Malatya Mansions consist of traditional two-story mansions made of stone-adobe-wood architecture, lined up on Beşkonaklar Street in Saray Neighborhood. A part of it is used as the Ethnography Museum.
Malatya Mansions are structures that still carry the city's settlement texture from the early 1900s. The most well-known are five mansions lined up side-by-side on Beşkonaklar Street in Saray Neighborhood: Beşkonaklar. These structures, where stone, adobe, and wood are used together, were shaped according to the region's harsh climate. Walls are thick, and windows are kept small.
Most of the mansions are two-story, some have a third floor. The ground floor consists of sections such as a pantry (zahirelik), kitchen (hızna), and a large room used in winter. The upper floor is reached by a wooden staircase, which opens to the mansion's hall. Guest rooms and other spaces are arranged around this hall. Woodwork stands out in details such as doors, windows, ceilings, and cabinets; iron is mostly used in window grilles and ventilation sections above doors.
A part of Beşkonaklar is used today as the Malatya Ethnography Museum. This provides an opportunity to see the interior of the mansions and the period's artifacts. While strolling in the city center, it is possible to come across other examples such as Ertunan Mansion and Karakaş Mansion, each reflecting the same building tradition on its own scale.
Guide's Note
What are Malatya Mansions?
The term Malatya Mansions describes the city's traditional residential architecture, generally two-story houses with thick walls and small windows. Stone, adobe, and wood were used together in the structures; the foundation was built from cut stone, raised about one meter from the ground. Woodwork is prominent in sections such as doors, windows, ceilings, stairs, and cabinets. Iron is mostly seen in window grilles and ventilation sections above doors.
When to Visit?
Since the mansions are an open-air structure, the exterior can be visited all year round. In spring and autumn, the weather is cooler, making it more comfortable to walk through the narrow streets of Saray Neighborhood. In summer, there is little shade at noon; early morning or late afternoon can be preferred.
How to Get There?
Malatya Mansions can be reached by urban public transport. Bus lines include 12V, 17B, 251, 401A, and 401B; there are also minibus/dolmuş options. A short taxi ride is also a practical alternative for those coming from the city center.
Location within the City
Beşkonaklar consists of five adjacent structures on Beşkonaklar Street in Saray Neighborhood. Since this area is close to the city center, it can be visited along the same route as Malatya Castle, Yeni Cami, and the bazaar area. There are also different mansion examples and historical structures on the Battalgazi side; that area is a bit further away.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
30-45 minutes is sufficient to visit the exterior of the mansions and take photos. If you also plan to visit the section converted into the Ethnography Museum, you might need to extend the duration to an hour.
How to Add to Your Itinerary?
If you are planning a one-day trip in Malatya city center, it makes sense to include Beşkonaklar on the same route as Malatya Castle, Yeni Cami, and the Apricot Market. If you are staying in Battalgazi, it is also possible to visit it along with Arslantepe Mound and Ulu Cami. However, these two areas are somewhat far apart and may require a separate half-day.
Good Spots for Photos
A shot taken from the opposite sidewalk of Beşkonaklar Street captures the facade of all five mansions in a single frame. In the morning hours, the light hits the facade more directly, making the wooden details and window craftsmanship clearer.
Things to Pay Attention To
Some of the mansions may still be in use or under restoration, so it may not always be possible to enter. For the section converted into the Ethnography Museum, it is advisable to confirm current opening hours and entrance fees before visiting.
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