The Culture and Art in Istanbul

Istanbul which is the central location for domestic and foreign traffic is acting with this characteristic like a crossing point. One third of the tourists visiting Turkey enters the country via Istanbul. Within this frame Istanbul is the host to the Turkey’s largest harbour and airport.

There is no need to get surprised that with its significant location both for Turkey and for the World Istanbul is also one of the important culture and art center’s of the world. Istanbul which is a mosaic that gets together various cultures since thousands of year, became the European Cultural Capital in 2010.

We may begin with the locations that you must visit despite the fact that the limited times are never enough to know the Istanbul’s art world and to discover the cities’ cultural heritage.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum that is opened in 1891 by the artist and archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey, possesses a broad collection that consists pieces from the civilizations within the boundaries of Ottoman Empire as Balkans, Africa, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Arabic Peninsula and Afghanistan. The building has three parts as Complex, Archaeological Museum (main building), Ancient Orient Art Museum and Cinili Kosk Museum.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Istanbul Modern Art Museum, has been opened to the visitors in the year 2004. The museum that is located in Tophane, possesses in its collection the significant samples of the Turkish painting and video art. The museum is also hosting the international periodical exhibitions.

Pera Museum

Another museum of Istanbul is the Pera Museum that is located in Taksim region, in Tepebaşı quarter. Beside the permanent exhibitions as Anatolian Weight and Measuring Instruments Collection and Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection, also periodical exhibitons from the world are also presented to the visitors.

Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Sakıp Sabancı Museum that is located in Emirgan is one of the important art stations of the Bosphorus. Besides the permanent collections of the art of calligraphy, painting and archaeological objects periodical domestic and foreign exhibitions are also presented to the artlovers.

Beyoğlu

Not to talk about Beyoglu would be a mistake when talking about culture-art, museum and exhibitions. Because Beyoglu is the location where Istanbul’s culture-art life’s pulse is. A full day that you cn spare for the art centers, commercial and independent art galleries located on the Istiklal Street, Tophane and Galata may offer you detailed information about the world modern art.

With the effect of Istanbul Biennial that is organized every two years that gave Istanbul a special place in the international modern art arena, offers its guests numerous alternatives.