Guide
The 15 July Democracy Museum in Ankara is the state's account of the coup attempt of 15 July 2016 and of the resistance to it. The ministry gives the toll as 251 citizens killed and 2,733 wounded.
The building is unusual enough to be a reason to visit on its own. The museum covers 65,640 square metres and is built almost entirely underground; the only part above ground is an elliptical dome, 57 by 75 metres, roofing the 4,283-square-metre hall themed 'Democracy Vigils', which is meant to stand for the nation joining as one body. With its landscaping the site runs to 92,820 square metres.
Inside are eight themed halls — 'Coups in Türkiye and the World', 'A Bullet's Threat', 'Cast into Darkness', 'The Longest Night', 'Those Who Left a Mark', 'Sela', 'Respect for the Martyrs' and 'Democracy Vigils' — which set out what happened during that day and night using digital media throughout. The museum also states that it informs visitors about the organisation it holds responsible for the attempt. There are temporary exhibition areas, a children's section, administrative and service areas, and parking for 809 vehicles.
On the way out, visitors walk through a valley laid out as an open-air exhibition space, which leads to the 15 July Martyrs' Monument. The museum is at Alpaslan Türkeş Caddesi No 18 in Yenimahalle; it opens 09:00 to 17:00 with the ticket office closing at 16:30, and is closed on Mondays. Facilities include parking, toilets, a mosque and prayer room, baby-changing, a playground, a lift, and step-free access.
