≡-Night Museum Program In Türkiye Transforms Tourism Landscape Offering Unique Evening Experiences At Ancient Sites – Viral of Today

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September 7, 2025The Night Museum program began as a groundbreaking way to offer tourists a unique opportunity to explore Türkiye’s cultural heritage under the moonlight. Now, with 27 locations participating, the program has become a significant aspect of the country’s tourism strategy. Notably, in Antalya, several ancient cities like Patara, Side, and Aspendos, as well as the Alanya Museum and the Antalya Necropolis Museum, remain open to visitors until late in the evening. Many of these sites extend their hours until 9:00 or 10:00 PM, providing an enchanting atmosphere where the country’s historical and cultural heritage can be appreciated in a new light. Other locations, such as the ancient cities of Perge, Phaselis, and Myra, as well as the Side Archaeological Museum, follow a similar schedule, keeping their doors open to the public well into the evening during the summer months.This extended access allows visitors to experience these historical sites in a relaxed, less crowded environment, significantly enhancing the tourism experience. With the added charm of the night, these cultural landmarks are being rediscovered by those seeking to enjoy the past in a modern and engaging way.Side Ancient City: A Magical Experience After SunsetAmong the most captivating locations included in the Night Museum program is the Side Ancient City. One of the country’s most well-preserved archaeological sites, Side offers a truly magical experience after sunset. As the evening falls, the Temples of Apollo and Athena, which are magnificently illuminated, become some of the most visited attractions in the area. The city’s agora, columned streets, bathhouses, and temples come to life under the night sky, providing visitors with a stunning visual spectacle.In 2024, over 484,000 visitors were hosted across the Night Museum initiative, with Side alone welcoming 34,000 tourists. This demonstrates the profound impact that the program has had on local tourism and its ability to draw international attention to Turkey’s ancient cultural sites.A Vision for the Future: “Legacy for the Future” in Cultural HeritageThe Night Museum program is part of a broader vision championed by the Presidency of the Türkiye Century initiative. This vision, which aims to promote and preserve the country’s cultural and archaeological treasures, has been dubbed “Legacy for the Future.” Minister Ersoy emphasized that the ongoing projects in Turkey’s archaeology are transforming the country’s approach to its cultural heritage. Notably, since 2023, 251 excavation sites have been actively contributing to a remarkable advancement in Turkish archaeology, equating to the work carried out over the past 60 years.One of the most prominent examples of this vision’s success is the restoration of the Temple of Athena in Side, alongside the renovation of the Side Archaeological Museum and the restoration of the monumental streets. Additionally, a former hospital building in the area is set to be converted into the Arif Müfid Mansel Archaeological Museum, slated to open in 2025. This constant work underscores Türkiye’s dedication to not only preserving but also revitalizing its rich cultural legacy.Discovering New Attractions in Side: Restoration and Excavations Unveil Hidden GemsThe Side Ancient City is a focal point for archaeological discoveries, with new attractions emerging each year. For the first time this year, streets in the Episcopal District were opened, allowing visitors to explore the center of the episcopal buildings, a previously inaccessible area. The restoration of the Side Theater is also underway, and the area surrounding it has been transformed into an archaeological park, enhancing the site’s allure.Further restoration projects, such as the unearthing of frescoes and mosaics behind the Monumental Fountain, are set to continue until November, promising to add even more attractions to this already popular site. The development of a dedicated visitor path will ensure that tourists can fully immerse themselves in the historical ambiance of the site while exploring its many wonders.Antalya’s Rising Tourism Brand: A Focus on Culture, History, and GastronomyIn addition to the success of the Night Museum initiative, Antalya is increasingly becoming a prominent tourism destination not just for its beaches, but for its rich cultural and historical offerings. Minister Ersoy pointed out that Antalya has evolved beyond being a beach destination, with increasing recognition for its historical significance, gastronomic delights, and sports tourism. As of the end of August, Antalya welcomed 11.7 million visitors, signaling a growing interest in the city’s diverse attractions.The city’s cultural profile will be further boosted by its third hosting of the Turkish Cultural Road Festival in November, which will provide additional exposure to the rich cultural fabric of the region. Minister Ersoy expressed confidence that Antalya‘s reputation as a cultural hub would continue to flourish, driven by investments in preserving and promoting its diverse heritage.A Commitment to Preserving Culture: Strengthening Türkiye’s Tourism FutureMinister Ersoy concluded his remarks by reaffirming Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding and enhancing its cultural and historical assets. Through continued investment in cultural preservation and tourism infrastructure, the country aims to not only protect its heritage but also to share it with the world in the most engaging ways possible.He expressed gratitude towards the efforts of all those involved in these ambitious projects, including Prof. Dr. Feriştah Alanyalı, the Director of Side Excavations, and the dedicated archaeologists and scientists working tirelessly to transform Türkiye’s cultural and tourism potential into one of the most impressive showcases in the world.

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