Isparta has opened an unusual museum dedicated to the history of fragrances and perfumery. The new cultural project, MİSPARTA Koku Medeniyeti, is the first fragrance museum. in Turkey and has already attracted tourists from all over the world. The exhibition is housed in the ancient Aya Baniya Church, built in the 18th century and restored specifically for the new museum.
The collection's crown jewel is considered the oldest known perfume, created approximately 4500 years ago in Mesopotamia. Researchers discovered that this unique fragrance contained sixteen components, including rose—the plant that made Isparta famous far beyond its borders.
The museum features antique perfume bottles, archaeological finds, and objects related to the development of perfumery throughout history. Visitors are taught how fragrances were used in ancient rituals, medicine, and everyday life, and are shown the evolution of perfume making from antiquity to the present day.
The interactive part of the exhibition is particularly interesting. Here, visitors can discover rare scents, learn about the work of perfumers, and try creating their own fragrance.
The museum's creators emphasize that the space was conceived not as a simple exhibition, but as a living center for the culture of fragrance. Admission is free for visitors, and the exhibitions promise to be regularly updated to encourage tourists to return.
