In Yozgat’s Çekerek district, 85-year-old Turkish man Ali Yılmaz has transformed his home into a museum, showcasing a collection of nearly 2,000 historical artifacts accumulated over 40 years. His admiration for Ottoman-era items has drawn visitors from across Türkiye.
Yılmaz’s collection includes rifles, daggers, swords, copper pots, churns, and oxcarts, many of which were donated by individuals from cities like Sivas, Ağrı, and Kars. Young visitors learn about traditional tools and lifestyles, while older guests reminisce about the past.
Expressing pride in his collection, Yılmaz said, “These items are worth more than money. I invite our Yozgat Governor and Çekerek District Governor to see my museum.”
His son-in-law, Mehmet Yonar, emphasized the museum’s importance for cultural preservation, adding, “Visitors come from cities like Mersin and Adana. We hope for support to maintain and showcase this unique heritage.”
Mesut Süzener