This museum was under renovation when we visited, and many of the exhibits were off-limits. Set on the grounds of Topkapi Palace, the walk to the museum is pleasant and in a large park setting. The large buildings house the Museum of Archeology and Museum of the Ancient Orient, while the Tiled Kiosk is in a small building.
We only visited the Museum of Archeology and the Tiled Kiosk. The large building was unpleasantly warm and muggy on this warm day. And those who know me are well aware that I seriously dislike hot and humid. All that to say that there was a lot to see that we missed, and a return to this museum would be on my itinerary for a second visit to Istanbul.
Purple sarcophogi outside the main building. Believed to have held the bodies of some of the early Byzantine emperors.
Various sarcophagi inside the museum —
Alexander Sarcophagus, 4th Century B.C. Thought to have been built for King Abdalonymos of Sidon, it depicts scenes from Alexander the Great’s victory over the Persians.
This is a portion of the chain placed across the Golden Horn to block enemy ships.
Tiled Kiosk. The word kiosk is derived from the Turkish word for mansion or pavilion. This building represents early Ottoman civic architecture and the only building of this period to survive.
Arabic inscription states that this building was constructed around 20 years after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.
Exquisite 15th century tiled mihrab.
Random pieces scattered around the grounds and partially hidden from visitors. Makes me wonder why they were brought here but not considered important enough to display.
Although a large portion of the museum was inaccessible due to renovations, I’m not sure it would be possible to see all the exhibits in a single day. But even if museums are not your thing, I highly recommend a visit to see the remarkable and unique exhibitions.