Overview:

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a group of three archaeological museums located in the Eminönü district of Istanbul, Turkey. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums consist of the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. The three museums are part of the Istanbul Museum of History and are affiliated with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Archaeological Museum opened in 1891 and contains a large collection of artifacts, primarily from the Neolithic, Anatolian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. These artifacts include items from Neolithic settlements, classical sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, mosaics, and coins. The Museum of the Ancient Orient houses artifacts from the Near East and Asia Minor from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic and Chalcolithic eras, as well as the succeeding civilizations of Sumer, Akkad, Assyria, Babylon, Hittite, and Mitanni. The Tiled Kiosk Museum, previously known as the Imperial Museum, was established in 1872 and displays collections of Ottoman tiles, wooden and stone artifacts, glass, and textile products. The museum includes artifacts from the 16th to 19th centuries, including tiles from the 16th century mosque in cami-i saire of Istanbul, lamps from the Süleymaniye Mosque, and enameled plates from the 16th century Topkapi Palace. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. The Ancient Orient Museum: This museum is one of the most esteemed collections of artifacts from the ancient Near East in the world, including artifacts from Greece, Egypt, Anatolia, Syria and Mesopotamia. The museum has several sections, including: Mesopotamian Art, Armenian Art, Art of Ancient Egypt, Anatolian Engravings and Sealings, and Greek and Roman Art. 2. Hagia Sophia Museum: Located in the heart of Istanbul, this museum is a symbol of the city's history, culture, and architecture. The museum houses some of the most impressive works of Byzantine art, including mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. 3. The Topkapi Palace Museum: This impressive palace dates back to the 15th century and was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans. The museum is home to an impressive collection of imperial treasures including Islamic manuscripts, weapons, porcelains, jewelries, costumes, and other art objects. 4. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts: Located in the former palace of the Ottoman Grand Viziers, this museum exhibits an incredible array of artifacts from the early Islamic period to modern day Turkey. Items include manuscripts, statuettes, clothing, furniture and more. 5. Istanbul Archaeological Museum: This museum houses some of the most important pieces of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman art and artifacts. Highlights include artifacts from Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus, as well as the famous Alexander Sarcophagus. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri) are a group of three archaeological museums located in Istanbul, Turkey. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums constitute an extensive network of collections and remain the largest complex of collections and museums of ancient artifacts in Turkey. This network includes the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum was founded in 1891, and was the first museum in the capital city of Istanbul. The museum contains a collection of artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages as well as artifacts from the early Islamic period. Among the collections are the Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, the Alexander Sarcophagus and the Bust of Alexander the Great. The Museum of the Ancient Orient was founded in 1908 and contains artifacts from the earliest inhabitation of Anatolia by the Hittites as well as Trabe, Armenians, Phoenicians and Assyrians. Among the objects featured include the famous Lion gate of Hattusa and various cuneiform inscriptions and contracts from Babylon. The Museum of Islamic Art was founded in 1917. The museum houses Islamic artwork, coins and manuscripts from all over the Islamic world. It also contains artifacts from as early as the 8th century, including items from the Great Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. These three museums are located in the historic district of Eminonu in Istanbul and form the city’s archaeological center. Throughout the years, the museums have undergone various renovations and expansions in order to better display their collections. Visitors to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums can enjoy both current exhibitions as well as permanent collections focusing on the cultural heritage of Istanbul. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Archaeological Museum of Istanbul was founded in 1891. 2. This museum houses over one million artifacts, making it one of the largest collections in the world. 3. The museum has a large collection of Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. 4. It also includes a library with over 40,000 books and 5,600 journals related to archaeology. 5. The museum houses a replica of the ancient city of Troy, as well as an exhibit of Byzantine artifacts. 6. One of the more unusual items in the museum’s collection is a 3,500-year-old gold death mask. 7. The museum also has a gallery dedicated to architecture from the Ottoman period. 8. Visitors can take part in interactive activities such as a treasure hunt and virtual excavations. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era