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The Top 10 Museums You Must Visit in Turkey

There is no better country to experience an intertwining of history, culture, and modernity like Turkey. Going through the past of the country, one can easily notice a number of impressive collections of places of art that range even from the Ottoman age to modern times. If you intend to visit any part of Turkey, then you should put visiting the museums in your checklist. If you are either a lover of the past, passionate about art or just a visitor, we have prepared for you a list of the best Top 10 Museums in Turkey, in which your eyes will dazzle.

1. The Istanbul Archaeology Museums

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums is situated at the core of Istanbul and is composed of three independent museums with over more than one million artifacts- items from particular historical periods . The main building which is always crowded houses most of the items from Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilization, hence an ideal place for individuals interested in ancient cultures. Such museums are frequent on our private tours because our guides wish to make sure you see its highlights.

2. Topkapi Palace Museum

This museum was once the site of the court of the sultans of the last Ottoman Empire, and today it is included in the list of ‘most visited’ places in Turkey. It provides not only magnificent views of the Bosphorus, but it also highlights the beauty of the Ottoman Empire. You can stroll through the Harem, see some swords genetically embedded with jewels and live the life inside the house of the king and the queen.

3. Hagia Sophia Museum

Notably, it is the Hagia Sophia Museum that is seven out of seven in terms of esthetic value among many sightseeing lovers.

Hagia Sophia is presently used as a mosque, yet the mixture of Byzantine culture and Islamic art makes this place a museum. Such a building is of a church as of the former and a mosque as of the latter, and its designs tell the story of the two overwhelming empires. A tour here provides interesting insights into Istanbul’s immeasurable history.

4. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Ankara may not always be on every traveler’s radar, but the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is well worth a visit. This museum showcases artifacts from ancient Anatolia, including relics from the Hittites and Phrygians, among others. It offers a deep dive into the history of the early civilizations that thrived in what is now modern-day Turkey.

5. Pera Museum

The Pera Museum in Istanbul is a ‘place to be’ when it comes to art. In this cozy Museum of Pera are presented not only the works by the Ottoman painters’ school but also works of Turkish and foreign authors. Of particular interest is an artwork by Osman Hamdi Bey, called the “Tortoise Trainer”, which is one of the paintings that draw the attention of many art connoisseurs around the world.

6. Rahmi M. Koç Museum

For families with kids, or those who want to learn by doing, this is a great option, Rahmi M. Koç Museum. This particular museum tells the story of the transport, the industry and the communications. With vintage cars, trains, and even submarines on display, it’s a great stop for families.

7. Ephesus Museum

Although the main focus in this part of the world is on the ancient city of Ephesus near the town of Selcuk, it is possible to look closely at some of the major finds in the Ephesus Museum. This museum forms part of the Ephesus experience which includes even the siezed statue of Artemis, ancient coins and nearly all sculptures.

8. Chora Museum

Tucked away in the Edirnekapı district of Istanbul, the Chora Museum (Kariye Museum) is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. This small but exquisite museum provides a peaceful contrast to the more tourist-heavy attractions in the city. The vibrant, gold-filled mosaics here are a hidden gem in Istanbul.

9. Zeugma Mosaic Museum

Gaziantep city, Turkey has a remarkable place, one of the biggest collections of Roman mosaics in the świat in the Museum Mosaics of Zeugma is located. The beauty, the colors and history interwoven within the mosaics, makes this museum an important place to visit for any tourist going to the south eastern part of turkey.

10. Istanbul Modern

Turkey does not only have ancient historical sites but also has a contemporary art movement. Istanbul Modern is dedicated to modern and contemporary Turkish art and international exhibitions. This museum located at the bosphorus overlooking the sea is also the best place to end your cultural tour of the city.

Although there are many museums around Turkey, each of them holds a part if not fully the history, culture and civilizations of Turkey. You appreciate the ancient worlds, grandeur of the ottoman empire or the contemporary art world, and many more. Please contact us so we can organize a specific museum program for you that will meet your preferences and allow you to embrace the possibilities of visiting the museums.