiye) application and become a member, you can immediately start using your MüzeKart. Generate a code at the entrance of any museum or archaeological site, and you're all set! It's convenient and hassle-free.

Moreover, Turkish citizens aged 65 and over, as well as citizens under the age of 18, can obtain free tickets at the box office and gain entry to the museum. For those purchasing MüzeKarts online, please note that they are chargeable.

Places Not Covered by MüzeKart

The MüzeKart is not valid for entry at the following locations: Slope Houses in Ephesus Ruins, Harem Chamber in Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene Monument, Sedir Island, Beykoz Glass Museum, Dark Church in Goreme Open Air Museum, Istanbul Cinema Museum, and the Serçe Limanı Glass Shipwreck Exhibition Hall section in Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. Guests wishing to visit these areas must purchase a separate ticket. Also, please note that Turkish citizens with a Müzekart receive a 50% discount on items such as sandwiches, tea, and water, a 20% discount on food and beverages excluding imported products, and a 10% discount on souvenirs.

Some Must-Visit Museums

Ephesus Ruins, Selçuk / Izmir

The presence of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, in Ephesus has made this region a highly popular archaeological site. Ephesus has been inhabited during various historical periods, including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Principalities, and Ottoman eras, boasting a history dating back to 7000 BC. As an essential commercial and political center connecting Asia and Europe, Ephesus welcomes nearly 1.5 million visitors annually.

Ihlara Valley Ruins, Güzelyurt / Aksaray

The Ihlara Valley, one of the largest canyons in the world, encompasses numerous churches and historical living areas within its 14-kilometer stretch. Among the 100-plus churches, 14 are accessible to visitors, including the Sümbüllü, Yılanlı, Bahattin Samanlığı, and Batkın Churches, as well as Georgeus, Karagedik, Prenliseki, Eğritaş, Bezirhane, Ağaçaltı, Kokar, Direkli, Saint, and Ala. This breathtaking valley was shaped by volcanic activity from Mount Hasan's eruption, and the Melendiz Stream's erosion played a significant role in its formation.

Pamukkale Hierapolis Archaeological Ruins

Hierapolis, situated in the Pamukkale region, known for its cotton-like appearance in Denizli province, is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists. This ancient city, Hierapolis Ancient City, was founded by Eumenes II, one of the Kings of Pergamon, in the 2nd century BC. The city features two grand gates with a grid layout, and its streets and alleys run parallel to the main street. On both sides of the main street, you'll find public buildings, shops, and workshops, dividing the city into two sections. There are also impressive areas such as baths, theaters, and temples. While you're here, make sure not to miss the stunning travertines that resemble cotton.

Galata Tower, Beyoglu / Istanbul

Dating back to the Byzantine Empire, the Galata Tower served as a dungeon during the Ottoman period. Later, it was transformed into a fire watch tower. In 1960, the Istanbul Municipality renovated the tower to protect it from past fires and earthquakes. Eventually, in 2020, the General Directorate of Foundations restored the tower, removing cafes and concrete, and it now serves as a museum.

Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi (Museum of Anatolian Civilizations), Ulus / Ankara

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in two historical Ottoman buildings, the Mahmutpaşa Bedesten and Kurşunlu Han, offers a magnificent historical experience with animations, virtual tours, T-shaped pillar replicas, and artifacts from Göbeklitepe. Dating back to 1921, this museum was honored as the "European Museum of the Year" in 1997. It showcases sections dedicated to the Chalcolithic Age, Ancient Bronze Age, Ancient Hittite and Hittite Imperial Age, Phrygian Kingdom, Ankara Through the Ages, and Classical Periods.

People Eligible for Free MüzeKart

Several groups can benefit from the MüzeKart free of charge, including veterans, spouses, and children of martyrs and veterans, young people and children aged 18 and under, along with teachers accompanying this group. Citizens aged 65 and over, individuals with disabilities and their companions, privates and conscripts, press ID card holders, ICOM, ICOMOS, and UNESCO card holders, owners and responsible managers of travel agencies, Ministry of Culture and Tourism personnel and pensioners, as well as their accompanying spouses and children, foreign children between the ages of 0-12, student groups within the scope of the Comenius Partnerships, and participants in the Erasmus Student Exchange Program under the Lifelong Learning Program can all benefit from the MüzeKart for free.