Sadberk Haným Museum (Private Museum)

Fax.: (+90212) 242 03 65

Info Telefon: (+90212) 242 38 13 -14

Museum closed Wednesday
October-May : 10.00 - 17.00 h
April-September: 10.00 - 17.00 h

Yedikulehisari Museum

Info Telefon: 0-212-5858933

Open between 9.00-16.30 everyday except Wednesdays.

Yedikule hisari or shortly Yedikule, being one of important architectural arts of Istanbul is on the south of city land water and under authority of Directorate of Hisarlar Museum in the same town.
The land part of Hisar was built during reign of Theodosios II (408-450) as the most important entrance of the city walls and also an additional construction was made behind Porta Aurea having an important place in Byzantine history. 4 years after conquer of Istanbul, an inner castle was built by Sultan Mehmet II in 1457-1458. Thus Byzantine and Ottoman Period buildings combined.
The walls of Yedikulehisar are in shape of stars.
There is one door on city side. No building was made adjacent to walls.

There one disdar(castle guard), dizdar assistant, 6 officer and 50 soldiers. There was a disdar's house and 12 guards' houses. Even the traces of shelters and store houses not reaching today can be seen at present. Only a minaret of the mescid remained until 1905 located in the centre of the courtyard and fountain in the front can be seen. The mescid had a quarter which was pictured in a picture of 17th century, and the time of destruction of the quarter is not known either.

There are stone artillery shot, marble column head, column part and baked soil cubic, totally 17 parts now exhibited in open exhibition.
 

Panorama 1453 History Museum

Fax.: +90212 664 19 64

Info Telefon: +902124151453
Besucher-Email: info@panoramikmuze.com
https://www.panoramikmuze.com/en...

Municipality of Istanbul

https://www.panoramikmuze.com/en/visit-hours

The Panorama 1453 History Museum, established by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2009, holds the title of ‘the world’s first full-panoramic museum’. As one of the most popular spots in Istanbul, the museum gives its visitors a chance to relive the conquest of Istanbul.

The morning of May 29, 1453 was immortalised by virtue of good efforts by the at Topkapı Culture Park, the area where the conquest was dreamt of, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan supported the construction so that we set out on a journey through the history and remember the never-ending story of the city of Istanbul.

Panorama 1453 Museum of History was opened by on January 31, 2009 upon participation of the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Istanbul metropolitan Municipality gained the museum for our city. As it is situated across the city walls of Topkapı-Edirnekapı where the siege took place, Panorama 1453 Museum of History functions as the gateways that open up the city of Istanbul to the history, and is operated by Kültür A.Ş.

As İBB Kültür A.Ş., we freeze the historical moment through Panorama 1453 Museum of History, which will definitely shed light to our past and present, and bestow it as a gift to the future.

We hope that your enthusiasm for the conquest remains as fresh and permanent as is, and gives inspiration for the conqueror of the future…
 

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Info Telefon: 00902125207740
Besucher-Email: info@istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr
http://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr...

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

TURSAB The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies

09:00 - 17:00
Hours of Ticket Sale : 09:00 - 16:00

The museum is closed on Mondays.

Serefiye (Theodosius) Cistern Museum

Fax.: +90 212 568 60 85

Info Telefon: +902125686080
Besucher-Email: info@serefiyesarnici.istanbul
https://www.serefiyesarnici.istanbul/en...

Municipality of Istanbul

09.00-18.30 h

One of the historical cisterns in our city is the Şerefiye Cistern. The cistern, which was built for the purpose of storing water from the Bozdoğan Arch, was completed by order of the Byzantine Emperor 2. Theodosius.

One of the historical cisterns in our city is the Şerefiye Cistern. The cistern, which was built for the purpose of storing water from the Bozdoğan Arch, was completed by order of the Byzantine Emperor 2. Theodosius.

The modern entrance of the cistern in the district of Fatih district was located on Piyer Loti Street, which was formerly used as the Eminönü Municipality. In 2010, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Eminonu's old town hall was demolished and a restoration work was started in the region, including the Şerefiye Cistern.

The last years of the cistern with a continuous restoration of visitors could not be accepted. These restoration works, which lasted for about 8 years, ended recently and the Şerefiye Cistern was recently reopened.

This cistern has an area size of approximately 45 m x 25 m.

This smaller building, which is smaller than the Basilica Cistern and the Binbirdirek Cistern, both as a column and an area, is approximately 1600 years old and older than these two famous cisterns. It was also known as Constantinus or Theodosius Cistern in the past, but since the 19th century it is generally called the Şerefiye Cistern.

The most striking feature is that this cistern, like the Basilica Cistern, is connected to the Binbirdirek Cistern. No detailed studies have been done on the subject, but more comprehensive studies will be done on this subject.
 

Topkapı Palace Museum and Gardens

Fax.: +90(212) 259 32 92

Info Telefon: +902125120480
Besucher-Email: info@millisaraylar.gov.tr
https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/pala...

Directorate of National Palaces

https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/visiting-information

Following the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the construction of the Topkapı Palace was started in 1460 at the request of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and was completed in 1478. Topkapı Palace, which was not built simultaneously with all the additional buildings, such as the case is with Dolmabahçe Palace, was enlarged with the supplementary buildings added until the 19th century.

Topkapı Palace is located in one of the oldest historical regions of Istanbul. Located on the historical Istanbul peninsula between the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the palace is one of the iconic structures of Istanbul. Topkapı Palace, established on an area of 700,000 square meters on the Eastern Roman acropolis in Sarayburnu, was the administrative, educational and artistic center of the empire for approximately four hundred years from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to the 31st Sultan Abdülmecid, as well as housing the dynasty. Although Topkapı Palace was gradually abandoned by the mid-19th century when the dynasty slowly moved to Dolmabahçe Palace, it preserved its historical importance and value.

After the founding of the Republic of Turkey, Topkapı Palace was converted into a museum on April 3, 1924, having the distinction of being the first museum of the Republic. Today, Topkapı Palace is one of the largest palace-museums in the world with its buildings, architecture, collections and approximately 300,000 archive documents.

Upon entering the sultanate gate, the palace structures consist of four transitional courtyards and the surrounding architectural structures. Among the palace structures surrounded by gardens and squares, are the first courtyard known as Alay Square, Hagia Eirene Church, Royal Mint, bakery, hospital, wood warehouse, and wicker makers' house.

The second courtyard of the palace is Divan Square, notable for being where the state administration takes place, also called Justice Square. Divan-ı Hümayun (Kubbealtı), the scene of many ceremonies throughout history, was the official meeting place of the Divan council, and the treasury is located right next to it. The Justice Tower is located behind the Divan structure, the entrance to the Harem next to Kubbealtı, with the courtyard also housing the Ward of the “Zülüflü” Guards (The Tressed Halberdiers) and the Royal Stables.

The third courtyard of the palace is also called Enderun Courtyard. In this section houses the Sultan's Audience Hall, Enderun Treasure, the Privy Room, as well as structures such as the Palace School established during the reign of Sultan Murat II.

In the fourth courtyard, which is the last courtyard, there are pavilions and hanging gardens of the Sultan. In this section, there are the Baghdad and Revan Pavilions and the Iftaree Gazebo, which are the most distinguished and aesthetically advanced examples of Ottoman classical mansion architecture. In the lower part of the fourth courtyard, Mecidiye Pavilion and the Wardrobe Chamber are the last buildings of the palace.


 

Dolmabahçe Palace Museum and Gardens

Fax.: +90(212) 259 32 92

Info Telefon: +90(212)2369000
Besucher-Email: info@millisaraylar.gov.tr
https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/pala...

Directorate of National Palaces

https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/visiting-information

Dolmabahçe Palace, the elegant palace of the Bosphorus, is one of the most magnificent symbolic structures of the Ottoman Empire's changing 19th century identity.

The coastal area of Beşiktaş, where Dolmabahçe Palace is located, is an area that has been the scene of shipping activities in the past as one of the bays of the Bosphorus. This bay, which was a natural harbor for ships to take refuge since antiquity, also attracted the rulers during the Byzantine period and royal palaces were built in this region.

The coastal area, which served as a port where navy ships were anchored and maritime ceremonies were performed during the Ottoman period, was named “dolmabağçe” after the sea was filled in the 16th century. Although the official residence was Topkapı Palace, the “dolmabağçe” region became one of the preferred places to visit and has been used as a royal garden belonging to the sultan and the dynasty. In the 19th century, the group of mansions and pavilions built on this garden were collectively called “Beşiktaş Coastal Palace”. The influence of the trend of renewal and modernization of the 19th century was also reflected in the palaces, as well as in the culture and administration of the Ottoman Empire. Dolmabahçe Palace, which has the title of being the third largest palace structure of Istanbul today, is the most magnificent work created by this trend of renewal.

The structures of Beşiktaş Coastal Palace were considered to be incomplete in terms of functionality during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861). These structures were demolished and Dolmabahçe Palace was built in their place during this period. The construction of the palace started on June 13, 1843, and was completed on June 7, 1856. It is situated on an area of 110 thousand square meters, dominating the magnificent view of the Bosphorus..
 

Paintings Museum

Fax.: +90(212) 259 32 92

Besucher-Email: info@millisaraylar.gov.tr
https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/muse...

Directorate of National Palaces

Open for visits every day 09:00 to 17:00, except Mondays. Reservation is required for group trips.
https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/visiting-information

Painting Museum
Beginning with the Tanzimat reforms, the living quarters of heirs to the throne at Dolmabahçe Palace (the “Veliahd Residence”), also became the architectural symbol of the conclusion of the princes’ introverted life and the transition to their days of freedom.

After approximately seven years of restoration work, the Veliahd Residence was turned into a museum of contemporary museology standards and presented to the art lovers as “National Palaces Painting Museum”. The museum, which operates under the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, as a part of the Directorate of National Palaces, consists of 11 sections in thematic integrity.

Sultan Abdülmecid / Sultan Abdülaziz Hall
The first section of the museum is the hall displaying the portraits of Sultan Abdülmecid and Sultan Abdülaziz. Sultan Abdülmecit, who had the Dolmabahçe Palace built, and the Sultan's brother Abdulaziz, for whom the Veliahd Residence was commissioned, are two important figures in the 19th century Ottoman history.

Westernization in the Ottoman Empire
The evidence of the changes seen in the military and social spheres of the Ottoman Empire, which has been in intensive communication with the West since the beginning of the 18th century, can be traced in this section.

Caliph Abdülmecid Efendi / Istanbul Views
This part of the museum is the library of the Caliph Abdülmecit Efendi in the Veliahd Residence. Caliph Abdülmecit Efendi, who was the last successor and the last caliph of the Ottoman Empire, was interested in almost all fields of art, especially calligraphy and music. Caliph Abdülmecit Efendi had settled in Dolmabahçe Palace after he was elected caliph and moved his library there. This section hosts paintings of Istanbul vistas belonging to local and foreign artists.

Paintings Purchased for the Palace from the Goupil Gallery
This section consists of paintings bought from the Goupil Art Gallery in Paris during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz. The paintings purchased during this period reflect the tastes of Sultan Abdülaziz and his aide Şeker Ahmed Pasha. For the first time in the Ottoman palace, a collection of Western-style paintings was created during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz in the Dolmabahçe Palace.

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky Hall
The most spectacular space of the building is the Ceremony Hall with its plated and composite plastered walls. This hall is reserved for the famous Russian painter Aivazovsky, whose paintings are mostly about the sea and reflect light and shadow in a remarkable harmony.

Palace Painters
Sultan Abdülaziz worked with the Polish painter Stanislaw Chlebowski as a court painter. During the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II, the Italian painter Luigi Acquarone served as a court painter, and another Italian painter Fausto Zonaro replaced him following his death. This section consists of the paintings of the names who work as palace artists.

Orientalist Painters; The Charm of the East
Orientalist paintings depict the East from the European point of view, with scenes that highlight the cultural characteristics of the inspired regions.

Aides as Artists
This section is devoted to the works of painters who combine their military identities with their artistry such as Osman Nuri Paşa and Şeker Ahmet Paşa.

Turkish Painters (1870-1890)
In this section, the works of the Turkish artists considered to be the second and third generations of westernized Turkish painting, such as Şeker Ahmed Paşa, Süleyman Seyyid, Osman Hamdi Bey and Halil Paşa, are displayed.

Portraits and Compositions on History / Landscape in the Ottoman Palace
The center section of the hall is devoted to portraits and historical compositions. The landscape paintings of many local and foreign artists are displayed in this part.

Turkish Painters (1890-1930)
The last two sections of the museum are devoted to the works of the artists who constitute the third and fourth generation of Turkish painting in the Western sense. In these sections, the works of artists such as Hüseyin Zekâi Pasha, Hoca Ali Rıza, Şevket Dağ, İbrahim Çallı and Hikmet Onat are exhibited.
 

Yıldız Palace Museum and Gardens

Fax.: +90(212) 259 32 92

Info Telefon: +90(0212)2583080
Besucher-Email: info@millisaraylar.gov.tr
https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/pala...

Directorate of National Palaces

https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/visiting-information

The first building in Yıldız Gardens was built upon the orders of Mihrişah Sultan, the mother of Sultan Selim III. In the following years Mahmud II, Sultan Abdülmecid and Sultan Abdülaziz also gave importance to the region, which experienced its peak during the reign of Abdülhamid II. The palace complex, which Abdülhamid was particularly interested in every detail of, expanded from year to year and its surface area reached five hundred thousand square meters in time.

Yıldız Palace, which was constructed as the administrative center of the state, reflects Sultan Abdülhamid II's political attitude. The modern and simple mentality of the architecture, the fact that each unit is located in separate buildings, reveals an understanding that puts the sultan as the absolute ruler of the state and preserves the distance between the rulers and the officials. This is in sharp contrast to the intertwined bureaucratic structure of the Dolmabahçe Palace. This architectural approach is similar to the tradition in Topkapı Palace. The high walls surrounding the palace are interpreted as a way of protecting the sultan and his family against possible threats.

Yıldız Palace as a Center of Culture and Crafts
In addition to being the administrative center of the state during the reign of Abdülhamid II, Yıldız Palace also became a cultural and craft center with the addition of many buildings and manufacturing facilities. The presence of a printing house, a photography workshop, a theater, a painting gallery, small museums, a music studio and an observatory describes the Yıldız Palace as a space dedicated to culture and art. On the other hand, a china factory was established in the palace for the production of tiles and porcelain products, another one of the interests of the sultan, and the palace became a production center where traditional culture was lived. The sultan sent gifts of china and porcelain produced here to the rulers of the countries he had befriended. Abdülhamid also displayed an interest in carpentry, having a specialized woodworking shop built on the compound, he personally produced many important works, especially in carving. Sultan Abdülhamid II was forced to leave the Yıldız Palace in 1909. The Sultan, who was deposed and sent to Thessaloniki following the 31 March incident, never returned to Yıldız Palace after he arrived in Istanbul in 1912, spending the rest of his life in Beylerbeyi Palace.
 

Ihlamur Pavilions Museum and Gardens

Fax.: +90(212) 259 32 92

Info Telefon: +902122595086
Besucher-Email: info@millisaraylar.gov.tr
https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/pavi...

Directorate of National Palaces

https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/visiting-information

The pavilion of joy and happiness: Nüzhetiye

The Ihlamur buildings were ordered by Sultan Abdülmecid to be built by Karabet Balyan, one of the most famous architects of the period and the palace foreman. Constructed in the period from 1849 to 1855, the landscaping was done by the German gardeners working at the Dolmabahçe Palace.

Sultan Abdülmecid saw the name “Nüzhetiye”, meaning “freshness, joy and happiness,'' appropriate for the region where Ihlamur Pavilions are located. Situated on an area of 24,724 square meters, the Ihlamur Pavilions consist of two structures, one for the official works and ceremonies of Sultan Abdülmecid, the Ceremony Pavilion, and the other for the Sultan's entourage and occasionally for the harem, the Retinue Pavilion.

Traces of Baroque period in Ottoman architecture

The Ceremony Pavilion has a striking and ornate appearance. The Baroque architectural mentality is visible in the design of the two-armed staircase in front of the building and the façade of the mansion, the decorations of the rooms on both sides of the entrance hall and in the furniture. The Ceremony Pavilion, which is surrounded by cut stone and decorated mainly with marble, can be visited as a museum today.

The Retinue Pavilion has a two-armed staircase similar to the one in the Ceremony Pavilion, although it has been designed with a simpler and more traditional approach than its counterpart. The upstairs hall is surrounded by four rooms of the same size. The walls of these rooms are covered with different colored stuccoes. Today, the garden of the Retinue Pavilion serves as a resting place.

During the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, who ascended to the throne after the death of his brother, Sultan Abdülmecid, Ihlamur Pavilion was the venue of various entertainment events and wrestling tournaments. Frequently visited by the sultan and his entourage, Ihlamur Pavilions were granted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on March 3, 1924. The compound was allocated to the Istanbul Municipality in 1951, finally being transferred to National Palaces in 1966. The buildings, which were opened to visitors as a museum-palace in 1985, have reached their present appearance when the restoration works were completed in 1987.