Ulucanlar Prison Museum, Ankara

The Ulucanlar Prison Museum, originally a state prison, underwent restoration by the Altındağ Municipality and was transformed into a museum in 2011. This unique establishment is the first of its kind in Turkey. Ulucanlar Prison, located in the Ulucanlar neighborhood, has a history dating back to its establishment in 1925.

Upon entering the museum, you'll encounter the Ninth and Tenth Wards, playfully referred to as the "Hilton Ward" due to their relatively smaller size and comparatively more comfortable conditions compared to other prison wards. These wards once housed prominent politicians like Bülent Ecevit and Osman Bölükbaşı, and their biographies are displayed on the bunk beds.

Isolation cells were designated for high-profile criminals, and as you walk through the hallways, you can hear the recorded sounds of wardens shouting and the haunting screams of tortured prisoners coming from loudspeakers, providing a chilling glimpse into the past era of tortures and executions.

Within the isolation cells and the Fourth Ward, you'll find twenty-two wax sculptures depicting inmates in various daily life poses. In the Fifth Ward, biographies of noteworthy inmates are displayed alongside their bunk beds. The Sixth Ward not only features additional biographies but also showcases personal items belonging to these famous inmates, including watches, cigarettes, walking sticks, dishes, glasses, teapots, and other personal artifacts.

In the expansive courtyard, you'll come across the Turkish bath used by the prisoners. Photographs of notable inmates hang from the branches of a wish tree, adding a poignant touch to the outdoor area. Additionally, an original gallows stands in the yard, complete with the original hangman's knot. This grim artifact witnessed nineteen executions during its use.