The Fossil and Mineral Museum, opened by Kuşadası Municipality, was deemed worthy of an award in the Museum Encouragement Competition organized by the Historical Cities Association (TKB).

The Museum Encouragement Competition, which was held for the first time in 2016 by the Historical Cities Association, saw 15 municipalities apply, with a total of 17 museums to the competition.

Awards were given in 7 categories: Special Jury Award, Handicrafts and Crafts Museums, Life Culture Museums, Urban Culture Museums, Art and Literature Museums, National Struggle Museums and Natural History Museums. Ahmet Erdönmez, Aziz Elbas, Y. Metin Keskin, Sezer Cihan, S. Yeşim Dizdaroğlu and Kibele Eren took part in the selection committee of the competition. 

Kuşadası’s Mineral and Fossil Museum, which was established on Yıldırım Street, the historical main axis of the city, was awarded in the category of “Natural History Museums”. The museum was deemed worthy of an award for bringing its rich natural history collection together in a historical building, as well as raising awareness of natural history among residents and young people.

The building was restored within the scope of the “Historical Kuşadası Harbor and Cultural Routes Project” carried out in cooperation with Kuşadası Municipality and South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA).

It highlights interesting and precious fossil and mineral specimens formed in nature over thousands of years. Handcrafted objects made of natural stones and minarets also add a different color to the museum. The museum offers its visitors the opportunity to travel into the depths of history and gain insightful information.

Mayor of Kuşadası Ömer Günel stated that it is pleasing to be deemed worthy of an award by an important organization such as the Historical Cities Union.

He said: “We implemented the Fossil and Mineral Museum project to bring added value to our city. The award will increase our determination and motivation.”