The Archaeological Museum which is newly
renovated is situated at the boundary of the first court of Topkapi
Palace and it is one of the world's richest museums. In the classical
and ancient oriental sections, works from Egypt, Assyria, Sumerian,
and Babylon are displayed along with many examples of art preserved
from ancient Anatolian civilizations. Tiled Kiosk
(Cinili Kiosk), located opposite the Archeological Museum, is the
oldest Turkish building in Istanbul. It was built by Mehmed II in
1472. The building, which is decorated with blue and turquoise tiles,
today is utilized as a museum of ceramic tiles.
Address: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu, Sultanahmet
Telephone: +90-212 520 77 40
Open Hours: Open 09:30-17:00 daily, except Monday
The house where Ataturk, the national leader lived in Sisli has
been restored and converted to a museum. In the museum, his private
belongings are being exhibited.
Address: Halaskargazi Cad. 46, Şişli
Telephone: +90-212 240 63 19
Open Hours: Open 09:00-16:00 daily, except Sunday & Thursday
Basilica Cistern (the Byzantine
Underground Cistern)
The Basilica Cistern was built by Constantine and enlarged by Justinian
in the 6th century, to meet the water supply needs of the city.
It measures 70 by 140 meters. There are 336 columns in it, and it
is the largest ancient cistern in the city. Today, cultural activities
are held here from time to time. One of the famous James Bond series
“From Russia with Love” was shooted in this fascinating
cistern.
Address: Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet
Telephone: +90-212 522 12 59
Open Hours: Open 09:00-18:00 daily, except Monday (October to March
: 09:00-17:00 )
The Church of St. Saviour in Chora (Caria Museum) is after St. Sophia
the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul
at the 11th century. Kariye is located at Edirnekapi section of
Istanbul. The dictionary meaning of Kariye (Chora) is "outside
of the city", or "rural" in old Greek. The existence
of a chapel outside the city walls in very old is mentioned in some
sources. The first Chora Church was built on the site of this chapel
by Justinianus. The building which managed to survive until the
times of the Commenos with various additions and repairs, gained
importance when the Imperial Palace Blakhernia near the city walls
was expanded. It was destroyed during the Iconoclastic crisis. In
the 11th century, it was rebuilt with additions and was destroyed
during the Latin invasion of 1204. The building was used as a church
after the conquest of Istanbul but was converted into a mosque in
1511 by the Vizier Grand Hadim Ali Pasha, who later added a school
and a alm kitchen next to it. After the conversion, the mosaics
and frescoes were covered, sometimes by wooden blinds and sometimes
by whitewashing over them. Chora mosaics and frescoes are the most
beautiful examples of the last period of Byzantine art (14th century).
They show a striking similarity. The monotonous background of the
former period cannot be seen here. Scenes from life of Jesus are
given on the outer narthex while the inner narthex has scenes from
the life of Madonna. On the portal of the church proper, there is
Christ in the middle and on the left Theodoros Metochites who has
restored the church and adorned it with the mosaics presenting a
model of the church. The life story of Mary, which is not included
in the Bible is taken from subjects based on the Apostles.
All the mozaics and frescoes were uncovered with the work carried
out by the American Institute of Byzantine Research between 1948
- 1958.
Today it is used as a museum. You can find a quiet garden facing
old wooden houses where you can enjoy tea or coffee.
Address: Kariye Camii, Edirnekapı
Telephone: +90-212 631 92 41
Open Hours: Open 09:30-16:30 daily, except Tuesday
Dolmabahce Palace was built Sultan Abdulmecid in
1853. It has 248 rooms, 43 entrance halls, 6 Turkish baths and approximately
2.700 windows. The chief architect was Nikogos Balyan. Before the
construction of this palace, the Ottoman Sultans used to reside
at Topkapi.
It is divided into two sections: The official part
- where the sultan would received distinguished guests from all
over the world. The Harem - where the Sultan's wife, mother and
concubines lived. The palace is sumptuously decorated throughout
with Bakara crystals, pictures by famous artists, luxurious furniture,
rugs and carpets. Its 2,000 square-meters saloon has a crystal chandelier
weighing 4.5 tons which was a present from the Queen Victoria of
England.
Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, the
national leader of Turkey died here on the 10th of November, 1938.
There are cafes in the grounds near the Clock Tower, the courtyard
of the Mefrusat Dairesi, the Aviary, and the Velihad Dairesi. Items
available in the souvenir shops here include books about the National
Palaces, postcards, and reproductions of selected paintings from
the art collection. The Ceremonial Hall and gardens are available
for private receptions.
Lady Sadberk is the first privately owned museum
in Turkey which was created by the late wife of Vehbi Koc, the Koc
Holding's founder. The museum exhibition chambers are categorized
in line with the project design. A significant number of silver
imperial monograms “Tugra” made by local and foreign silversmiths,
rare ewers, cups, mirrors, bowls and silver embroidered bridal trousseau
material are exhibited in the “Silver Chamber”. The “Jewellery Chamber”
contains materially as spiritually valuable watches set exceptional
gems, snuff boxes, gold and enamel cup holders and decorative items.
“Embroidery Chambers” exhibit silver and gold embroidery fabrics,
towels and napkins, handkerchiefs and drawer bands featuring all
characteristics of Turkish embroidery art between 16th and 18th
centuries. The museum also has 16-17the century Iznik and Kutahya
porcelains featuring all characteristics of the porcelain art as
well as Istanbul, Balkan and Central Anatolian outfits and a very
rich collection of cup holders made of exceptional materials like
silver, tortoise shell and bronze.
Beylerbeyi Palace is on the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
Built by Sultan Abdulaziz in 19th century the palace has a beautiful
garden with magnolia trees. It is built as a summertime palace for
the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, especially the Grand Ladies of
the Harem, with a fine decoration style, and beautiful huge gardens,
as well as the spacious stables to contribute to the joy of living
in these good old times. The area of Beylerbeyi on the Asian shore
of the Bosphorus has been settled since Byzatine times. According
to the famous 18th century traveller Inciciyan, Constantine the
Great erected a cross here, after which the area was known as the
Istavroz Gardens. Under the Ottomans this area was an imperial park
or hasbahce (private garden).
One of the most important Christian monuments of all time. Hagia
Sophia is built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian
in the 6th century. This ancient basilica whose beautiful decorations
include fine Byzantíne mosaics is one of the architectural
marvels of all time. Its immense dome rises 55 meters above the
ground and is 31 meters in diameter.
In 1453, St. Sophia was turned into a mosque and
some additions were made by Mehmed II (Fatih Sultan Mehmed),
the conqueror of Istanbul. The height of its dome
is 55 meters and the diameter is 32 meters. The St.Sophia is the
supreme masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Its architects are
Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus. St. Sophia's most
important architectural characteristic is the enlargement of the
interior space with the addition of two semi domes. Though it has
a bulky outlook compared with the elegant construction of Ottoman
Mosques, the internal decorations and mosaics are magnificent. It
was turned into a museum in 1934.
Address: Sultanahmet Square
Telephone: +90-212 522 09 89 / 522 17 50
Open Hours: Open 09:30-17:00 daily, except Monday
In the Military Museum that is situated in the Spor ve Sergi Sarayi
Carsisi- Harbiye exhibits display a fine collection of Ottoman weapons
and uniforms. The highlights are the magnificent campaign tents
and standards.
There are performances by the Mehter Takimi (the Ottoman military
bands) between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Address: Vali Konagi Caddesi, Harbiye
Telephone: +90-212 233 71 15
Open Hours: Open 09:30-17:00 daily, except Monday & Tuesday
Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best museums in Turkey for paintings
and sculptures from the end of the 19th century to the present.
It was opened in 1937 on order of Ataturk. The museum is the first
art museum in Turkey.
Address: Dolmabahçe Cad. 112, Beşiktaş
Telephone: +90-212 261 42 98
Open Hours: Open 10:00-16:30 daily, except Monday & Tuesday
The Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art is located to the west of
the Blue Mosque. The Grand Vizier to Sultan Suleyman (Suleiman)
the Magnificent, Ibrahim Pasha, had it built as his private residence
in 1524. Housed in this lovely building are antique carpets and
kilims, miniature paintings, collections of calligraphy, stained
glass, and wood carvings, as well as ethnographic works by the nomadic
Turks of Anatolia.
Was built in 1524 by Ibrahim Pasha, the Grand Vizier
of Suleyman the Magnificent, as his family residence. It was the
grandest Private home ever built in the Ottoman Empire. Today it
holds a superb collection of old ceramics, metal work, miniatures,
calligraphy, textiles and wood work as well as some of the oldest
carpets in the world, which students from round the world study
as unique examples of these arts.
Address: Ibrahim Pasa Sarayi, Sultanahmet
Telephone: +90-212 518 18 05
Open Hours: Open 09:30-17:00 daily, except Monday
Lady Sadberk is the first privately owned museum in Turkey which
was created by the late wife of Vehbi Koc, the Koc Holding's founder.
The museum exhibition chambers are categorized in line with the
project design. A significant number of silver imperial monograms
“Tugra” made by local and foreign silversmiths,
rare ewers, cups, mirrors, bowls and silver embroidered bridal trousseau
material are exhibited in the “Silver Chamber”. The “Jewellery Chamber”
contains materially as spiritually valuable watches set exceptional
gems, snuff boxes, gold and enamel cup holders and decorative items.
“Embroidery Chambers” exhibit silver and gold embroidery fabrics,
towels and napkins, handkerchiefs and drawer bands featuring all
characteristics of Turkish embroidery art between 16th and 18th
centuries. The museum also has 16-17the century Iznik and Kutahya
porcelains featuring all characteristics of the porcelain art as
well as Istanbul, Balkan and Central Anatolian outfits and a very
rich collection of cup holders made of exceptional materials like
silver, tortoise shell and bronze.
Address: Büyükdere Cad. 27/29, Sarıyer
Telephone: +90-212 242 38 13
Open Hours: Open 10:30-18:00 daily, except Wednesday
Rahmi Koc Museum is the first major museum, to display the industrial
items collected by the honorable Koc Family of Turkey (our subsidiary)
to show the history of industry to the public. It possesses the
collection of thousands of items including full size ships, aircrafts,
and objects created by talented engineers and craftmen, reflecting
their ingenuity and hard work. The museum educates, informs, and
entertains thousands of adults and children each year.
Address: Hasköy Cad. 27, Sütlüce
Telephone: +90-212 256 71 53
Open Hours: Open 10:00-17:00 daily, except Monday
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Istanbul is an open air museum with its 8000 years history. One can continously find different historical sites from different periods at each footstep.
TURING
In 1985-1986 Sultanahmet area was taken in hand by the Turkish Touring
and Automobile Association, which has restored many old sections of
Istanbul..
The Church of St. Saviour in Chora (Caria Museum) is after St. Sophia
the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul
at the 11th century. Kariye is located at Edirnekapi section of
Istanbul. The dictionary meaning of Kariye (Chora) is "outside
of the city", or "rural" in old Greek. The existence
of a chapel outside the city walls in very old is mentioned in some
sources. The first Chora Church was built on the site of this chapel
by Justinianus. The building which managed to survive until the
times of the Commenos with various additions and repairs, gained
importance when the Imperial Palace Blakhernia near the city walls
was expanded. It was destroyed during the Iconoclastic crisis. In
the 11th century, it was rebuilt with additions and was destroyed
during the Latin invasion of 1204. The building was used as a church
after the conquest of Istanbul but was converted into a mosque in
1511 by the Vizier Grand Hadim Ali Pasha, who later added a school
and a alm kitchen next to it. After the conversion, the mosaics
and frescoes were covered, sometimes by wooden blinds and sometimes
by whitewashing over them. Chora mosaics and frescoes are the most
beautiful examples of the last period of Byzantine art (14th century).
They show a striking similarity. The monotonous background of the
former period cannot be seen here. Scenes from life of Jesus are
given on the outer narthex while the inner narthex has scenes from
the life of Madonna. On the portal of the church proper, there is
Christ in the middle and on the left Theodoros Metochites who has
restored the church and adorned it with the mosaics presenting a
model of the church. The life story of Mary, which is not included
in the Bible is taken from subjects based on the Apostles.
One of the most important Christian monuments of all time. Hagia
Sophia is built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian
in the 6th century. This ancient basilica whose beautiful decorations
include fine Byzantíne mosaics is one of the architectural
marvels of all time. Its immense dome rises 55 meters above the
ground and is 31 meters in diameter. 
In the Military Museum that is situated in the Spor ve Sergi Sarayi
Carsisi- Harbiye exhibits display a fine collection of Ottoman weapons
and uniforms. The highlights are the magnificent campaign tents
and standards. 
Lady Sadberk is the first privately owned museum in Turkey which
was created by the late wife of Vehbi Koc, the Koc Holding's founder.
The museum exhibition chambers are categorized in line with the
project design. A significant number of silver imperial monograms
“Tugra” made by local and foreign silversmiths,
rare ewers, cups, mirrors, bowls and silver embroidered bridal trousseau
material are exhibited in the “Silver Chamber”. The “Jewellery Chamber”
contains materially as spiritually valuable watches set exceptional
gems, snuff boxes, gold and enamel cup holders and decorative items.
“Embroidery Chambers” exhibit silver and gold embroidery fabrics,
towels and napkins, handkerchiefs and drawer bands featuring all
characteristics of Turkish embroidery art between 16th and 18th
centuries. The museum also has 16-17the century Iznik and Kutahya
porcelains featuring all characteristics of the porcelain art as
well as Istanbul, Balkan and Central Anatolian outfits and a very
rich collection of cup holders made of exceptional materials like
silver, tortoise shell and bronze.
Rahmi Koc Museum is the first major museum, to display the industrial
items collected by the honorable Koc Family of Turkey (our subsidiary)
to show the history of industry to the public. It possesses the
collection of thousands of items including full size ships, aircrafts,
and objects created by talented engineers and craftmen, reflecting
their ingenuity and hard work. The museum educates, informs, and
entertains thousands of adults and children each year. 