Türkiye’s restored Side Museum showcases thousands of artifacts spanning millennia
The Side Museum, housed in an ancient bath building dating back to the 2nd century A.D. in the ancient city of Side in Manavgat, Antalya, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
The recently restored Side Museum in Antalya’s Manavgat district is offering visitors a captivating journey through the history of civilizations, boasting a rich collection of 3,309 archaeological artifacts and 9,484 coins.
The museum, housed in an ancient Roman bathhouse dating back to the second century A.D., has been welcoming visitors since 1962. Following a comprehensive restoration by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum now shines with artifacts from the Late Bronze Age, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods.
A rich collection of ancient treasures
The museum’s collection includes statues, sarcophagi, inscriptions, reliefs, busts, jewelry, architectural pieces, terracotta, glass, and bronze findings. As part of the ‘Heritage for the Future’ project, significant renovations were made, including new displays in both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.
The thematic displays, enriched by recent archaeological finds, enhance the museum’s already impressive atmosphere.
Side Museum with an exceptional collection
Professor Feristah Alanyali, Head of the Side Ancient City Excavation and lecturer at Anadolu University’s Faculty of Literature, emphasized the museum’s importance. “Our museum has an extensive collection from Side and its surroundings, including artifacts dating back to the Late Bronze Age. These findings show the region’s historical significance since the Hittite period,” she noted.
The Side Museum is not only a hub for local artifacts but also a testament to the area’s ongoing archaeological work. Since 2014, increased excavations in Side have brought a wealth of new artifacts, making it one of the most prominent site museums in Türkiye.
New displays and never-before-seen artifacts
The museum’s refreshed exhibitions introduce visitors to a broader narrative of Side, featuring not only sculptures but also various artifacts and insights into the ancient city’s life. “Some artifacts are being displayed for the first time,” Alanyali highlighted.
She also underlined the significance of the unique Sidean inscriptions, belonging to the Neo-Luwian language group, being showcased collectively for the first time.
