DOKU

Once the heart of the old Ankara, Ulus is home to many historical sites and museums today. One of them is the Stamp Museum, which lures visitors with its distinct design. Designed by the prominent Austrian architect Clemens Holzmeister, the five-floor building had served as a headquarters of a bank before it was handed over to Turkish Postal Services (PTT). Having been renovated, the neoclassical building opened its old doors to visitors as a stamp museum.

 

The ground floor welcomes its visitors with a brief history of postal services since the Ottoman Empire displaying apparel worn by postal personnel as well as sparing a special corner to PTT's gallant role in the Turkish War of Independence.  

 

As you climb up the stairs, you will see the chronological, thematic, and world stamp collections. The small rooms of the building were renovated to serve as a mini-museum for each category. The museum has a rightly-chosen motto, as well: Collections That Witness to History.

 

Among many interesting objects, the most fascinating items in the museum are the letters and postcards written by real people who elaborately wrote directions for the postman. Some of them include funny addresses such as 'when you see the big oak tree, turn left and you'll see a coffee house. Just ask someone in the coffee house'. Another one reads simply 'the United States of America'. 

 

When you are done with each floor, you might feel that you need a cup of coffee, tea, or perhaps a full-course lunch. You can find these in the reasonably-priced cafeteria of the museum. If you visit it before 2 p.m., you can also have a famous Turkish breakfast just like I did. 

 

The Stamp Museum deserves all the praise because of its kind personnel, clean and lively atmosphere. It's also important to mention that the museum is free of charge for visitors on weekdays.