Attraction Guide: Avanos Hair Museum, Avanos, Turkey

Avanos Hair Museum Guide

A Quirky Collection: Avanos Hair Museum Guide

Prepare to be amazed by the Avanos Hair Museum, a truly unique and unforgettable attraction in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. This unusual museum, located beneath a pottery shop, houses a collection of thousands upon thousands of locks of hair, donated by women from all over the world. It's a bizarre and fascinating testament to human connection and a testament to one man's unusual passion. If you're looking for something off the beaten path and a story you'll be telling for years to come, the Hair Museum is a must-see. The story behind the museum is as captivating as the collection itself. It began decades ago when a local potter, Chez Galip, was saddened by the departure of a French friend. To remember her, she left him a lock of her hair. Other women, hearing the story, began to leave their own locks, each accompanied by their name and address. Galip displayed these in his pottery shop, and the collection grew exponentially, eventually transforming into the museum it is today. The idea is that visitors can choose a lock of hair and contact the woman who donated it, fostering connections across cultures. Visiting the Avanos Hair Museum is a truly interactive experience. You can wander through the cave-like space, marveling at the sheer volume of hair on display. Many visitors choose to add their own lock to the collection, contributing to the museum's ever-growing story. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly associated with the museum, Avanos is renowned for its pottery and traditional Turkish cuisine. Be sure to explore the local restaurants and sample dishes like pottery kebab (Testi Kebabı), cooked in a sealed clay pot, a regional specialty.