If you have a knack for exploring out of the box and weird tourist spots, this one is definitely for you. Regarded as one of the weirdest museums in the world, the Hair Museum of Avanos, in Cappadocia, is definitely a bizarre tourist spot. Historically, Avanos has been known for its ceramics and pottery dating back thousands of years. However, the Avanos Hair Museum is a new site which has generated interest for the past couple of years. Essentially, the museum is a small cave which contains hair samples, names and addresses from more than 16,000 women from all around the world.
Created by skilled Turkish potter Chez Galip, the unusual establishment is located under Galip’s pottery shop. There are conflicting stories about the origin of the concept. One rumour suggests that the museum was simply meant as a promotion to increase enrolment in Galip’s pottery workshops. However, the most agreed upon theory is that over 30 years ago, when one of Galip’s friends had to leave Avanos, and she was very sad. So, she left Galip a lock of hair to remind him of her. Since then, women who visited his place and heard the story left him a piece of their hair and their complete address. Today, the museum is home to an impressive collection of over 16,000 differently colored locks of hair, covering the walls, ceiling, and all other surfaces, except the floor. The museum has also been is included in the Guinness Book of World Records.
It is not necessary that every visitor has to leave a lock of their hair. However, if they wish to, all the necessary paraphernalia such as scissors, sellotape, pens, paper and drawing pins are provided. However, there’s an interesting incentive to donate your hair. Twice a year, in June and December, the first customer who comes to the shop is invited to the Hair Museum to choose ten winners off the walls. These winners receive an all-expenses-paid week-long vacation in Cappadocia, where they also get to participate in pottery workshops, for free.
How To Reach
As far as accessing the Avanos Hair Museum is concerned, it is located in the small, picturesque village of Avanos in the Cappadocia region. The fastest and most comfortable way of reaching Cappadocia is using the airway. Flights from Kayseri are available to Cappadocia. Tourists can also opt for trains from Kayseri to Cappadocia. You can also opt for bus services from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
Entry:
There is no entry fee for the Avanos Hair Museum.
Climate/ Best Time To Visit:
Cappadocia witnesses a continental climate, which is characterised by hot dry summers and cold snowy winters. Precipitation is sparse in this region. There is usually a huge difference in the temperatures between day and night. The average temperature during the summer months is 23°C while winter’s average is much lower at -2°C. Travel enthusiasts suggest that the months from April to June and September to October is the best time to visit Cappadocia.
If you belong to the variety who can appreciate out of the box art, a trip to Avanos Hair Museum is meant for you!
