Rahmi M. Koç Museum - Çengelhan

Visiting Hours: Open everyday except Monday. Weekdays 10:00-17:00, weekends 10:00-19:00.
Entrance fee: 5 TL (regular), 2 TL (student)

Rahmi M. Koç Museum has opened a branch in Çengelhan, Ankara Citadel. Çengelhan is one of the oldest buildings in Ankara, dating back to the 15th century, and has hosted travelers and traders as well as having a distinct role as the trading center of the region. As of April 2005, it is the first industrial museum in the Capital.

Çengelhan is located opposite the main entrance of Ankara Citadel. Rüstem Paşa, the husband of Sultan Süleyman's daughter Mihrimah Sultan, had it built in 1523. With its arches and columns, its architecture is unique, and had served its visitors for centuries. The building was later used as a tannery and a wool depot. Rahmi Koç has rented Çengelhan for 18 years and has opened its doors to visitors after fourteen-month renovation with its 32 exhibition rooms and 800 items.

The museum has three stories, each of which hosts a different theme. The one-story rectangular building in the middle of the courtyard at the entrance is the copperware store where Vehbi Koç, the most famous businessman in Turkey, spent his childhood. He began his business life in this store; he would arrive at the store early in the morning and would sweep the floors before his father came.

Çengelhan Divan Brasserie is located on the same floor and has a capacity of 80 people. The classic 1918 Ford Model T and the red 1959 Fiat around immediately attract attention. Among the items used in decoration are a pedaled sewing machine, which no longer exists in our daily life, a black and white TV set, medical devices from the turn of the century and a small grand piano.

Model trains, toys, communication apparatus, a model of Hitler's yacht, and navigation and aviation accessories are exhibited in separate rooms. If you are tall, we strongly suggest you be careful while entering the rooms, as the doors are very low. The most impressive item is one of the first Turkish flags, which Atatürk had prepared for the declaration of the Republic. The terrace of Divan with its view of Ankara Citadel is also located on this floor and is open in summers.

Tractors and agricultural vehicles from the 1940s are on display on the ground floor together with various kinds of carpets and kilims. This area will be arranged to enable painting, photo and sculpture exhibits in due course.

Çengelhan Divan Brasserie adds a different atmosphere to this historical place with its modern decoration. Divan is open everyday, except Monday, between 12:00 and 02:00. It offers specialties such as Ankara Tava, Ballı Dana Kaburga (veal rib with honey), Levrek Buğulama (stewed sea bass) and deserts prepared with exceptional recipes. Grup Mest performs live music on the weekends from 20:30 to 24:00. Çengelhan Divan Brasserie is also available for special parties and wedding organizations.

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