Museum of Health

Part of the Sultan Bayezid II Külliyesi complex, this museum has scooped European tourism awards for its illustrations of the therapy and teaching that took place here. One of the most important Ottoman hospitals, it operated from 1488 to 1909, and music therapy was employed from 1652 – when mentally ill people were still being burnt alive in Europe. A 10-piece band played different 'modes' to treat ailments from paralysis to palpitations. Because all healing work was carried out in one room (the şifahane – healing room), the hospital required fewer staff. This created the first centralised hospital system. The sound of water was also used, and the gurgling fountain in the high-ceilinged hall is certainly soothing after a long walk from the centre.

The museum continues into the medrese, where dioramas cover aspects of Ottoman medicine, including a cauterisation – a popular operation – and the development of antidotes (coaxing a viper to bite a chicken).

Approach via the Ottoman Yalnızgöz Köprüsü (Lone Eye Bridge; 1570) over the Tunca River. Buses to Yenimaret ('Y.Maret') from opposite the tourist office pass the complex (TL1, 10 minutes); a taxi costs about TL7.