The Liberation Museum is located in the Eyyübiye district of Şanlıurfa, housed in a European-style mansion built in 1903, documenting the resistance story during the War of Independence; it has been open to visitors since 2009.
The Liberation Museum, located on 20th Street in the Eyyübiye district of Şanlıurfa, showcases the city's resistance story during the War of Independence. Documenting the struggle waged by the people with their own means against the enemy, without a regular army, this museum is an indispensable stop for those who want to understand the history of Şanlıurfa.
Built in 1903, the structure possesses a unique architectural identity, combining European-style mansion architecture with the traditional Urfa house concept. Restored by the Şanlıurfa Governorship in 2005, the building opened its doors as a museum on April 11, 2009. Inside, wax figures of the individuals who made the liberation decisions, their personal belongings, and documents from the period are exhibited. At the entrance of the museum, there is a section dedicated to Müslüm Gürses. This corner, dedicated to the important artist raised in Şanlıurfa, stands out as a separate area that attracts visitors' attention.
Related discoveries: Historical Sites, Şanlıurfa historical sites, Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum.
Guide's Note
The Liberation Museum is located in a historic mansion built in 1903. The building is a large structure surrounded by high walls, presenting a blend of European mansion architecture with traditional Urfa architecture. This mansion, built with neatly cut stones, also reflects the Islamic way of life with its harem and selamlik sections.
Before being organized as a museum, the building was used as a military headquarters by the French occupation forces, and it still preserves cannon and bullet marks on its walls from that period. Inside, weapons, tools, and period clothing used in Şanlıurfa's struggle for liberation are exhibited; wax figures of the 12 individuals who initiated the liberation movement are also presented to visitors. The building has been serving as a museum since 2009.
However, according to recent visitor experiences, the museum is currently closed to visitors:
- Renovation process: The museum is closed to visitors due to extensive renovations; it is expected to reopen at the end of 2026. It is recommended to confirm the current status before planning your visit.
Best Time to Visit
Since Şanlıurfa has very hot summers, visiting the museum between March-May or September-November is much more enjoyable. As the museum is an indoor space, it can also be visited during the summer months; however, if you plan to combine it with other outdoor areas in the city (Balıklıgöl, Urfa Castle, Göbeklitepe) on the same day, consider the temperature factor. Weekday visits are generally quieter, especially during periods when school groups are numerous.
How to Get to the Museum?
The Liberation Museum is located at 20. Sokak No:11, Eyyübiye district, Şanlıurfa city center. Taking a taxi from the city center is the most practical option; drivers usually recognize the address when you tell them. For those arriving by car, there is a large parking lot in front of the museum, so parking is not an issue. If you are exploring Şanlıurfa by public transport, it is possible to reach it within walking distance from nearby stops.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
45 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient for the museum. Since the exhibition areas are relatively compact, even those who want to examine every detail do not exceed this duration. If you combine the museum with other historical sites in Şanlıurfa, you can easily visit Balıklıgöl, Halil-ür Rahman Mosque, Hz. Ibrahim's Cave, and the Liberation Museum in a single day.
Şanlıurfa Itinerary Suggestion
The large parking lot in front of the museum makes it a good starting point for planning your day if you come by car. Start with the museum in the morning, then explore the historical fabric within walking distance. After visiting Balıklıgöl and its surroundings in the afternoon, you can take a shopping break at Gümrük Hanı. If Göbeklitepe is in your plan, we recommend dedicating a separate day to it; both transportation and exploring the site itself take several hours.
What to Eat Nearby?
Şanlıurfa is home to one of Turkey's richest cuisines. After your museum visit, you can head to restaurants in the city center for çiğ köfte (raw meatball), içli köfte (stuffed meatball), katmer (layered pastry), and lahmacun (Turkish pizza). Small artisan restaurants around Karaköprü and the historical bazaar offer authentic flavors away from tourist prices. Be sure to try Urfa kebab; served with onions and isot pepper, this kebab is one of the dishes that best reflects the city's palate.
Photo Spots
The most striking photo area of the museum is its exterior facade. This structure, which blends European mansion architecture from 1903 with traditional Urfa house features, receives beautiful light in the morning hours. The door and window details of the building contain original elements showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. The wax figures and period items exhibited inside also offer interesting subjects for documentary-style photographs.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
The museum has experienced temporary closures in the past due to earthquake damage. Before planning your visit, we recommend confirming whether the museum is open by checking the official website of Şanlıurfa Municipality (sanliurfa.bel.tr) or by calling. Museum Pass holders can enter for free; don't forget to bring your card with you. You can also learn about current photography rules at the museum entrance.
FAQ
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