Must-See Museums in Istanbul
Istanbul is a city embraced by the history. There is a story hidden in each street of the city inviting you to a travel in time. This magical city has hosted different civilizations throughout the ages. Many different cultures have been blended with each other on this land and created a unique mosaic.
You can view the rich heritage of Istanbul more precisely while touring the city and exploring the museums. All of the museums here tell their own stories and bring the traces of the past to the present time. Let’s visit the Istanbul museums together, which are full of interesting works of art.
The Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern stands out as one of the most historical beauties of Istanbul. Nowadays, many tourists visit this place every year. This special place was built in 532 upon the order of the Byzantine Emperor Justiniaus I. The purpose was to supply the water needs of everyone living in the palace and in the surrounding areas. Did you know that this place has a water capacity of 100 thousand tons? Its length is 140 meters and its width is 70 meters. You can visit the Basilica Cistern by walking down 52 steps.
Istanbul Fethiye Museum: Pammakaristos Monastery
Istanbul Fethiye Museum: Pammakaristos Monastery is ranked Number Two on our list. This place was built in 1292 and has survived until today without any damage. The first completed part is the North Church and it was built in the name of the Virgin Mary. Then, the Great Church was built upon the order of Mikhail Palagiogos’ wife Maria. In the meantime, another smaller church was built next to the North Church upon their instruction. In this place, which is recognized as an additional church, there are the graves of Mikhail and Maria.
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts was opened inside the Süleymaniye Complex under the name of Evkaf-ı Islamiye Museum. Upon the proclamation of the Republic, it started to be mentioned with its existing name as the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. This museum was opened to visitors only after 1983. The artifacts that you can view in the museum are all the items that shed light on the culture of the Turks throughout the history. It is possible to view the textile products, metal objects, weapons used in wars and carpets.
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is open to service since 2004. This is the first museum of modern arts founded in our country with the help of private initiatives. This museum, built on a land of 8000 square meters, has hosted millions of local and foreign tourists since its opening. The museum includes galleries, exhibitions, library, cinema hall, free training courses, restaurant, workshops and spaces dedicated for social project works. You can visit it whenever you want.
The Hagia Irene Museum
The Hagia Irene Museum is one of the most important museums that you should visit in Istanbul City. This place was built in the beginning of the fourth century. It is impossible to convert the Hagia Irene, one of the largest Byzantine churches, into a mosque due to its structure. Besides, the Hagia Irene, which remains inside the area called the Wall of Sultans around the Topkapi Palace, could not be converted into a mosque for this reason either. Unfortunately, this museum was damaged due to an earthquake that took place in the 700s. However, it still survives.
The Panorama 1453 History Museum
The Panorama 1453 History Museum contains the works of art depicting the Conquest of Istanbul. This is the first panoramic museum built in our country. This is also the only covered panoramic museum in the world. When you enter the first floor, you can view that the Conquest of Istanbul is briefly depicted. You will see the panoramic photograph on the dome of the museum; you can review it as you wish. This is such a photograph that makes you feel like you are walking outdoors.
The Galata Mevlevi House Museum
The Galata Mevlevi House Museum was built in 1491 upon the order of Divane Mehmed Dede, the Sheikh of Afyon Mevlevi House. This is the first Mevlevi House in the city of Istanbul. Continued to serve as a school after the proclamation of the Republic, it was started to be used as a Museum of Divan Literature since 1975. In this museum, you can see the Semahane, Dervish Rooms, Şeyh Galip Tomb, Halet Efendi Tomb, Mahfil areas and the musical instruments used for semahs.
The Harbiye Military Museum
Your last stop is the Harbiye Military Museum. The history of this museum dates back to the 15th century. When you come to this museum, you can visit the library, the cinema hall and the mehter band, and learn about the conception of contemporary museology. You can take a short tour into the depths of the history while reviewing the numerous works of art in the Harbiye Military Museum.
As you can see it, Istanbul stands out as a city quite rich in terms of museums. When you come to Istanbul, you can visit these interesting museums and take a very useful general culture tour here.
