Istanbul
(Ýstanbul) expert guide
The
Archaeological Museums
The archaeological finds collected
during the Ottoman centuries were first housed the church of Saint Irene 1846.
Present day collections are displayed
in a new building located between Topkapi Palace and Gulhane Park. The
Archaeological Museum houses is one of he fascinating collections in Istanbul.
Great Palace
The Mosaic Museum was establish to house the remnant of the
one of the paving of the peristyle courtyards, excavated between the 1935 and
1954. Located in the vicinity of the Blue Mosque, The Mosaic Museum is
fascinating place where the visitors would enjoy the floor mosaics of the Great
Palace of the Byzantine Emperors.
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic
Arts/ Ibrahim Pasa Palace
This fascinating palace which
is located in ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople was built in the 16 the century
for Ibrahim Pasa, the grand vizier of Suleyman the Magnificent. The museum
collections start with early Islamic ceramics from Samarra where Turks
established one of their first settlements after central Asia. Few carvings and
tombstones of Seljuk period gives excellent idea about the Art of Seljuks and
their history. The reliefs containing human and animal images indicate the great
tolerance of Seljuk Turks for images. One of the small rooms contains star
shaped tiles from Great Seljuk period. Museum continues with the artefacts dating to early Ottoman Period. Tiles, Korans, textiles decorate the showing
cases of the museum.
Naval Museum
Naval museum which was
first established in Kasimpasa was transferred to Dolmabahce and then to present
day buildings. The museum houses great collection of items related to the Naval
History of Ottoman empire and young Turkish Republic.
YERABATAN CISTERN
This immense cistern with 336 ancient columns was built by Justinian the
Great in the 6th century. Having capacity of 8000 cubic meters, it was part of
the one of the amazing water supply system in the ancient Constantinople.
Military Museum
Located in the modern city, the Military Museum houses an
amazing collection of military objects related to Ottoman history and Modern
Turkey. These items with great historical value were collected by the Turkish
army carefully in the course of centuries.
SADBERK HANIM MUSEUM
Located at Sariyer, this private museum of Sadberk
Hanim, the
wife of famous Turkish industrialist, is one of the finest museums of the city
for Anatolian Civilizations and Turkish Art.
Ataturk Museum
Located in Sisli, this beautiful three
storied house was the
home for Ataturk and his mother after his return from the Syrian front. Here, in
this house Ataturk and friends held the secret meetings and conferences before
he left Istanbul for Samsun where he started the war of Independence.
The Museum of Tanzimat Literature
(The convent of Whirling Dervishes)
Galata Mehlevihanesi, the first convent for Whirling Dervishes was
established in 1491 by Iskender Pasa. After a great fire which demolished the
Mehlevihane in 1765, it was rebuilt to its former glory. Galata Mehlevihanesi
which was described often in 19th century was closed down during the Republic
Period when Ataturk banned all the religious Orders.
Rahmi Koc Museum
This fascinating museum which opened
its doors to public in 1994 is one of the fine museums of city. The museum is
located on the banks of Golden Horn and situated in an old anchor casting
workshops which dates to the time of Ahmet II.
Air Force Museum
Located in the airport area, Air
force Museum houses a great collection of war planes, cargo planes, helicopters,
anti air craft artillery, missiles and radar items used in the Turkish Air
Forces.
