Museums of Istanbul: A Paradise for Museum Lovers
Istanbul is a city with a rich history and culture, and this is reflected in its many museums. From ancient artifacts to modern art, Istanbul has something to offer every museum lover.
Here are some of the best museums of Istanbul, along with a brief overview of each:
- Topkapı Palace Museum: This vast museum complex was once the home of the Ottoman sultans, and it houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents. Highlights include the Harem, the Imperial Treasury, and the Sacred Relics Chamber.
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums: This museum complex houses a collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Byzantines. Highlights include the Troy Room, the Ephesus Room, and the Ancient Egypt Room.
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts: This museum houses a collection of Islamic art and artifacts from around the world. Highlights include the Blue Mosque tiles, the Seljuk ceramics, and the Ottoman calligraphy.
Yerebatan Cistern: Yerebatan Cistern is a Byzantine cistern located under Sultanahmet Square in Fatih district of Istanbul. It was built in 532 by Emperor Justinian I. The name of the cistern comes from the Turkish word “yeraltı”, which means “underground”.
Yerebatan Cistern is one of the largest covered cisterns in the world. It is 140 meters long, 70 meters wide, and 50 meters deep. The cistern has 336 columns inside. The height of the columns reaches up to 9 meters.
Yerebatan Cistern was used to supply water to the imperial palace during the Byzantine period. Today, it is open to the public as a museum. The cistern is famous for its light and music shows, which are held especially at night.
- Şerefiye Cistern: Şerefiye Cistern is a Byzantine cistern located in Fatih district of Istanbul, near the Yerebatan Cistern. It was built in the 5th century by Emperor Theodosius II. The name of the cistern comes from the Turkish word “şeref”, which means “honor”.
Şerefiye Cistern is smaller than the Yerebatan Cistern. It is 24 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 11 meters deep. The cistern has 32 columns inside. The height of the columns reaches up to 8 meters.
Şerefiye Cistern was used to supply water to the imperial palace during the Byzantine period. Today, it is open to the public as a museum.
These are just a few of the many museums in Istanbul. With so much to see and do, Istanbul is a must-visit destination for any museum lover.
Other popular museums in Istanbul include:
- Rumeli Fortress Museum: This fortress, built by the Ottomans in the 15th century, offers stunning views of the city.
- Galata Tower Museum: This tower, built in the 14th century, offers panoramic views of the city.
- Aya Sofya Museum: This former church, built in the 6th century, is now a museum. The museum is known for its stunning Byzantine architecture.
- Beylerbeyi Palace Museum: This palace, built in the 19th century, was once the summer residence of the Ottoman sultans.
When to visit museums of Istanbul
The best time to visit Istanbul’s museums is during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). During these times, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
If you are visiting during the summer, be prepared for hot and humid weather. The museums can be crowded, so it is a good idea to arrive early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
How to get to museums of Istanbul
Most of Istanbul’s museums are located in the city center and are easily accessible by public transportation. The city has a well-developed network of buses, trams, and ferries.
You can also take a taxi to get to the museums. Taxis are relatively affordable in Istanbul.
Tips for visiting museums of Istanbul
- Buy your tickets online in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak season.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a water bottle and snacks, as food and drinks are not always available at the museums.
- Take advantage of the audio guides, which can provide you with more information about the exhibits.
Istanbul is a city with a rich history and culture, and its museums reflect this. Whether you are interested in ancient civilizations, Islamic art, or modern art, Istanbul has something to offer every museum lover.
