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Archaeological Museum of Istanbul
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the most important in its field. It was founded by the Turkish painter and archaeologist Osman Hamdi in 1891.
The origins of the museum date back to a small collection of antiques that was installed in 1846 at the Topkapi Palace. In 1869 it became the museum of the court.
In 1891, the Archaeological Museum opened its doors and became the first museum in Turkey. It is located between the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace and Gülhane Park.
Collection
The museum's collection is divided into three parts:
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Archaeological Museums: It houses some objects known worldwide. The most important of the museum is the large collection of sarcophagi, among which is the sarcophagus of Alexander (S. IV).
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Oriental Art Collection: In this part you will find Ottoman tombs and finds of the Egyptian, Sumerian and Akkadian cultures. The most valuable objects of the oriental art collection are the parts of the Babylonian Gate of Istar.
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Collection of ceramics and jewels: This collection is housed in the Pavilion of the Azulejos, a building that ordered to build Mehmed II. There are very few rooms and perhaps the most interesting thing is the building itself.
