A Visit to Cin Ali Müzesi in Ankara

Cin Ali Müzesi is a focused museum in Ankara devoted to Cin Ali, a children’s reading character, the books built around him and the educational work associated with him. Teacher Rasim Kaygusuz created the character in 1968, and Selçuk Seğmen illustrated the books. The museum began welcoming visitors at its current home in November 2019.

Rather than covering a broad sweep of local history, the museum follows one character and the ways his stories were used in learning. Its official site describes 12 exhibition areas, giving the visit a clear subject for families curious about children’s books and early reading.

The displays bring together Cin Ali’s first-edition books, reading instruction cards, a blackboard and materials connected with Kaygusuz’s “Oyunla Okuma Öğretimi” approach. The museum also tells the story of Cin Ali’s family and follows the character’s journey, which begins at Bahçelievler Post Office. One display presents Cin Ali in Braille.

The museum’s account keeps the character at seven years old. For a family visit, these details offer several ways to talk about the stories: the books themselves, the methods used to teach reading and how the character’s world is represented.

Filli Bahçe provides a place to rest, with an indoor space and a garden visitors can use in spring and summer. The shop offers Cin Ali storybooks, reading-through-play materials and gifts.

Cin Ali Müzesi is about a 20-minute walk from Raymar Hotels Ankara. Its official address is Bülten Sokak No: 32, 06680 Kavaklıdere, Ankara. For the final walking approach, the museum advises turning from Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi at Elizin Pastanesi onto Bülten Sokak; the walk from there takes 5 minutes.

The museum has no on-site parking. Its visitor information does not specify public transport routes or stops serving the museum, so check your route separately if you plan to travel by transit. If you’re building a wider city day around the visit, you could also use this practical one-day Ankara itinerary for ideas on organizing other stops.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 and closed on Mondays. Final visitor admission is at 17:30. It also closes on January 1 and on the first day of religious holidays.

• Adults: 300 TL
• Students, teachers and visitors aged 65 and over: 220 TL
• Student children aged 5–12: 150 TL
• Children aged 0–4: free

School groups can arrange a visit by calling +90 312 426 80 42. The museum does not state that advance booking is required for ordinary individual visits. Check the official site before you go, since hours, holiday closures and admission prices are practical details to confirm.

The museum’s admission bands include prices for children aged 5–12 and free entry for children aged 0–4. Its visitor information also refers to school visits from preschool through primary-school grades, but does not give general age guidance for other visitors.

There is no published recommended visit duration, so leave room in your plans rather than relying on a set timetable.

A Braille Cin Ali display is part of the exhibition, but the museum’s visitor information does not provide further details about step-free access or accessible facilities. If those details matter for your visit, contact the museum directly before setting out. Families can also look at historic places in Ankara’s Ulus district when planning other sightseeing.

Cin Ali Müzesi can serve as one focused stop in a day that includes other parts of Ankara. To keep the outing centered on the museum, start with its book and teaching displays, take a break at Filli Bahçe, then browse the shop before heading on.

The museum’s subject also makes it a distinct option among museums in Ankara for a family itinerary centered on children’s reading and education.

For more about the city, see the Raymar Hotels Ankara homepage while planning your stay.