Newsletters
A newly opened digital history museum in Sogut, the Bilecik district, closely associated with the foundations of the Ottoman state, is taking visitors through the period from the arrival of Turks in Anatolia to the establishment of the Ottoman Empire with holograms, touchscreens and audiovisual displays.
The From Principality to Empire Digital History Museum opened on Aug. 28 after construction began in July 2025 with support from the Bursa Eskisehir Bilecik Development Agency.
Covering around 400 square meters, the museum has been designed around Sogut's historical identity, with its roof modeled after an "oba" tent, the traditional tent form associated with Turkic tribal communities, while locally sourced Sogut marble has been used in the surrounding decoration.
The exhibition follows a chronological route, setting out developments from the movement of Turks into Anatolia through to the founding of the Ottoman state.
Visitors can move through the history using touchscreens, hologram rooms and audiovisual presentations, while English-language narration and subtitles have also been introduced for international guests.
The final section turns to the Ottoman sultans, presenting their lives through digital displays.
Sogut Mayor Ferhat Durgut said the project was intended to bring the area's historical heritage closer to younger generations by making use of technology they already interact with in everyday life.
"Digital technology dominates today's world, and our young people are very much part of that world. We wanted to create a museum in a style they would enjoy so that we could explain our deep-rooted history to them. After a year of work, we achieved this and opened it to the public," Durgut said.
Durgut said the museum had drawn strong interest since opening, with visitor numbers rising further during the 745th Sogut Ertugrul Gazi Commemoration and Yoruk Festival, held from Sept. 11 to 13.
He added that some parts of the newly opened museum would continue to be improved in response to visitor feedback, while its digital content would also be updated over time.
According to Durgut, the aim is for those changes to give previous visitors a reason to return as the museum develops.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
