Gaziantep historical inn converted into soap and molasses museum

A 400-year-old historical inn in the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep has been converted into the Kayna Soap and Molasses Museum following an 18-month restoration process. The structure, which was mentioned in the travelogues of Evliya Çelebi, was donated to the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality by the Pekmezci family in 2021.

The museum showcases the traditional production history of the region, specifically focusing on the transformation of olives into soap and olive oil, as well as the process of turning grapes into molasses. Exhibits include historical tools such as traditional olive presses, storage wells, and specific molasses-making implements like the ‘şerbet evi’, ‘tort’, ‘mahsere’, and ‘tekedene’.

In addition to displaying artifacts collected from Gaziantep and surrounding villages, the museum offers digital presentations and hands-on workshops where visitors can experience traditional production stages.