Museums
The unequaled works of art and remains belonging to the many civilizations and societies that left their mark in Turkey are preserved across the centuries to welcome today’s visitors.
Shedding light into history, far and recent, this legacy is well-preserved under the most suitable conditions. Museum Card provides even easier access into these interesting museums and historic sites across the country.
If you are curious about the story of man during thousands of years, be prepared for a fascinating journey in time in a grand-scale open air museum.
Asclepeion Ancient City in Pergamon
An ancient medical center, the Asclepeion in Izmir province, is built nearby the springs that are believed to be curative. Treatment is a priority in the designs of the buildings and the success of the doctors earned the center a good name during the Roman era.
Employing a variety of techniques from dream interpretations to treatment with cold, hot and mud baths and sunbathing therapy, Asclepeion was the most advanced medical center of its time.
Hatay Antakya Archeology Museum
Archaeological excavations were started for the first time in 1932 in Antakya (Antioch) and through those excavations, various cultural and historical documents of a wide range of period from 4th thousand BC until today have been collected. Because of the great variety and number of works found in the first years of the studies, the establishment of a museum in Antakya was decided upon the request of M. Prost, Antiquities Inspector, working in Hatay (Antakya), which was under the French domination. The plan prepared in compliance with the modern museum understanding was applied in 1934. In the museum, whose construction was completed in 1939, works found in three different scientific excavations are exhibited.In 1939, when Hatay was integrated to the motherland, Turkey, the museum building was completed and the works discovered in the excavations were stored in there. The museum was opened to the public on July 23rd 1948, the day of independence of Hatay. Alongside its numerous items on display, the museum’s rich mosaic collection draws much attention. The additional building was completed at the end of 1973 and opened to service after the considerable renovation. This way, the number of exhibition halls has been increased from five to eight. Since then, the facilities exhibiting the unique Hittite and Assyrian artifacts and relics have acquired contemporary value.
Aphrodisias Museum
Aphrodisias Museum is situated by the ancient city of Karaca district in Aydin province. The museum exhibits a collection of artifacts, coins and sculptures unearthed during excavations carried out at ancient city of Aphrodisias.The findings of Aphrodisias, once among the major sculpture centers of the ancient times, are exhibited in the numerous halls of the museum located in the city center. Including an interior garden and a large courtyard Aphrodisias Museum is a glorious landmark bearing the ancient artifacts of the region.
Antalya Archaeological Museum
Antalya Archaeological Museum is a large complex of 30 thousand square meters exhibiting the findings uncovered in Antalya situated by the Mediterranean coast and home to many great civilizations since the ancient times.The ethnographic legacies exhibited in a variety of halls displaying numerous ancient artifacts from the early settlement to the present, in addition to the Roman sculptures and findings obtained during museum rescue operations and special collections are among the historical riches awaiting museum visitors.
Covering an area of 30.000 square meters including 14 exhibition halls, open-air galleries showcasing statues and diverse artifacts, a library and a garden, the Antalya Archaeological Museum features many sites worth to sight see.
Burdur Archaeology Museum
Burdur Archaeology Museum is located at the intersection of the cities of Antalya, Isparta, and Izmir, Denizli and Muğla and serves as the exhibition venue of the historical findings unearthed in these provinces.The museum is equipped with an ancient city exploration system with a kiosk controlled cylindrical screen enabling you to see the city plan of ancient civilizations and to examine them from various perspectives. Exhibiting precious and ancient artifacts of Anatolia and comprised of several exhibition halls, the Kibyra and Kremna Galeries and a garden, Burdur Archaeology Museum is at your service.
Denizli Hierapolis Archeology Museum
Located in one of the most valuable areas of the Aegean Region, Denizli Hierapolis Archeology Museum belongs to a region that has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. The museum showcases the findings uncovered in the ancient cities of Laodicea, Colossae, Triapolis and Attuda. In addition, the museum exhibits also artifacts derived from Beycesultan Mound and archaeological sites such as Caria, Pisidia and Lydia.The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is surrounded by natural wonders and ancient sites and consists of several sections such as the Statues and Sarcophagi Gallery, Small Artifacts Gallery, Theatre Ruins Gallery and a garden section.
Haci Bektas-i Veli Museum
Among the most important cultural legacies of Nevsehir, the Haci Bektas-i Veli Museum is one of the historical monuments that have survived from the ancient times.The museum is located in the Cappadocia region well known for its scenic views and as the land where Haci Bektas-i Veli spent a significant part of his life. Thanks to this the area attained historical significance, grew in importance and developed over time. Comprised of three courtyards, the museum informs about the basics of Bektashi philosophy and showcases valuable artifacts.
Istanbul Galata Mawlawi House Museum
The Istanbul Galata Mawlawi House Museum is included among the precious and historical museums of Istanbul. Situated in the locality of Tunel in Beyoğlu district, this precious museum attracts also attention as the first Mawlawi House established in the city.The Galata Mawlawi House Museum consists of many parts including the Semahane, the main building, and numerous smaller sections. The museum houses the most valuable items pertaining to Mawlawi culture and is definitely a must-see place. Exhibiting valuable immovables, the museum features also a great collection of calligraphy plates, music instruments, items and clothes of the Mawlawi culture.
Koç Museum
One of Turkey’s most comprehensive private museums, Koç Museum showcases the most unique works at its indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. The museum, which opened its doors in 1994 featuring a special collection of distinguished works, is positioned on the shores of Haliç. Covering an area of 27 thousand square meters, this cultural treasure is comprised of three main sections.Moreover, Koç Museum is the first of its kind dedicated to the industrial and communication sectors in Turkey. Indeed the museum hosts exhibitions that are replaced by new ones periodically. You may encounter numerous artifacts pertaining to the history and cultural values of Turkey at these historical buildings where many events, workshops and training sessions are held.
Miniatürk
How about taking a fast tour through Turkey’s major cities and sightseeing their landmarks? Located in Istanbul, Miniatürk is the world’s largest open air miniature museum displaying the replica of the monuments in Anatolia.The museum covers an area 60 thousand square meters and is located by the banks of the historical Haliç, one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul. Showcasing 1/25 scale model monuments belonging to the Turkish Republic and Ottoman Empire, the museum houses 59 historical structures from Istanbul and 51 historical monuments from diverse regions in Anatolia in addition to 12 world-famous landmarks from around the world.
The Archeology and Mummy Museum of Amasya
Founded in 1925, within the confines of the Sultan Beyazit II Mosque Complex, the Amasya Museum has moved to its current site in 1980. Being one of Turkey’s most outstanding museums, Amasya Museum benefits the location of a beautiful Anatolian city where nature most generously displays its charms.Housing the cultural legacy of eleven different civilizations, the collection of the museum includes archeological and ethnographical findings, in addition to coins, stamps, manuscripts, with the world’s one and only Islamic mummies ever to be displayed.
Iznik Ayasofya Museum (Hagia Sophia Museum in Nicaea)
One of the most important centers both for the Ottoman Empire and Anatolia, the Iznik County houses this museum, converted from a mosque, which was formerly the church where the seventh Ecumenical Council was held.Originally dating from the Roman period, the building was converted into a mosque in 1331, and today it serves as a museum. The frescoes and mosaics from the Byzantium period, together with the sarcophagi are worth seeing.
Alacahoyuk Historic Site and Museum
One of the oldest settlements of human history, Alacahoyuk is located in the city of Corum. The first Alacahoyuk museum that opened in 1940 moved to its present site 42 years later.The collection that occupies two floors of the museum building consists of the finds from the Alacahoyuk and Pazarlı archeological sites, including remains belonging to Phrygian, Hittite and Ottoman periods. We are sure that visitors would be very much interested in the Alacahoyuk Museum, the collection of which grows richer as the new archeological discoveries are made.
Istanbul Military Museum
Boasting rich and diverse collections, the Military Museum is located in Harbiye on an approximately 55,000 meter square site. Founded under the Ottoman rule to train army officers, the Military School grew into a complex with the adjacent buildings, and today, it holds its exhibits in more than 20 rooms.Open to the public except for Monday and Tuesday, the museum also offers concerts by the janissary band of musicians between 15.00 and 16.00.
Yildiz Palace Museum
One of the most esteemed architectural heritages in Istanbul, Yildiz Palace offers its widely ranging collections to the visitors.Built on the section named “the Yildiz Peak” in the Besiktas neighborhood, enjoying a lush green surrounding, the museum holds many precious art works, among which are the personal items of Sultan Abdulhamid II.
Ataturk Congress and Ethnography Museum
Used as the headquarters of the National Struggle for Independence in 1919, this building at the city center was turned into a museum to commemorate its historical role.The documents pertaining to Ataturk and the Sivas Congress, together with the ethnographic items are displayed on the two floors of the museum. The rooms that witnessed the Congress are preserved intact.
Trabzon Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) Museum
Built under the Trebizond Empire in the 13th century, the Hagia Sophia Church was later converted into a mosque. Restored in the 19th century, Ayasofya was turned into a museum in 1964.With its architecture and its elegant works of art, such as the frescoes, floors and domes, Ayasofya Museum is looking forward to hosting its visitors amidst the attractive nature of the Black Sea region.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Located in the capital of Turkey, Ankara, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was awarded the European Museum of the Year in 1997. Consisting of unique artifacts belonging to the civilizations of Anatolia, the collection is one of its kind in the world.
This unique collection preserves the legacy of civilizations ranging from the Paleolithic era and the prehistoric times including Assyrian, Hittite, and the kingdoms of Phrygia and Urartu. It also includes a special section on Ankara.
Didyma Historic Site
A center of prophecy affiliated with Miletus and a city associated with Apollo, Didim is located in Aydin Province. The site of a large-size temple of Apollo, the ancient city is known to be densely populated and frequently visited.
Alexander the Great wanted to rebuild the temple of Apollo, destroyed during the Persian Wars, on an even grander scale but the construction was not completed in centuries. A sacred route connects this temple with Miletus.
Miletus Historic Site
Built as a seaport but today carried inland, Miletus is one of the largest and stately ancient cities. The excavations are still being held in the historic site revealing the metropolis which Miletus was once among the Ionian cities.
The Roman theater with a capacity of 15,000 spectators is the most striking sight of the city. Also of interest are the spas, the oracle center of Delphinium, the Agora and the Gymnasium.
Assos Historic Site
Built in the 6th century BC, located in Canakkale province, Assos was famous in antiquity with its sarcophagi. The Temple of Athena, the only Doric structure in Anatolia, sits atop of a scenic hill in this ancient city where Aristotle lived for a while.
Archeological finds from the ruins can be seen both at the museum in the site and at the Canakkale Museum.
Troia Historic Site
Located in Canakkale, Troia is identified with the legend of the Trojan Horse which has its roots in one of the greatest epics, created by Homer. A site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage, Troia still has ancient secrets to reveal with the excavations still being conducted.
Its first human settlements dating back to the 5th millennium BC, this ancient city was destroyed and rebuilt 9 times. In addition to the historic riches, Troia charms its visitors by its striking natural beauties as well.
Gaziantep – Zeugma Mosaics Museum
One of the world’s unique museums, Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep province holds a collection of important mosaic scenes and work of art from the ancient city of Zeugma and its environs.
In the 30,000 meter squares of this museum complex, you can see the findings excavated and carefully restored.
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Built in Karia, an important region of the antique world, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology houses many distinctive underwater finds.
Situated in The Bodrum Castle of The Knights of St. John, the museum is one of its kind in Turkey, and one of the few in the world.
Sumela Monastery
Also known as Virgin Mary, the monastery, located in Macka in Trabzon province, is built into the rocky cliffs. Consisting of many buildings, the monastery dates back to the Roman era and came to eminence in the 19th century.
Luring its visitors into the heart of nature, all the buildings of the monastery will open as soon as the ongoing restoration is completed.
Derinkuyu Underground City:
85 meters below the ground with a complete city structure, Derinkuyu underground city is located in Nevsehir province. This underground city contains many sophisticated structures such as ventilation, church, stable and cellar, but only one-tenth of the city is accessible.
Some of the wells in the site have no connection with the ground level in case of poisoning during an invasion. So visitors who want to get a taste of a dramatically different life under the ground will be attracted by this place.
Zelve Open Air Museum:
Situated in Nevsehir province, Zelve houses the most number of the world-famous Fairy Chimneys. Zelve is an important Christian center since it is the place where the first religious seminars for priests were held.
Built on the hillsides, Zelve spans three valleys. The first settlements were carved into rocks and Direkli Church is one of the first monasteries around.
Pergamon Acropolis Archeological Site
Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the Acropolis in Izmir province has preserved many of its structures and works of art. Built on several levels of mounds, the ancient site of Pergamon Acropolis is extraordinarily rich in archeological findings.
Many architectural remains such as the Sanctuary of Athena, the altar of Zeus, the Library of Pergamon, the heroons and Arsenal can be seen in full detail.
Ephesus Archeological Museum
Ephesus Archeological Museum: This museum in Izmir province houses the archeological finds from the site where one of the most sophisticated civilizations once thrived. The exhibitions are organized in terms of their excavation sites.
Shedding light into the history of Ephesus and Anatolia, the museum is divided into two sections as archeology and ethnography.
Also of interest are the terrace houses and the basilica of St. John.
Hagia Sophia Museum
Built during the Byzantine era, the grand churches of Hagia Sophia were turned into a mosque complex after Istanbul’s conquest, which was eventually turned into a museum by the time the modern Turkish Republic was founded.
Rebuilt three times at the same site, Hagia Sophia houses the museum with an outstanding mosaic collection. Of the original ceiling mosaics from the 6th century, the ones with plant and geometric designs are well-preserved.
İstanbul Archeology Museum
Built during the Ottoman era, the museum complex provided a background for the development of museology in Turkey. The buildings of the complex are themselves of historic significance.
The strikingly rich collection is divided into three sections as Archeological Museum, Ancient Orient Museum and Tiled Kiosk Museum.
Chora Museum
Decorated with precious mosaics and frescoes, Chora Museum was originally built during the Byzantine era as a church. After the conquest of Istanbul it was turned into a mosque, and under the modern Republic of Turkey the building was opened to public as a museum. This church is known to serve as the court chapel during religious ceremonies. This church carries the imprint of the typical Byzantine architecture.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum
The Great Palace Mosaic Museum harbors the mosaics excavated from the courtyard of the Great Palace built during the Byzantine period.
The mosaics depict scenes of everyday life and natural themes, such as a griffon eating a lizard, a combat between an elephant and a lion, a woman carrying a pot, and bears eating apples.
İstanbul Topkapı Palace Museum
Built on a domineering point along the Bosphorus after the conquest of Istanbul, the palace is located on the tip of the historic peninsula. Used as state headquarters as well as home to the sultans until the 19th century during the Ottoman reign, Topkapi Palace was opened to public as a museum after the declaration of the Republic.
Spanning 700,000 meter squares of an area, the palace offers visitors its vast collection of more than 80,000 pieces of artwork, in addition to the temporary exhibits.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
The construction of this first Turkish museum started in the 19th century within the confines of the Suleimaniye Mosque Complex. Focusing on the Turkish and Islamic arts, the collection consists of approximately 33,000 pieces, exemplifying each historic era.
Among the few of its kind, the museum is also famous for its rich collection of rugs, and known as the Rug Museum. Rare pieces such as Seljuk rugs to the ones known in Europe as Holbein rugs are exhibited here.
Mevlana (Rumi) Museum
The museum was originally a Rose Garden in the Seljuk Palace and was later presented as a gift to Rumi’s father and made a Dervish Lodge. The Mevlana Museum in Konya has many divisions, hosting many valuable articles.Also known as the Green Mausoleum, the museum spans 18,000 meter squares, and is the second most visited destination after Topkapi.
Ataturk and the War of Independence Museum
Opened to public in 2002, the museum is located below the Hall of Honor in Ataturk’s Mausoleum. In addition to exhibition pieces, visitors can also peek into Ataturk’s Private Library.
Holding many historically significant articles, exhibition area with a size of 3,000 meter squares is divided into four main sections.
Ankara Etnography Museum
Built in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Ankara called Namazgah, the Ethnography Museum was also Ataturk’s first resting place for 15 years before Anıtkabir (Mausoleum). The collection holds the legacy of Turkish arts dating back from the Seljuks till today.
This is the first state museum to be planned and built to host this huge cultural legacy. Significantly, its creator is one of modern Turkey’s first architects, Arif Hikmet.
Hatay Archaeology Museum
Unique in the world with its rich collection of more than 35,000 pieces, Hatay Archeology Museum hosts the priceless mosaics known to history. Some of museum’s holdings are exhibited in 20 other museums around the world.
Although predominantly belonging to the Byzantine era, the dates of the mosaics range from the antiquity to the great empires that ruled over Antakya (Antioch).
İstanbul Museum of Modern Art
Turkey’s first modern art museum, Istanbul Modern is located in the Karakoy seaport, hosting many permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Many works of imagination ranging from painting and sculpture to video and installation is waiting for its visitors. The setting for international art events such as the Istanbul Bienal, the museum reflects the modern face of art in Turkey.
Pera Museum
The impressive collection of the Pera Museum has been hosting art lovers since 2005. Within the Pera Film concept, independent film presentations together with parallel film sessions with exhibitions are held. In addition, the museum organizes workshops for children and young adults.Hosting many international exhibitions, the museum holds in its permanent collection famous paintings such as “Tortoise Trainer” by Osman Hamdi Bey and “Maid Servant” by Jules-Joseph Lefebvre.
Ishak Pasha Palace
Built in the Byzantine era in Dogu Beyazit district in the province of Agri, the palace is remarkable both for its architecture and art history. The palace complex carries the imprint of Seljuk, Ottoman and Persian architectural styles.The palace with its many sections such as the mausoleum, the mosque, first and second courts, harem and men’s quarters is sure to take you on a mysterious trip in time.
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