The Golden Age of Street Games

Hide and seek, blind man’s buff, “don’t touch the ground,” jump rope, hopscotch, ball games, volleyball, hand-slap games, kites, and playing house… If you mastered these, you could join any group and make friends easily. The streets were our real playground; we felt the joy of being children most when we stepped outside. I won’t say we were the last generation to play in the streets, because even today you can still hear children’s voices playing in some neighborhoods.

Toys Then and Now

Today’s toy variety is far greater than in our generation. Almost every cartoon character now has its own toy. Back in our time, everything could become a toy: papers, cloths, pencils… “Pasos,” small plastic pieces resembling marble games, were essential parts of childhood competition. Football cards were part of that world too. Today’s toy industry isn’t uniform either; dolls representing different body types and physical characteristics show how diversity has become more valued.

About the Antalya Toy Museum

These reflections were inspired by a place I visited last weekend: the Antalya Toy Museum. Opened on April 23, 2011, in Kaleiçi under the consultancy of Sunay Akın, it is known as Türkiye’s third toy museum after Istanbul and Izmir. The collection includes nearly 3,000 antique toys dating from the 1860s to the 1980s.

At the museum, you can see toys from many countries such as Japan, Russia, the United States, and Germany. Each one reflects the culture, technology, and lifestyle of its era. As you look through the display cases, it feels as if you’re taking a short journey into the past, into the world of the children who once played with them.

The Emotional Value of Toys

The materials used to make toys are incredibly diverse: wood, yarn, fabric, paper… Whether big or small, they all carry colorful, creative, and joyful emotions. Even though they are inanimate, they hold a huge place in a child’s life. I still remember the “hairdressing experiments” I did on my brown, curly-haired doll  I washed, brushed, and cut her hair until she eventually ended up bald.

Culture, History, and Toys

As you walk among the colorful glass display cases, you can also see toys representing different regions of Türkiye: cars, animal figures, houses, airplanes, trains, and horse-drawn carriages. The technological developments and social conditions of every era are clearly reflected even in these small objects. The Antalya Toy Museum doesn’t just exhibit toys; it presents the childhoods of the past like a nostalgic time capsule.

Visitor Information (Suggested Section)

📍 Location: Antalya / Kaleiçi
🕒 Average visit duration: 45–60 minutes
👨‍👩‍👧 Suitable for: Families, nostalgia lovers, collectors

Conclusion
If you ever find yourself in Antalya, be sure to add this museum to your list. Sometimes, standing in front of a display case and looking at an old toy is the shortest path back to your childhood.

Before describing the museum itself, it is important to mention one of the names behind this valuable institution: Suna Kıraç. We lost her in 2020. She served for many years as Vice Chair of the Board of Koç Holding and was a distinguished philanthropist who left a lasting mark through her contributions to museology, the education of Turkish children, science, and culture. Together with her husband, İnan Kıraç, she undertook numerous significant projects dedicated to Turkey’s cultural heritage.

Operating under the Koç Foundation since 1996, the Mediterranean Civilizations Research Center has made important contributions to culture, art, and academic research for nearly 30 years through scientific projects, publications, and exhibitions. In 2016, the center was restructured and expanded into a more comprehensive institution.

An Experience Intertwined with Culture in Kaleiçi

For me, the presence of such a museum within the enchanting atmosphere of Kaleiçi is also a source of pride for the local community. The museum not only introduces visitors to Antalya’s culture, civilization, and way of life, but also offers the opportunity to closely observe the traditional architectural style of Kaleiçi houses. Through its temporary exhibitions, it continues to present art, history, and culture to the people of Antalya.

The History of the Suna & İnan Kıraç Museum

The museum buildings were purchased by Suna & İnan Kıraç between 1993 and 1995 and, following an extensive restoration process, were opened to visitors as a private museum. The restoration was carried out by Dr. Sinan Genim, and the museum officially opened on May 18, 1996.

The main objective of this project is to document Kaleiçi and traditional Turkish culture and to pass this heritage on to future generations.

Museum Buildings and Sections

The Traditional Antalya House

The main building of the museum is a classic, two-story, outward-sofa Antalya house dating back to the 19th century. The courtyard floor, decorated with pebbles collected from Konyaaltı Beach, creates a striking visual impression from the very first step.

On the second floor, scenes brought to life with wax figures depict the daily life of the people of Antalya in the past. These reconstructions help visitors form a direct and personal connection with the museum.

Scenes on display include:

• Coffee service
• Groom shaving
• Henna night

In the corridor section, you can see 19th-century household items and read texts written about Antalya by famous travelers. The period clothing, carpets and kilims, furniture, and ceilings adorned with wooden slats convey the living conditions of the past in a very powerful way.

Aya Yorgi (St. George) Church

The second structure, accessed through the courtyard, is the Aya Yorgi Church, an Orthodox Greek church. An inscription on the eastern entrance reads:

“This Aya Yorgi Church existed from ancient times. When it fell into ruin, it was rebuilt by the Christians living in Antalya. Year 1863.”

After losing its congregation following the population exchange between Turkey and Greece in 1920, the church remained unused for many years. Due to neglect and being used as a storage space, much of its original wooden craftsmanship was lost. The building was purchased by Suna & İnan Kıraç in 1991 and has been used as an exhibition hall since 1996.

The interior of the church is decorated with shades of blue to symbolize heaven, featuring simple hand-painted motifs and plaster ornaments.

Today, this building hosts the history, culture, and art exhibition titled “Reflections of the Byzantine World.” The exhibition presents the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of the Byzantine Empire through objects such as vases, plates, and pitchers, taking visitors on a journey through time.

Note: Exhibitions change periodically. The Reflections of the Byzantine World exhibition is open to visitors until May 31, 2026.

Visitor Information

Location: Antalya / Kaleiçi

Entrance Fee:

• Students: 30 TL
• Adults: 60 TL

Average Visiting Time: 30–45 minutes

The Suna & İnan Kıraç Museum is open to visitors every day between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

Dine in Antalya tip: If you start your Kaleiçi tour in the morning, you can visit the museum in a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Kaleiçi has stone-paved streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended
• Summer afternoons can be quite hot
• Photography is allowed inside the museum
• The museum offers a quiet and tranquil atmosphere

Who Is It Suitable For?

✅ Culture and history enthusiasts
✅ Those who want to get to know Antalya more closely
✅ Visitors looking to enrich their Kaleiçi itinerary with a meaningful stop
✅ Travelers seeking a short yet impressive museum experience

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to visit the Suna & İnan Kıraç Museum?
On average, it takes between 30 and 45 minutes.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, but the exhibition content is mainly aimed at adults. Younger children may have a shorter attention span.

Is Museum Pass (MüzeKart) valid?
No. Entry is available via card or cash payment.

Conclusion: A Must-See Stop in Kaleiçi

Overall, I really enjoyed the Suna & İnan Kıraç Museum. Although there are aspects that could be further developed, the Byzantine exhibition in the Aya Yorgi Church particularly impressed me. The richness of the Byzantine Empire in cultural terms was truly surprising.

If you find yourself in Kaleiçi, I highly recommend adding this special museum to your travel route.

“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.”

Atatürk also stayed in this house during his subsequent visits to Antalya in February 1931 and on February 18, 1935.

Architectural Features of the Museum

The museum building is a two-story structure with masonry stone walls. Although it was once used as the Governor’s Office, the building was prepared and presented to Atatürk after it was learned that he would be visiting Antalya.

The ground floor consists of a long entrance hall; to the right of the hall are a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. On the upper floor, there is a hall opening onto a balcony, a bedroom, a study room, a seating corner with traditional sofas, and an exhibition area displaying coins and stamps issued throughout the history of the Republic of Türkiye.

Atatürk’s 1930 Visit to Antalya

In March 1930, Atatürk was in İzmir. Due to the cold weather, he wished to rest for a while in Antalya’s mild climate. On March 4, 1930, he departed from İzmir and traveled through Aydın, Denizli, Isparta, and Burdur, arriving in Antalya at 4:00 PM on March 6, 1930.

Atatürk was welcomed with great enthusiasm. Cheers of “Welcome, long live Gazi!” echoed throughout the city. In response to the overwhelming public interest, Atatürk stepped onto the balcony of the mansion and greeted the people of Antalya.

A dinner was organized in his honor in the evening; however, the public continued to gather around the residence. After the dinner, Atatürk delivered a short speech addressing the people of Antalya.

On March 7, he visited Tophane Road, the Ice Factory, the Turkish Hearth (Türk Ocağı), the Hearth Library, cinemas, and various social venues, gaining detailed information about the city.

On March 8, Atatürk visited the Mursi Farm in Arapsuyu. As there was no road to Konyaaltı at the time, the journey was made by sea aboard the Rüstemiye ship. During this excursion, Atatürk enjoyed the Mediterranean coastline, visited the large waterfalls, and stopped at the Rumkuş area along Lara Road, where he watched the sea and gazed at the Beydağları Mountains for a long time. It was here that he uttered his famous words:

“Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.”

In line with his vision of Turkifying place names, he also instructed that the name Rumkuş be changed to Erenkuş.

Aspendos Visit and Cultural Heritage

On Sunday, March 9, Atatürk wished to visit the ancient city of Aspendos. Passing through Büyükbelkıs Village, he arrived in Aspendos amid enthusiastic public celebrations. The Director of the Antalya Museum, Mr. Fikret, served as his guide. Atatürk gave instructions for the restoration of the theater, one of the rarest examples of its kind in the world. On the return journey, he visited Osman Ağa’s citrus orchard.

On March 10, Atatürk spent time examining handwritten historical manuscripts and copies of the Qur’an at the Antalya Museum.
On March 11, he planned his upcoming domestic tours and chose to return via the Burdur land route instead of traveling by sea.
On March 12, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was bid farewell as he departed for Ankara, promising the people of Antalya that he would return.

True to his word, Atatürk revisited Antalya on January 26, 1931, and March 18, 1935. He wished to visit once more in 1938; however, his health no longer permitted it.

Transformation into a Museum

After Atatürk’s passing, the building was transferred to the Special Provincial Administration and was used for a period as an Evening Girls’ Vocational School. In 1952, it was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and served as the office of the Technical Agriculture Directorate. In 1984, the building was transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism but was demolished due to the city’s new zoning plan.

A replica faithful to the original structure was rebuilt slightly further back by the Kepez Electricity Company, and in 1986, it was opened to the public as the Atatürk House and Museum.

Visiting Information

The Atatürk House is located very close to Kaleiçi (Old Town) and is only a few minutes’ walk from Karaalioğlu Park. The museum is open every day, free of charge, and can be visited between 08:30 AM and 5:00 PM. You can use this location to visit the Atatürk Museum.