Sivas Congress and Ethnography Museum Located in the center of Sivas, the Sivas Congress Hall and Ethnography Museum was originally built as a high school. Later, it gained historical importance as a meeting place for Turkish nationalists organizing the struggle for independence from foreign occupation. The historic congress was held here from September 4 to 12, 1919, with Mustafa Kemal Pasha and his fellow leaders residing in the building until they left for Ankara on December 18 of the same year. After their departure, the structure resumed its function as a high school until 1930, when it was renovated. Following six years of restoration, the building was officially reopened in 1990 as the Museum of Congress. This three-story structure stands as a remarkable representation of 19th-century Ottoman civil architecture, and includes a basement laboratory, a photo gallery, and storage rooms designated for scientific study. The ethnography section, situated on the ground level, features a room displaying various weapons. The upper floor is dedicated to the Atatürk and Congress exhibits. One notable area, the Hacı Beslen room, contains a variety of ethnographic artifacts, including coins, calligraphy works, and paintings. Additionally, visitors can view an impressive collection of traditional Sivas rugs and a 12th-century wooden mimber (pulpit) originally from the Divriği castle mosque. Another highlight of the museum is the başoda, or “headroom,” which was traditionally used as a guest room by affluent citizens during the Ottoman era. Other sections of the museum feature artifacts from the Divriği Ulu Mosque, along with examples of copper craftsmanship, tekke (dervish lodge) items, and traditional clothing. The Sivas Congress Hall and Ethnography Museum offers a rich experience for those eager to explore Ottoman history and cultural heritage. If you have any questions or need further information about the Sivas Congress and Ethnography Museum, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp. We’ll be happy to assist you as soon as possible.