Türkiye’s first Time Museum wins award for unique concept
An aerial view of Türkiye's first Time Museum, located in Konya's 5,000-year-old historical district of Sille. (IHA Photo)
Located in the 5,000-year-old historical district of Sille in Konya, Türkiye’s first Time Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to travel through time.
The museum, which boasts a collection of artifacts dating back to the Roman era, takes guests on a journey through the concept of time. Established in the restored Sille Chapel, the museum showcases significant pieces from the Ottoman and Republican periods, attracting considerable attention from those fascinated by timekeeping and history.
Restoration and revival under the ‘Loyalty to History Project’
In 2012, the Sille Chapel underwent a thorough restoration as part of the “Tarihe Vefa Projesi” (Loyalty to History Project), carried out by the Selcuklu Municipality. The chapel, previously known as the “Milk Chapel,” was believed to have been a place where women seeking to increase their milk production prayed. According to tradition, women who had difficulty breastfeeding would visit the chapel and pray for an abundance of milk. This chapel remained active until 1924, when the Christian Turks were relocated to Greece during the population exchange.
Afterward, the site was abandoned and became a target for treasure hunters, which led to its decay. Over time, the structure deteriorated significantly. The restoration by the Selcuklu Municipality in 2012 aimed to revive this important cultural site, preserving the area’s rich historical heritage.
Award-winning Time Museum recognized for its unique concept
The Time Museum’s innovative concept and dedication to preserving history were recognized when it won the Best
Figure Award from the Historic Towns Union in 2015. Archaeologist Sercan Yayla, the museum’s supervisor, explained that the decision to establish a museum dedicated to time came after realizing that no other museum in Türkiye was devoted to the concept of time.
While various museums around the country displayed clocks, calendars, and timekeeping tools, there was no place that showcased these items collectively. As a result, the museum was founded with significant contributions from important collectors across Türkiye. Since opening in 2014, the museum has become a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
A rich collection of timepieces and instruments
Among the museum’s impressive collection are a variety of historical timepieces, including sundials, astrolabes, Ottoman-era clocks, and manuscript calendars. One of the most notable exhibits is the astrolabe, a sophisticated instrument used for astronomical measurements.
Originally developed by Islamic scholars in the ninth century, the astrolabe can measure nearly 1,000 different parameters. This rare and valuable piece draws significant interest from visitors, showcasing the remarkable advancements in timekeeping and navigation in ancient times.
A must-visit destination for history buffs
The museum’s extraordinary collection continues to draw visitors from across the country and around the world. Many visitors recommend the museum to their friends and families after their visit, further contributing to its growing reputation.
For those who haven’t yet visited, archaeologist Sercan Yayla invites both locals and tourists to explore this fascinating destination, where the past meets the present through the concept of time.
