Istanbul Archaeological Museums

The Istanbul Archeology Museums, consisting of the Archeology Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art (also known as the Tiled Kiosk Museum), house an extensive collection of over one million archaeological specimens and artifacts, representing a vast expanse of human history and civilization. This compound was largely established by Osman Hamdi Bey, a 19th century museum director, and also features artifacts that were collected by the Ottomans over the years. 

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are not only among the oldest museums in Turkey, but they are also situated in some of the most prominent buildings in Istanbul, including the nearby Topkapi Palace. With over one million archaeological artifacts and objects, the museums are a testament to the creativity of humanity throughout the ages. Their collection includes a variety of items, from the 4th century BC Alexander Sarcophagus to a Babylonian obverse and Roman floor tiles. 

Archeology Museum 

The neoclassical edifice that houses the main Archeology Museum was established by Osman Hamdi Bey, the son of an Ottoman Grand Vizier and a renowned archeologist. Inspired by the Alexander Sarcophagus, construction of the building commenced in 1881. The museum features artifacts collected from Hamdi Bey's own excavations, adding to its impressive collection. 

In addition to the renowned Alexander Sarcophagus, the main building of the Istanbul Archeology Museums hosts numerous other significant artifacts. These comprise numerous Ancient Greek statues, a panel from the Babylonian Ishtar Gate, different Byzantine sarcophagi, and many other exhibits. The main emphasis of the museum's collection is on sarcophagi, and it serves as the primary repository of relics from Istanbul's Ottoman and Byzantine past. 

Museum of the Ancient Orient 

The Museum of the Ancient Orient, located across the courtyard from the main Archeology Museum building, was originally commissioned by Hamdi Bey as a school of fine arts but was converted into a museum in 1917. This was done to separate the museum's collection of Near East and Asian art and objects from the Ottoman and Byzantine collections housed in the main building. The collection of the Museum of the Ancient Orient includes relics and statues from the Sumerian, Mesopotamian, and Akkadian civilizations, among others. 

Museum of Islamic Art 

The Tiled Kiosk Museum, which is also known as the Museum of Islamic Art, is famous not just for its collection but also for the remarkable building that houses it. Completed in 1472 and commissioned by Mehmed the Conqueror, the Tiled Kiosk is a pavilion located in the outer gardens of Topkapi Palace. It was converted into a museum in 1953. 

The Tiled Kiosk, with its Persian-inspired architecture, displays an impressive collection of pottery, ceramics, and other earthenware crafted by the Seljuk, Anatolian, and Ottoman peoples. These artifacts, dating back to the 12th century, are some of the most exquisite works of art in the world. 

How to Visit 

The museums are accessible to the public daily. Their operating hours are from 9:00am to 8:00pm between April 1 and October 31, and from 9:00am to 6:30pm between November 1 and March 31. 

You can purchase your tickets directly from the museum, and you may also book guided tours of the museum through their website. 

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