Discover Yalova: History and Culture

Yalova offers culture enthusiasts several perspectives on history: the historic Yürüyen Köşk, the broad historical sweep of the Yalova Kent Müzesi and archaeological displays at the Yalova Arkeopark. The Raif Dinçkök Cultural Centre adds events to the offering.

The Yürüyen Köşk and its history

The Yürüyen Köşk is listed as cultural heritage. Yalova Municipality restored the building in 2006 and opened it as a museum. Its history also includes a remarkable change: on 10 August 1930, the house was moved about 4.80 metres to save the centuries-old plane tree beside the building. Visitors to the museum can view Atatürk’s personal belongings, contemporary photographs, paintings and documents; his private rooms are also accessible. The focus is therefore on both the history of the building and the materials on display.

Yalova’s history and everyday culture

The Yalova Kent Müzesi covers a broad span of time. It presents Yalova’s history, from the first traces of settlement 8,000 years ago through the Ottoman and Republican periods to the present day. Ethnographic objects and documents are also part of the exhibition. Displays illustrate themes rooted in Yalova: flower growing, weaving and thermal bath culture. This historical overview and these cultural themes offer a different focus from the rooms and personal belongings at the Yürüyen Köşk.

Archaeological finds and cultural events

At the Yalova Arkeopark, finds from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods are displayed indoors and outdoors. Visitors can view the historic objects up close. The emphasis here is on the finds and how they are presented. The Raif Dinçkök Cultural Centre opened in 2011 and hosts theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and conferences. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular performance or exhibition, check the event dates in advance.

Further cultural and geographical connections

Yalova’s paper-making history offers another perspective: Kağıthane-i Yalakabad was established in the village of Elmalık in Yalova and was the first paper mill in the Ottoman Empire documented in official records. The İbrahim Müteferrika Paper Museum is considered Turkey’s first paper museum. Yalova Sahil Yolu offers a geographical connection to the coastline: it begins in the city centre and runs along the Sea of Marmara. In the wider Yalova destination, the Karaca Arboretum complements the cultural and historical themes with a botanical perspective. It lies about 5 km from the city centre and contains about 7,000 different plant species, subspecies, varieties and cultivars; it is also considered Turkey’s first private arboretum.

Plan your stay around your interests

If you have a particular performance or exhibition in mind, it is best to check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kirazlı Köyü, Fıstıklı Köyü, Çiftlikköy, Fevziye Köyü, Esenköy Belediyesi, Termal, Elmalık, Çınarcık.

For the wider travel overview: Yalova.