Istanbul Archaeological Museum – Where Gods Fall 🏛️✨

If you love history, then this museum in Turkey is a must-visit! Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Ticket Price: 15 EUR The Istanbul Archaeological Museum (Archaeological Museum) opened in 1891 and is Turkey's first museum, part of the "Istanbul Museum of Archaeology Complex." It houses over 1 million artifacts, spanning from the Ottoman Empire to the present day. The most significant treasures are four giant sarcophagi from the 4th century BC. History 📜 In the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire underwent modernization, and politicians began proposing the establishment of museums inspired by European countries. In 1867, Sultan Abdulaziz visited Paris, London, and Vienna, where he was deeply impressed by their archaeological museums. Upon his return, he ordered the construction of the "Imperial Museum" in 1869. Due to limited budgets, construction didn’t begin until 1881, and the museum officially opened in 1891 under the name "Istanbul Archaeological Museum." Designed by Osman Hamdi Bey and Alexander Vallaury, the building is considered a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. The triangular pediment features the words "Archaeological Museum" in Ottoman script. By 2019, the museum welcomed over 400,000 visitors annually. Exhibits and Collection 🗿 The museum's collection began with artifacts gathered from Hagia Sophia. Thanks to the Ottoman Empire's "Protection of Cultural Goods" decree, provinces donated archaeological finds and handicrafts, growing the collection to over 1 million items. Key highlights include: Four giant sarcophagi A statue of Alexander the Great Approximately 800,000 Ottoman coins Ancient Roman artifacts The four sarcophagi date back to the 5th-4th century BC and were excavated by Ottoman archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey from the Royal Necropolis in Sidon, Lebanon. The Alexander Sarcophagus: Created in the late 4th century BC, it depicts Alexander the Great leading the Macedonian army in the Battle of Issus. The exquisite carvings showcase ancient burial art. 🐎⚔️ The Tabnit Sarcophagus: Made in 490 BC, it belonged to Tabnit, the Phoenician king of Sidon. The coffin is inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphs and Phoenician script. 📜👑 #HistoryAndArt 🎨 #ArtNeverEnds 🖼️ #FrozenPoetry 🏛️ #ArtInMuseums 🖌️ #GlobalTravel 🌍 #TurkeyTravel 🇹🇷 #Istanbul #Museum #History #SculptureArt 🗿✨