The Aksaray Museum in Turkey offers a captivating glimpse into the past, serving as a gateway to the historical and cultural treasures of the Cappadocia region. Among its many fascinating exhibits, one section stands out: a remarkable collection of 13 well-preserved mummies. Unlike traditional mummy displays that focus solely on human remains, this exhibit features not only adults and infants but also a cat, believed to be nearly a thousand years old. This unique aspect of Aksaray Museum sets it apart from other institutions, making it the only museum in Turkey with a dedicated mummy section. Through these remarkable artifacts, visitors can explore the region’s rich history and gain insight into ancient burial customs that have largely been forgotten.
The 11,000-Year-Old History of Aksaray: A Window into the Past
Aksaray’s history stretches back an astonishing 11,000 years, beginning with the first known settlement at Aşıklı Höyük around 8200 BC during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. Over the centuries, this region witnessed continuous habitation by various civilizations, each leaving behind traces of their cultures and traditions. Between 1600 BC and 1180 BC, the Hittites established dominance over the area, contributing to its development before the arrival of later empires. Subsequent periods saw influences from the Persians, Hellenistic rulers, Romans, and Byzantines, all of whom shaped Aksaray’s cultural and architectural landscape.
Aksaray played a particularly significant role during the spread of Christianity in Anatolia in the 1st century AD. As Christians sought refuge from persecution, they carved dwellings and churches into the rocky slopes of the valleys, creating hidden sanctuaries where they could worship in secrecy. These early Christian settlements, featuring intricate rock-cut churches, remain an enduring testament to the region’s religious and historical significance.
During the Arab-Byzantine wars from the 7th to the 12th centuries, Christian communities sought sanctuary in the Ihlara and Manastır Valleys, where they built extensive networks of rock-cut homes and churches. The steep slopes of the Ihlara Valley still hold the remnants of these ancient dwellings, burial sites, and places of worship, offering valuable insights into the lives of those who once lived there. Located just 25 kilometers from Aksaray, Canlı Church stands as one of the most distinctive examples of masonry architecture in the Cappadocia region, further solidifying Aksaray’s reputation as a place of deep historical significance. Against this rich backdrop of history, the mummies displayed at the Aksaray Museum take on an even greater cultural and anthropological significance.
Aksaray Museum’s 13 Mummies: Preserving the Past
Aksaray Museum’s mummy exhibit is one of its most extraordinary attractions. The 13 mummies, dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries, are displayed in specially controlled cases that regulate temperature and humidity to ensure their preservation. Most of these mummies were discovered in and around Aksaray, particularly in the Ihlara Valley—often referred to as the “Valley of Mummies”—and near Canlı Church. The mummified remains, estimated to be around a thousand years old, provide a rare and invaluable look into the burial customs of the region during the Middle Ages.
While mummification is most commonly associated with ancient Egypt, the practice was not exclusive to the Nile Valley. Various civilizations throughout history have employed their own methods of preserving the dead, and Aksaray is no exception. However, the technique used in Aksaray differed significantly from the elaborate processes developed by the Egyptians. Instead of intricate embalming procedures and the use of natron, the bodies in Aksaray underwent a simpler yet highly effective preservation method. After death, the internal organs were carefully removed, and the body was coated with melted wax and a protective glaze. The remains were then wrapped in fabric or a shroud before being placed into the ground. This method, though less complex than Egyptian mummification, successfully preserved the corpses for centuries.
Adding to the allure of these mummies are the personal artifacts buried alongside them. Some of the mummies in Aksaray Museum are adorned with embroidered necklaces, booties, and intricately woven shrouds, providing a rare and intimate look at the customs and craftsmanship of the period. These details make the exhibit even more compelling, offering visitors a sense of connection to the individuals whose remains have stood the test of time.
The Fascinating Mummified Cat: A Testament to Ancient Bonds
One of the most intriguing and unusual highlights of the mummy exhibit is the remarkably preserved body of a cat. This feline mummy, like the human remains, was coated in wax to ensure its preservation. It stands as a powerful testament to the deep bond between humans and animals, even in ancient times. The inclusion of a pet among the mummified remains suggests that domesticated animals held a special place in the lives of people in this region over a thousand years ago. Visitors, particularly children, are drawn to this unusual exhibit, sparking curiosity about the relationships between ancient societies and their animal companions.
The Aksaray Museum’s mummy section may not rival the vast and opulent collections found in Egypt, but it offers an intimate and deeply insightful experience for those who visit. With its carefully curated display of 13 mummies, including infants and a beloved cat, the museum presents a rare glimpse into the burial customs practiced in the Aksaray region between the 10th and 12th centuries. Each mummy tells a silent yet powerful story of life, death, and remembrance in a time long past.
A Journey into Aksaray’s Ancient Heritage
As visitors explore Aksaray Museum’s mummy section, they are transported back in time, immersing themselves in the rich history of Turkey’s Cappadocia region. The museum provides an opportunity to step beyond the well-trodden paths of mainstream archaeological sites and dive into a world of lesser-known yet equally fascinating discoveries. Through the mummified remains of humans and animals, one can glimpse the rituals, beliefs, and traditions that shaped medieval life in this region.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of ancient Anatolia, Aksaray Museum is a must-visit destination. Its mummy section, though modest in scale, holds immense historical and cultural value, offering a perspective on burial practices that differ from those commonly studied in the West. Whether it’s the intricately preserved remains, the detailed craftsmanship of burial garments, or the touching inclusion of a mummified pet, every aspect of the exhibit enriches our understanding of the past.
If you ever find yourself exploring the wonders of Cappadocia, don’t miss the chance to visit Aksaray Museum. Stand before the thousand-year-old mummies, marvel at the preserved feline companion, and take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary legacy of a civilization that once thrived in this remarkable land. Through these artifacts, history comes alive, reminding us of the deep and enduring connections between the past and the present.
