Unusual attractions! Have you been to this hair museum in Turkey?

Nestled in the picturesque town of Avanos, Turkey, the Chez Galip Hair Museum is one of the most unique tourist attractions in existence. This unusual destination has captured the curiosity of travelers from around the world. While most museums typically house artifacts, paintings, and sculptures, this one has human hair, and lots and lots of it.

Chez Galip Hair Museum is the result of more than 38 years of collection of human hair.

The history of Chez Galip Hair Museum

Believe it or not, there is a sweet story behind the Chez Galip Hair Museum and its fascinating collection.



Many years ago, there was a Turkish potter by the name of Galip Körükçü who was having a difficult time bidding farewell to his dear friend who was moving away from Avanos. This friend cut him a lock of her hair as a memento.



If stories are to go by, all women who heard about this sad story, came to his shop (which is located above the present-day museum), and donated a lock of their hair as well. Now decades later, this became the story of how more than 16,000 (and counting) women came to donate their hair. With so much hair and stories, the only solution is to have a museum.


Each of the donated hair samples come with a note from the donor.




Also read: Exploring the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey
Every surface of the museum, except the floor, is covered with these donated hair. Along with the locks of hair, some leave notes, and some photographs. They have all now become a part of the collection. But one wonders, why are people, especially women, still flocking to this place even after all these years… That’s because, twice a year, in June and December, Galip picks a particular day, and the first person to enter the shop upstairs on that chosen day gets to go down to the museum and pick 10 lucky hair samples. Each of these lucky winners get an all-expenses-paid holiday to Cappadocia. Also, they get to take a free pottery lesson from the master himself.

Also read: Unmissable travel experiences in Turkey

The Chez Galip Hair Museum in Turkey is definitely a one-of-a-kind attraction. If you are ever in Turkey, would you carve out time for this museum? Who knows, today you leave a lock of your hair and tomorrow you will be holidaying in Cappadocia.