Istanbul Archaeological Museums

The Istanbul Archeology Museums consist of the Archeology Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art (also known as the Tiled Kiosk Museum, named after the building it occupies), together holding over one million archaeological specimens and artifacts. The collection was primarily assembled by the 19th-century museum director Osman Hamdi Bey, although some items had been gathered by the Ottomans over the years. 

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, located in and around some of Istanbul's most prominent buildings, such as the nearby Topkapi Palace, are not only the oldest museums in Turkey but also houses an extraordinary collection of objects that represent many millennia of human creativity. Among the one million archaeological specimens and artifacts that are on display are the 4th century BC Alexander Sarcophagus, a Babylonian obverse, and Roman floor tiles. 

Archeology Museum 

The neoclassical building that currently houses the main Archeology Museum was established by Osman Hamdi Bey, the son of an Ottoman Grand Vizier, in 1881. This magnificent structure was modeled after the Alexander Sarcophagus and stands as a testament to the museum director's passion for archeology. Hamdi Bey, who was also an archeologist, contributed significantly to the museum's collection by leading several expeditions to various ancient sites and unearthing a trove of artifacts. 

The Istanbul Archeology Museums’ main building hosts a rich array of artifacts beyond the world-renowned Alexander Sarcophagus. Among them are numerous Ancient Greek statues, a section of the Babylonian Ishtar Gate, various Byzantine sarcophagi, and many other objects. Its collection is primarily centered around sarcophagi and serves as the main repository of relics from Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine past. 

Museum of the Ancient Orient 

Originally commissioned as a school of fine arts by Hamdi Bey, the building currently occupied by the Museum of the Ancient Orient was repurposed in 1917. Situated just across the courtyard from the main Archeology Museum, museum curators believed it made sense to segregate their collections of Near East and Asian art and objects from the Byzantine and Ottoman collections housed in the main museum. As a result, the Museum of the Ancient Orient was established. The museum's collection comprises artifacts and statues from various ancient civilizations such as Sumerian, Mesopotamian, Akkadian, and more. 

Museum of Islamic Art 

The Museum of Islamic Art is renowned not just for its exceptional collection but also for the remarkable building that houses it - the Tiled Kiosk. Completed in 1472 and commissioned by Mehmed the Conqueror, the pavilion is located in the outer gardens of Topkapi Palace. In 1953, it was transformed into a museum, adding yet another layer of cultural significance to this unique structure. 

The Tiled Kiosk, a pavilion built in 1472 in the outer gardens of Topkapi Palace, features Persian-style architecture and is home to the Museum of Islamic Art. The museum's collection comprises mainly pottery, ceramics, and earthenware from the Seljuk, Anatolian, and Ottoman civilizations dating back to the 12th century. These masterpieces are considered some of the most beautiful creations in the world. 

How to Visit 

The museums are available for public viewing every day, and their operating hours are dependent on the time of year. Visitors can also book guided tours of the museum through the website. 

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