Dokuma Park, located north of the city center in the Fabrikalar (Factories) neighborhood, was originally the site of an extensive textile factory complex. The factory, built in the late 1950’s, combated the unemployment challenges and increased local population. It also provided a market for the large amounts of cotton grown in Antalya. The complex essentially became a small town for its nearly 1800 employees along with their families as schools, recreational areas, medical facilities and other supporting entities were built.
Today, in the same spirit, the municipality of Kepez invested heavily to again provide a diverse experience for the citizens and guests of Antalya. You could begin your morning jogging or walking through the tree-lined running path, stop for a quick breakfast and tea at the Yeşilçam Café and then visit the many museums housed within the park. You could spend the day wandering through the open, green spaces and play areas, having a picnic or simply enjoying the quiet, wooded area.
For kids of all ages, the Anadolu Oyuncak Müzesi (Anatolia Toy Museum) houses a range of toys from B.C. era finds from nearby ruins, a broad display of a turn of the century Anatolian town and its toys, and other extensive toy collections. You will certainly discover some of the toys of your youth as you slowly make your way through the well curated space. Another fun display within the park grounds is the Açık Hava Müzesi (Open Air Museum). This mini city has replicas of most of the major current and former structures found throughout the country like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Parliament Building in Ankara and the former Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.
A handmade goods pazar opens each weekend; local artisans sell unique souvenirs and share warm Turkish hospitality with shoppers. Tucked beyond the toy museum is a modern art gallery which opened recently in the old factory’s former cafeteria. A botanical garden grows at the back of the park, a library calls a former train car home and the Dokuma Factory Mosque sits nearby. Discover these sites and more at Antalya’s charming Dokuma Park.
Fabrikalar Mahallesi
Namik Kemal Blv.,
Kepez/Antalya
Tel: 0242 345 1781
Museum Hours: 9:30AM
Website: (Turkish only) http://www.kepezdokuma.com/