Museums in Turkey

The Archaeological Museum in Ephesus displays archaeological findings from the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO world heritage site. It houses statues of goddesses Artemis, Aphrodite, Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, and other Roman emperors. Some of the oldest coins and utensils in history are also part of the exhibit. Visitors can view a dynamic 3D videography of ancient Ephesus.

Located in the Atpazarı area of Ankara, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is based in two Ottoman buildings near the Ankara Castle. The museum houses artefacts, handicrafts, tools, and furniture, among more pieces of history from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze ages.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is an art museum situated in the Fatih district’s Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the former palace of Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha, it is Turkey’s first museum to feature both Turkish and Islamic art together. The museum is filled with collections of manuscripts and inscriptions in calligraphy, Islamic paintings, traditional handwoven and detailed fabrics, and ancient artefacts. It is also famous for the best rug collection in the world, with some being rare 13th-century Seljuk carpets.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum, commonly known as just Istanbul Museum, It is an artist’s paradise and Turkey's first modern and contemporary art museum.The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art focuses on collecting, preserving, and showcasing modern and contemporary art, including photography, design, architecture, new media, and cinema. It serves as a bridge for sharing Turkey's cultural identity with the global art community.

One of the largest archaeological museums in the city, the Antalya museum is located just 3 km west of Kalekapisi in Konyaalti. It consists of 13 large exhibition halls and one open-air exhibit. Ancient sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses, Hercules marble statue, pottery, sarcophagi and the Ottoman collection of weapons, apparel, and artefacts from the Old Stone Age are showcased here.

The Topkapi Palace is a majestic building which served as the main residence of the Ottoman emperors for nearly 400 years. Today it serves as one of the most important museums in Istanbul. It contains some of the rarest items in the world.The Topkapı Palace Museum in Istanbul displays the Ottoman Empire's imperial collections and houses a substantial library of books and manuscripts.

The Mevlana Museum is also popularly known as Mevlana Mausoleum or the Mevlana Cultural Center. The museum is dedicated to the 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, also known as Mevlana or Rumi. Situated in the former dervish convent (tekke) where Rumi and his family lived and worked, it contains a collection of artefacts, manuscripts, and other items related to Rumi and the Mevlevi Order of Sufism.

Arguably the most spectacular example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia has been a cathedral, a mosque, and today is a museum and one of the country's biggest attractions. The intricate mosaics and frescoes throughout this majestic mosque are marvellous.

Chora Museum, also known as Kariye Museum,is located in Edirnekapı neighbourhood of Istanbul. It is popular as one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches of the 16th-century which was converted into a mosque and finally a museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered in stunning mosaics depicting the life of Christ and Mary. These mosaics can be followed like a graphic novel. For many, the importance of the Chora Museum is as great as Hagia Sophia. The best way to get to this part of town is to catch the Golden Horn ferry from Karaköy.

The Dolmabahce Palace was the main residence of operation for the Ottomans after the Topkapi. It is built along the Bosphorus Strait and is another stunning imperial structure which today serves as a major tourist attraction. It is home to the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. In 1984 the palace was converted into a museum.

The Mersin Naval Museum is dedicated to the Turkish Navy and the country's history. It features a collection of ancient artifacts and exhibits like weapons, navigation instruments, uniforms, medals, and photographs. Home to a unique collection, including the oldest anchor in the world, and a 17th-century Ottoman warship, the museum is a cultural pride!

The world's largest mosaic museum, located near Gaziantep, showcases an impressive collection of mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma. These Roman and Late Antique mosaics are renowned as some of the world's finest. Among them, "The Gypsy Girl," a small yet magnificent mosaic, stands out as the museum's most famous piece.