Prof. Dr. Ali Demirsoy Natural History Museum Erzincan

Kemaliye | Erzincan
The Prof. Dr. Ali Demirsoy Natural History Museum was established in 2009 in the district of Kemaliye as part of the TÜBİTAK-supported project “A Scientific Journey in a Natural History Museum.” The museum was founded under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ali Demirsoy, Prof. Dr. Aydın Akbulut, and Lecturer Yusuf Durmuş.

A significant portion of the museum’s collection originates from another TÜBİTAK-funded research project titled “Investigation of the Biodiversity of Kemaliye and Its Surroundings,” carried out by 48 scientists from 10 universities. The geological and biological specimens collected during this extensive fieldwork form the scientific backbone of the museum.

Since its establishment, the museum has become an important attraction for local communities, students, researchers, and ecotourism visitors.

Location & Institutional Background
The museum is located within the Kemaliye Campus of Erzincan University’s Hacı Ali Akın School of Tourism and Hotel Management, reinforcing its educational and scientific mission.

Museum Collections
Geological & Mineral Collections
Minerals, rocks, soils, and geological materials collected from Kemaliye and various regions of Türkiye, as well as selected international samples, are professionally identified by experts from the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA). These specimens—including minerals, crystals, rocks, and soils—are systematically displayed in specially designed cabinets.

Fossils
Identified fossil specimens belonging to Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Echinodermata groups from Kemaliye and its surroundings are exhibited, providing insight into the region’s ancient ecosystems.

Microscopic Life
A dedicated section presents microscopic images of unicellular plants and animals, offering visitors a glimpse into life forms invisible to the naked eye.

Lichens & Mosses
Among the earliest terrestrial life forms, lichens are displayed in habitats recreated to reflect their natural environment.
Similarly, moss species collected and identified from Kemaliye are presented on educational display panels.

Invertebrates
Many invertebrate specimens are preserved in formalin and alcohol, displayed in labeled jars.
Insects form one of the museum’s most extensive collections. Prepared using scientific taxidermy techniques, they are either mounted on display panels or stored in specially protected museum drawers. Alongside the herbarium, insects represent the most substantial component of the collection.

Fish & Amphibians
Fish species from freshwater and marine environments of Türkiye are preserved through chemical processes (formalin → alcohol) and exhibited as visual specimens.
The same preservation method is applied to amphibians, which are displayed in alcohol-filled containers within exhibition cabinets.

Reptiles
Reptile specimens—including numerous venomous snake species—are preserved and displayed with informative panels explaining their biological characteristics, venom properties, and safety precautions.

Birds
Taxidermied bird specimens are displayed alongside educational visuals. Approximately 200 bird species—including migratory and transit species—are known from Kemaliye and its surroundings, making this collection a valuable educational resource.

Mammals
The region is home to a wide range of mammals, including many of Türkiye’s major predators. Species such as bear, wolf, lynx, marten, mountain goat, badger, squirrel, dormouse, field mouse, ground squirrel, and numerous small mammals are represented.
Specimens obtained under appropriate conditions are displayed as three-dimensional taxidermy mounts, with additional exhibits including pelts and skeletal remains, accompanied by informative descriptions.

Herbarium & Plant Diversity
Approximately 1,000 identified plant species from Kemaliye and its surroundings are represented, with at least half—particularly bulbous plants—displayed visually.
After pressing, specimens are mounted on archival sheets and stored in special herbarium cabinets. All herbarium materials are available for scientific research and are also partially exhibited to the public.
The Prof. Dr. Ali Demirsoy Natural History Museum offers a unique blend of science, education, and nature, making it an essential stop for visitors interested in biodiversity, geology, ecology, and sustainable tourism in Eastern Anatolia.