Archaeology Museum In the formative years of the Turkish Republic, the Asar-ı Atika Muhipleri Cemiyeti (Association of Ancient Monument Enthusiasts) played an important role in the protection of historical structures and artifacts. As part of their preservation initiatives, the Gedik Ahmet Pasha School, also known as the Taş Madrasa, was converted into a repository for antiquities. In 1931, the head of the local association, Süleyman Gönçer, was appointed to supervise the conversion of the school into an official storage center. Under Mr. Gönçer’s leadership, the former educational building was expanded to incorporate local organizations and a cultural hub. By 1933, marking the 10th anniversary of the Republic, the site was inaugurated as a museum, with Süleyman Gönçer becoming its first director. Today, the museum serves as a powerful symbol of the dedication shown by early preservationists in safeguarding and celebrating Turkey’s cultural legacy. First opened as a combined museum in 1933, the Afyon Museum was later moved to a new facility located within the grounds of the Museum Directorate and Archaeological Museum in 1970. In the meantime, the Gedik Ahmet Pasha School, which had been used to store stone artifacts and ethnographic items between 1971 and 1995, was converted into a museum following a comprehensive restoration and reorganization carried out between 1978 and 1994. Unfortunately, the building has remained closed since 1996 due to ongoing issues with humidity control, which posed a threat to the preservation of the artifacts. As a result, these valuable items have been transferred to the Museum Directorate's main building for safekeeping. Nonetheless, there are ongoing plans to reopen the space for future exhibitions. The Archaeology Museum features an extensive array of historical artifacts, including sculptures and ancient coins dating back to the Bronze Age as well as the Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. These pieces offer valuable perspectives on the cultural evolution of the region and allow visitors to experience the rich historical tapestry of Afyon. For any questions or further information, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply reach out via WhatsApp. We’ll be happy to assist you as soon as possible.