Discover Kırıkkale: Museum, Mosque and City Life

Kırıkkale offers a range of highlights for your stay: the MKE-Kırıkkale Arms Museum, Nur Mosque, Merkez Çarşı and Büyük Şehir Parkı. The museum combines a historical collection with a modern weapons section; the mosque showcases architecture and building history. Merkez Çarşı is a place to shop and take a break, while the park offers green spaces and paths. If you are looking for a hotel in Kırıkkale, this guide can help you decide which themes you want to shape your stay.

MKE-Kırıkkale Arms Museum: Collection and Location

The MKE-Kırıkkale Arms Museum was established on July 15, 1990, at the Kırıkkale Small Arms Factory and was initially named “Silahsan A.Ş. Özel Silah Müzesi”. A large part of the collection comes from the arms factory in the Tophane district of Istanbul.

In 2022, with MKE’s support and at its initiative, the museum moved to its new location in Kırıkkale city center. The site covers about 3,500 square meters. It includes a two-storey administration building and a museum building with a training room, cafeteria and exhibition area. Alongside the historical collection, there is a section featuring modern weapons manufactured by MKE and presented to visitors. Since exhibits may change, check what is currently on display before your visit.

The museum is in the Kırıkkale Merkez district and can be reached by local public transport. Check the appropriate route before you travel.

Nur Mosque: Architecture and Building History

Nur Mosque offers a different cultural highlight. Construction began in 2008 and was completed in 2015; the design is by architect Necip Dinç. Its architecture draws on Seljuk and Ottoman concepts. The main dome is 32 meters high, and there are four minarets; the mosque has a capacity of 10,000 people. The covered area is about 25,000 square meters.

The complex includes a conference hall, a seminar room, a library and reading room, an education center for Turkish-Islamic handicrafts, as well as classrooms and a family counseling center. There is also an area where religious publications are presented and sold. The lighting system of the mosque, located in Kırıkkale’s city square, has also received an international award.

Merkez Çarşı and City Breaks

Merkez Çarşı is in the center of Kırıkkale and was designed around the “Tarihi Kırıkkale Evleri” concept. You can shop, have a drink, relax and take photos there. The “Tarihi Kırıkkale Evleri” area has shops selling souvenirs and regional products, as well as cafés and restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating. There are also cafés along Atatürk Boulevard. Shops and dining options may change; if needed, check locally to see what is currently available.

Büyük Şehir Parkı: Green Spaces and Paths

Büyük Şehir Parkı covers an area of 50 dönüm. Its facilities include green spaces, play areas, walking and cycling paths, and cafés. This gives it a different focus from the museum, mosque and shopping area: paths and green spaces define the visit here. Since facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Keskin, Pınarhisar, Karakeçili.

For the broader travel overview: Kirikkale.