Turkish Museum Revives Cappadocia's Deep-Rooted Horse Culture
The Erhan Ayata Beautiful Horses Museum in the Ürgüp district of Nevşehir, Türkiye, is preserving Cappadocia’s centuries-old equestrian heritage. Known historically as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” the region’s deep connection to horses is showcased through a diverse 450-piece collection featuring sculptures, paintings, photographs, and traditional objects. Operated by the local municipality in cooperation with the Cappadocia Area Presidency, the museum aims to enhance cultural tourism and fill a gap in local cultural infrastructure. The collection, gathered by Erhan Ayata from global auctions, highlights the role of horses in human history and daily life, complemented by a photographic exhibition of wild horses by artist Zeynep Sezerman. Since opening last year, the museum has attracted significant interest from domestic and international tourists, including art lovers and history enthusiasts. Visitors praise the institution for offering unique insights into horse culture through various artistic mediums such as metal, glass, and ceramics. Local officials emphasize that horses remain integral to the region's landscape, agriculture, and tourism activities, making the museum a vital space for cultural memory and education.
Wire timeline
Turkish Museum Revives Cappadocia's Deep-Rooted Horse Culture
The Erhan Ayata Beautiful Horses Museum in the Ürgüp district of Nevşehir, Türkiye, is preserving Cappadocia’s centuries-old equestrian heritage. Known historically as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” the region’s deep connection to horses is showcased through a diverse 450-piece collection featuring sculptures, paintings, photographs, and traditional objects. Operated by the local municipality in cooperation with the Cappadocia Area Presidency, the museum aims to enhance cultural tourism and fill a gap in local cultural infrastructure. The collection, gathered by Erhan Ayata from global auctions, highlights the role of horses in human history and daily life, complemented by a photographic exhibition of wild horses by artist Zeynep Sezerman. Since opening last year, the museum has attracted significant interest from domestic and international tourists, including art lovers and history enthusiasts. Visitors praise the institution for offering unique insights into horse culture through various artistic mediums such as metal, glass, and ceramics. Local officials emphasize that horses remain integral to the region's landscape, agriculture, and tourism activities, making the museum a vital space for cultural memory and education.
dailysabah