In istanbul, the istanbul archaeological museums are a three-part museum complex. the archaeology museum, the ancient orient museum, and the tiled kiosk museum are all worth seeing. osman hamdi bey, a museum curator, great painter (“the tortoise trainer”/pera museum), and archaeologist, founded the palace collections in the late 19th century, and they are kept in these three major sections in the same courtyard.
published: 20 September 2022 / updated: 8 May 2025Share
Over a million artifacts from different civilizations transported from the imperial territories are housed in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which was the first daily museum in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey’s history.
What Will You Find In The Museum?
The desire to gather historical artifacts goes back to the time of Mehmet the Conqueror, but the founding of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums as Müze-i Hümayun in 1869 marks the official beginning of museums (Imperial Museum). The Müze-i Humayun, which contains the archaeological works collected in the Hagia Irene Church, is the home of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Because Hagia Irene proved inadequate, the Tiled Kiosk, built during the time of Mehmet the Conqueror, was converted into a museum. The Tiled Kiosk was restored and reopened in 1880, and is currently maintained by the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.
In 1881, the appointment of Osman Hamdi Bey (Biography) as museum director was a watershed moment in Turkish museology. Between 1887 and 18888, Osman Hamdi Bey excavated in Mount Nemrud, Myrina, Kyme, other Alolia Necropolises, and Lagina Hekate Temple, and as a result of his excavations in Sayda (Sidon), he entered the necropolis of King Sidon and returned to Istanbul with several sarcophagi, including Alexander the Great’s famous sarcophagi.
The earliest building in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum complex is the Tiled Kiosk (1472 CE). The Tiled Kiosk Museum, which now houses specimens of Turkish tiles and pottery, is one of the earliest examples of Ottoman civic architecture.
Close History Of Istanbul Archaeological Museum
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are among the top ten museums in the world that were established specifically to serve as museums. In 1883, Osman Hamdi Bey established the Sanayi-i Nefise college, or Academy of Fine Arts, which today houses the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works. The building was designed by Alexander Vallaury, who would subsequently construct the Istanbul Archaeological Museum Classic complex.
The Archaeological Museum is one of the few museums constructed during that historical period in the globe. It is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful and majestic neo-classical structures. On the pediments of the museum’s entrance door, the inscription “Asar- Atika Müzesi” is inscribed in Ottoman Turkish (Museum of Antiquities). The tughra on the inscription represents Sultan Abdulhamid II.
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The Tomb of Iskender (Alexander Sarcophagus), Tomb of “Crying Women” (Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women), Lycia Tomb, and Tabnit Tomb, all of which were brought to Istanbul from the Sidon King Necropolis excavations conducted by Osman Hamdi Bey between 1887 and 1888, necessitated the construction of a new museum. The Istanbul Archeological Museum’s Classical Building, built by famous architect Alexandre Vallaury, was opened on June 13th, 1891, immediately across from The Tiled Kiosk.
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Location Of Istanbul Archaeology Museum
The complex is located in Sultanahmet neighborhood, Fatih district’s ancient peninsula, on the Osman Hamdi Bey hill, which links Gülhane Park and the Topkapi Palace Museum. Walking down the slope from Topkapi Palace‘s first court or up the hill from Gulhane Park‘s main gate provides easy access to the Istanbul Archeology Museum complex (Rose Park).
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Beşiktaş is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul. There are many neighborhoods in Beşiktaş with different identities but to be fair it is a great district for shopping. Central Beşiktaş is good for its bakeries, accessories, and small boutiques. Other neighborhoods like Bebek or Etiler on the other hand is great for luxury shopping. Here all you need to now about Beşiktaş and shopping.
Turkey is a country surrounded by seas on three sides. Therefore, it is very rich in fish and seafood. It is possible to get lost among the fish and seafood on the menus of Istanbul restaurants. Because a saying in Turkey is reflected in the culinary culture of the whole country: “I would eat my own father if he came out of the sea.”
Where is selamicesme? the selamicesme neighborhood of the kadikoy district is home to the selamicesme mosque. being one of the most well-known and adored neighborhoods on istanbul's asian side, getting there is not a problem. the marmaray and stepping out at the feneryolu stop are the most direct ways to travel to kadikoy from the european side of istanbul. selamicesme mosque is about a 5-minute walk from there.you can board one of the ferries that depart from eminonu for kadikoy if you prefer a more time-consuming yet enjoyable mode of transportation. by doing this, you can spend about 15 minutes admiring the stunning bosphorus strait while grabbing a cup of tea and some goodies from the store inside the ships. when you arrive at the kadikoy pier, seek the big yellow iett bus pick-up location, which is very close to the kadikoy pier. take the bus with the number 4 or the one with the 16d. to get to the selamicesme mosque, get out at the onsekiz mart stop and walk for 5 to 10 minutes. other things to do in and near kadikoy visit the moda neighborhood: the moda neighborhood is one of kadikoy's attractions that stands out from the rest. there is enough to do here to keep you busy for a full day. take a stroll along istanbul's moda coast to observe the bosphorus strait from one of the city's most picturesque and tranquil coastlines. you will unavoidably pass by a few tea gardens on the way there. choose one with a view of the bosphorus, and as you take in the scenery, order a cup of tea or turkish coffee. visit dondurmaci ali usta to sample any of the more than 50 types of delicious, all-natural ice cream for some of the best ice cream in turkey. next, board a tram and begin exploring kadikoy. you will observe the district's prevailing bohemian aesthetic during your trip. you can take a culinary walks kadikoy tour to enjoy turkish cuisine while touring one of the most well-liked neighborhoods on istanbul's asian side because kadikoy is home to a lot of fantastic restaurants where you can sample numerous dishes from the well-known turkish kitchen. visit moda stage theatre to see some of the finest works of turkish theater and cinema. the location for art lovers in kadikoy, there are various plays and movies being produced here, from well-known shows to more independent, arthouse films. after all of this, it might become a little bit late, but don't worry—kadikoy is recognized for having fantastic nightlife with a variety of top-notch bars and pubs. arkaoda is undoubtedly one of istanbul's top bars and a favorite among both locals and tourists. this establishment, which can be found on bar street, features fantastic live music, a wonderful ambiance, and a wide selection of top-notch drinks. viktor levi wine house provides more than 12 different varieties of wines prepared in their cellar if you prefer outstanding house wine over a few beers. the interior of the building is decorated with a variety of plants, adding to its elegant appearance. do you like rock music? so zincir bar is the spot for you. this inviting and welcoming tavern offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks at more reasonable prices than other bars around. are you prepared for another adventure? the following day, depart from the kadikoy dock and board a ferry to eminonu. once there, enter the historic neighborhood of fatih because there is much to learn about this area.
Hagia sophia or ayasofya could be considered the most visited attraction in istanbul along with its neighbor topkapı palace museum. hagia sophia was built as a christian church around 532. throughout time, hagia sophia has become a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again. the minarets and inscriptions of islam illustrates the theological transformations that have occurred in the region throughout the centuries. after turkey's administrative court reversed a 1934 judgment that paved the way for hagia sophia's usage as a museum, a decree on the 10th of july 2020 to legally classify the hagia sophia as a mosque was issued.