Museum of Lighting and Heating Collections Through the Ages

Fire and light, two of humanity's most fundamental discoveries, were at the very heart of this museum's founding philosophy. The Museum of Lighting and Heating Collections Through the Ages, established by Mehmet Yaldız, was one of the rare museums in Turkey and worldwide focusing on this theme. The collection covered a wide period, from torches to oil lamps, and from braziers to various types of stoves, with each object offering clues about the living conditions of its era.

The building housing the museum also held significant value in itself: a meticulously restored 19th-century mansion provided a unique setting that conveyed the atmosphere of the period for the exhibited artifacts. Artifacts gathered from different geographies of Anatolia added cultural depth to the collection.

The museum is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, in the Çavuşbaşı neighborhood of Beykoz district. There are two main options for transportation from the city center.

By Bus: IETT buses departing from Üsküdar towards Beykoz cover the Çavuşbaşı route. After getting off the bus, you can reach the museum by following Çengeldere Street.

By Sea: You can choose a more pleasant journey by taking a ferry to Beykoz from Üsküdar or Kabataş piers. From Beykoz, you may need to continue by minibus or taxi to the museum. For those coming by car, parking is available on Çengeldere Street.

During the museum's active period, spring and autumn months were the most favorable seasons for a visit. Beykoz is one of Istanbul's greenest districts, and the Çavuşbaşı area is surrounded by forested lands. Therefore, it was possible to create a day program combining the museum visit with the natural beauties of the region.

Considering the heat and crowded city traffic in the summer months, setting off in the morning offered a more comfortable experience. In winter months, transportation to the region could sometimes become difficult.

According to current sources, the museum is permanently closed. This information is available on some guide platforms, and it is strongly recommended to confirm the information by calling relevant institutions or Beykoz Municipality before planning a visit.

The Çavuşbaşı neighborhood where the museum is located is quite far from Istanbul's central tourist areas. Confirming the current status before embarking on a long journey solely for this museum will prevent loss of time and effort. Public transportation options are limited in the area, so going by car might be more practical.

Çavuşbaşı and its surroundings constitute one of Istanbul's most tranquil and natural corners. You can combine your museum visit with Beykoz Grove for a walk in the forest. Beykoz center also offers a worthwhile stop with its historical fountain and coastline.

For those who want to venture a little further, Polonezköy (Adampol) is within day-trip distance and is known for nature walks and country restaurants. Anadolu Hisarı, located on the Bosphorus shore, is also an interesting alternative with its historical texture.

Around Beykoz and Çavuşbaşı, there are tranquil fish restaurants and country eateries away from the city's crowds. Fish restaurants lined along the Beykoz coastline stand out with their fresh Bosphorus fish.

For those heading towards Polonezköy, country restaurants located in the forested area offer barbecue and home-cooked meals. In Çavuşbaşı itself, small family businesses and coffee houses are more common than large restaurants; this adds a unique local atmosphere to the area.

The 19th-century mansion where the museum was located, with its restored wooden architecture and garden, held photographic value in itself. The exterior facade of the mansion reflected features specific to Istanbul's residential architecture of the period.

The surrounding Çengeldere valley and forested area offer impressive shots, especially in spring and autumn, with different shades of green. When descending to the Beykoz coast, the Bosphorus view and historical waterfront mansions provide additional photo opportunities for photography enthusiasts.