Ulucanlar Prison Museum, Prison museum in Altındağ, Turkey.
Ulucanlar Prison Museum is a former state penitentiary in Ankara with multiple wings containing original cells, corridors, and courtyards. The rooms display historical photographs and documentation of life as it was experienced within the facility.
The facility opened in 1925 and became a place where political activists and journalists were held during turbulent periods of the nation's history. It closed in 2006, marking the end of its operation as a central detention center.
Personal belongings, letters, and artwork created by prisoners fill the display cases, showing how people coped with life inside these walls. These items reveal the inner thoughts and skills of those who spent years confined here.
Visiting on weekdays is recommended as there are fewer crowds, allowing time to move through the rooms without feeling rushed. The building layout is straightforward, making it easy to navigate through the different sections without needing a map.
Twenty-two wax figures are positioned throughout the building depicting inmates engaged in daily activities and routines. These sculptures are accompanied by recordings that recreate the sounds of the past, bringing the space to life in an unexpected way.
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