Istanbul Archaeology Museums

The main building contains a large selection of Hittite and Byzantine telework and sculpture. Gary Owens

The ubiquitous cats of Istanbul also roam the Archaeology Museums grounds Gary Owens

Welcoming party at the gate entrance to the Istanbul Archaeology Museums complex Gary Owens

The main museum building contains numerous stylized sculptures of large cats Gary Owens

Partial reconstruction of an enigmatic Hittite Gary Owens

A large Byzantine cat stands guard Gary Owens

Twin sphinxes Gary Owens

The main building of the Archaeology Museums complex http://istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr/

The cats just keep coming Gary Owens

More Islamic tilework Gary Owens

Islamic tilework Gary Owens

Sarcophagus detail Gary Owens

Details on the Sarcophagus of Alexander (which does not contain Alexander) Gary Owens

Just one example of the impressive tile work in the Tiled Kiosk Museum Gary Owens

Fittingly, the Tiled Kiosk Museum is thoroughly tiled, even on the exterior Gary Owens

The Archaeological Museums are a virtual dumping ground for a vast number of sculptures and artwork from all corners of the ancient world. This particular hallway leads to the public restroom. Gary Owens

Artemis Gary Owens

Appropriately, cats line the exit, as well. Gary Owens

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums comprise three stand-alone museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art (also known as the Tiled Kiosk Museum). In total, the Museums house over one million objects that represent almost all of the eras and civilizations from world history.