Zile City Museum, opened in 2022 in the old barracks building at the entrance of Zile Castle in Tokat, presents Caesar's Battle of Zela and the historical Zile Fair with models, mannequins, and wax figures.
Zile City Museum is located in the old barracks building at the entrance of Zile Castle. Opened to visitors in 2022, the structure is also known as the Veni Vidi Vici City Museum. The name comes from Julius Caesar's famous words, written on a stone column after he won the Battle of Zela here in 47 BC: I came, I saw, I conquered.
Within an indoor area of approximately 900 square meters, a timeline stretching from the Roman period to the Ottoman Empire has been established. Caesar's life-size statue is one of the museum's most striking pieces. Battle scenes are brought to life with visuals. Costumes, photographs, models, mannequins, and wax figures are used within showcases, walls, and decorated scenes. The historical Zile Fair, considered one of the six great fairs of Anatolia during the Ottoman period, is exhibited with a miniature reenactment. Karakucak wrestling, associated with the fair, is also featured.
There are also objects from daily life: ox carts, horse-drawn carriages, cannon carts, samovars, chests, cradles, musical instruments, copper, and stone items. Models of historical Zile houses and mosques stand in a separate section. In the courtyard, gravestones, a sarcophagus, and an old fire truck are exhibited. This is a small open-air corner to visit before leaving the indoor space and walking up to the castle.
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Guide's Note
When to Visit?
Since the museum is an indoor space, it can be visited all four seasons, but if you're planning to combine it with Zile Castle, spring and summer months are more comfortable. The castle walk can be cold and windy in winter; you can use the museum as a shelter before or after the castle.
How to Get There?
From Tokat city center to Zile takes approximately 1 hour by private car, a bit longer by bus. After reaching Zile, follow the castle signs and ascend the hillside road to the barracks building, which is the museum. Since the castle is on a 50-meter hill, the final part requires a slight climb.
How Many Hours to Allocate?
The museum itself can be explored within 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, if you also want to see the walls and view from Zile Castle, it's more logical to allocate half a day to this area.
Route Suggestion
Most visitors to Zile don't limit their day to just the castle and museum. A route that goes from the museum to the castle walls, and then down to the historical bazaar in the town center, fills the day. After seeing the miniature of the Zile Fair in the museum, some visitors also become curious about the actual fairground in the district.
Transportation within Zile
Zile is a small district center. The castle and museum area can also be reached on foot if you start from a point close to the center. Those who go by car can park at the foot of the castle and walk the final part.
Things to Consider
The walking part on the castle slope can be slippery, especially in rainy weather, so choose appropriate footwear. Inside the museum, there are scenes set up with wax figures and mannequins. Small children might be scared by some figures, so it's helpful to mention it beforehand.
Photo Spots
The scene with Caesar's statue is the most photographed corner of the museum. The miniature of the Zile Fair and the old fire truck in the courtyard also offer interesting shots for detailed photos.
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