The Koramaz Valley Museum, which was brought to life with the visionary efforts of the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, opened its doors to visitors with a magnificent ceremony. With the approach of Museum Week, this meaningful opening, which reveals the natural and historical riches of Kayseri, symbolizes an important step towards making the city a “city of museums.” Speaking at the opening ceremony, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç emphasized that this museum is part of their mission to promote the unique values of Kayseri, while Governor Gökmen Çiçek expressed his admiration for the enchanting atmosphere of the museum, saying, “I really loved it when I visited the inside a month ago. I said this place was magnificent.”
Kayseri's Historical and Natural Wealth Becomes Epic
Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç stated that efforts to accurately and effectively promote the rich history and natural beauties of the ancient city of Kayseri both domestically and internationally continue unabated. In this context, Mayor Büyükkılıç stated that they attach great importance to the efforts to bring new museums to the city and emphasized that the Koramaz Valley Museum, which was established in Ağırnas, is a concrete example of this vision.
President Büyükkılıç, who said that the Koramaz Valley Museum, which was opened with the theme of “A Love Story”, aims to both revive the historical, natural and cultural riches of the region and pass them on to future generations, stated that the museum was transformed into an epic through the touching love story of a Muslim man named Oğuz and a Greek girl named Suzan. Noting that the Çerkes Mustafa Bey Mansion, which hosted this epic love story, was meticulously restored, Büyükkılıç said that the museum revived the spirit of this historical structure. He also announced that the Koramaz Restaurant, operated by KAYTUR, which adds vitality to the region, has also opened for service with the spring season.
A First in Kayseri: Historical Mill Being Restored
Emphasizing that they continue to break new ground in Kayseri, Mayor Büyükkılıç announced that one of the old water mills that used to meet the people's flour needs in the past has been restored and brought back to life. Noting that the restoration work at Çevreş Mill is aimed to be completed by the end of the year, Büyükkılıç said that this nostalgic structure will be made functional again and will add a different value to the region.
Koramaz Valley on the World Stage with the Works of the Metropolitan Municipality
Mayor Büyükkılıç also touched upon the extensive work carried out by the Metropolitan Municipality in Koramaz Valley, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List with its natural and historical beauties. Stating that the restoration of Yukarı Bezirhane has been completed, walking paths have been arranged, informative sign systems have been created, landscaping has been done and water resources have been protected, Büyükkılıç reminded that the name of the valley was given to the half marathon in order to contribute to the promotion of Koramaz Valley. He also stated that arrangement work has been carried out around the Underground City, Neslihan Park named after Mimar Sinan's daughter has been put into practice, a picnic area has been created in the area known as Hacet Pınarı, Fuat Gökşen house and Arap Ocağı have been restored and Çerkezoğlu Mustafa Bey Mansion has been opened as this beautiful museum. Mayor Büyükkılıç stated that efforts to increase the value of the region continue with numerous projects such as Yukarı Harman Yeri Square arrangement, Mimar Sinan House maintenance and repair, and library building restoration.
Noting that the Department of City History and Promotion continues its work uninterruptedly with the support of Governor Gökmen Çiçek and that 74 projects have been worked on and 68 projects have been implemented to date, President Büyükkılıç emphasized that their vision of making Kayseri a city of museums after the city of libraries continues with determination. He said that the historical and cultural richness of Kayseri continues to be highlighted with projects such as the Seljuk Civilization and Medical History Museum, the National Struggle Museum, the Ahi Evran Tradesmen and Artisans Museum, the Veli Altınkaya Press Museum, the Koramaz Valley Museum, the City Museum, the Rock Carved Kültepe Museum, the Trade Museum, the City Museums in İncesu and Develi districts, the transformation of the bathhouse in Yeşilhisar district into a museum, the Kültepe Visitor Center and the Assyrian Merchants Neighborhood.
Good News of Education Support from Mayor Büyükkılıç to Ağırnas
Known for his student-friendly identity, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç also talked about various services from women's cooperatives to education areas that they have implemented in Ağırnas, which hosts nature lovers who want to explore the natural beauties of Koramaz Valley. Mayor Büyükkılıç, who gave the good news that they will provide educational aid to encourage students studying in the region, also remembered the great genius Mimar Sinan, who was born and raised in Ağırnas, and celebrated May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.
Governor Çiçek's Praise for Koramaz Valley
Kayseri Governor Gökmen Çiçek also stated that when he was appointed as the Governor of Kayseri, Mayor Büyükkılıç invited him to Ağırnas and that he has been fascinated by the region since that day. Explaining that they visited the Mimar Sinan House together and walked around the historical streets of Ağırnas, Governor Çiçek said that they fell in love with Ağırnas and Koramaz Valley that day. He expressed that their love for Ağırnas and Koramaz has been increasing day by day since that day.
Drawing attention to the deep love and devotion of Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç to Ağırnas and this region, Governor Çiçek said, “I know his dreams and thoughts about this place. When they told me they were building a museum in Ağırnas, I didn’t think it would be this beautiful. When I visited the inside 1 month ago, I really loved it. I said this place was magnificent. All the details were considered inside. I congratulate and applaud our Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and his team.”
AK Party Kayseri Deputy Murat Cahid Cıngı also touched upon the importance of further expanding museums in Kayseri, which has a rich civilization history of 6 thousand years, and emphasized that the tourism potential of the region and its contribution to the city's economy should be increased with new museums and investments, especially the Mimar Sinan House.
Thanks from Muhtar Güven
Cem Güven, the Headman of Ağırnas Neighborhood, stated that they witnessed a proud event for their neighborhood and rich culture, and said, “This museum is not only a place where objects and documents are exhibited, but also an indicator that we are protecting the roots of our history. I would like to thank our valuable Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and the supporting institutions who contributed, especially to this heritage.”
Following the speeches, the Koramaz Valley Museum was officially opened with the ribbon cutting. Mayor Büyükkılıç, together with the protocol members who attended the ceremony, toured the museum with great interest and examined the exhibited works. He also visited the impressive exhibition of the historical structure that gave life to the Koramaz Valley Museum before and after the restoration works. The Koramaz Valley Museum is a candidate to be a new center of attraction for local and foreign tourists who want to discover the historical and natural beauties of Kayseri.
