Curating folklore: The case of Private Ethnographic Gallery of Tahtakuslar Village

Abstract

Folklore coined by William John Thoms is concered with linking us from past to present. It not only presents societies but also emontions, thoughts, tastes and worldviews of people. It is an integral part of culture and history. Museums, particularly folklore museums, are source of history and culture. They give insights to the future generations. The museum of Private Ethnographic Gallery of Tahtakuslar Village founded in 1991 is an example of folklore museums as the first village museum in Turkey. The museum not only exhibits Turkish culture and history but also educates and entertains visitors all over the world. The central argument of the paper is to discuss the importance of folklore museum referring case of The museum of Private Ethnographic Gallery of Tahtakuslar Village as well as the aspects of folklore and material culture in general. © Common Ground, Suheyla Saritas, All Rights Reserved.