Aşık Ruhsati Memorial House is a small museum opened in 2020 in Deliktaş Village, Kangal district of Sivas, in the house where the 19th-century folk poet Aşık Ruhsati was born and raised; it exhibits his belongings, a wax sculpture, and documents about his life.
This house in Deliktaş village is where Aşık Ruhsati, whose real name was Mustafa and who was born in the first half of the 19th century, was born and raised. He was orphaned at a young age and did not receive formal education, but he was a village poet knowledgeable in religious sciences and partially in Arabic. It is said that he did not play the saz but was known for his improvisation skills. He made a living through various jobs such as farmhand, miller, farmer, and imam; in his poems, he dealt with village life, love, nature, and Sufism; he also wrote satirical poems.
The house was restored and converted into a memorial house in 2020 under the patronage of the Sivas Governorship, with contributions from the Provincial Special Administration and Kangal District Governorship. Inside, there are Ruhsati's personal belongings, a wax sculpture depicting him, and introductory materials explaining his life. Do not expect a large museum. It is a small, simple place, but a valuable stop for those who want to see Sivas's folk poetry tradition firsthand.
The venue is far from Kangal town center, a standalone structure in a rural area. For this reason, visitors from Sivas usually combine their day with other stops around Kangal, such as Balıklı Hot Springs.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Hafik Lake.
Guide's Note
Who is Aşık Ruhsati?
Born in the first half of the 19th century in the town of Deliktaş, Sivas, Ruhsati, whose real name was Mustafa, was a poet who spent his entire life in the village where he was born. He was orphaned at a young age and did not receive formal education, but he was familiar with religious sciences and partially with Arabic. It is reported that he did not play the saz, but instead had a strong talent for improvisation. He earned his living through jobs such as farmhand, miller, farmer, animal husbandry, construction worker, and imam. His poems primarily focused on village life, love, nature, and Sufism; he also wrote satirical poems.
When to Visit?
Since Deliktaş village is in a rural area, spring and summer months are more comfortable for travel. In winter, snowfall can make village roads difficult; if your vehicle is not suitable, do not prefer this period.
How to Get There?
From Sivas city center, it's approximately 80 km to Kangal district, and then a few more kilometers to Deliktaş village. Public transportation options are limited, so it is necessary to go by private car or local minibuses departing from Kangal. Typing "Deliktaş, Kangal" directly into your navigation is sufficient.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
The house is a small structure, and the exhibition inside consists of a limited number of items and panels. 20-30 minutes is enough for a visit. It is more logical to combine it with other stops in Kangal district, such as Balıklı Hot Springs, to fill the day.
Route Suggestion
You can start from Sivas city center, first go to Kangal district center, and then to Deliktaş village. Visiting Kangal Balıklı Hot Springs on the same day is the most practical way to make the most of the Sivas-Kangal route in one go.
Things to Consider
The memorial house is a closed venue, and visits are usually conducted with the accompaniment of the site manager. Since fixed working hours are not announced, it is necessary to contact the Kangal District Governorship or the relevant administration before going to inquire about an appointment or visit availability. Facilities such as gas stations and markets are limited on the village road, so be prepared before leaving Kangal.
Photo Spots
The exterior facade and courtyard of the restored village house offer a simple frame showcasing traditional Sivas rural architecture. Inside, the wax sculpture and the corner where personal belongings are exhibited are also among the preferred spots for photography.
Aşık Ruhsati Memorial House Videos
Aşık Ruhsati Memorial House videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
