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Best lesser-known (or undervalued) Museums and historical sites in Istanbul

Posted by (Chicago, USA) on

For a real history/art history buff, what are the best historic sites or museums in Istanbul? I'm thinking of places either NOT covered, or glossed over, in Rick's Istanbul book or Frommer's. I'm thinking ancient, Byzantine, or Ottoman era.

My main trip will be 4 days with family (people with a much lower museum tolerance); I may stay on by myself to cover some things in greater depth. Plus, if there are nuts like me out there (I'm the sort that would spend 4 days in the Vatican collection and feel like I missed too much), how much add-on time should I allow for the Topkapi Palace Museum collections?

Posted by
4 posts

Kariye Camii is a small Byzantine church just outside old Istanbul and attracts attention because of its rich mosaics and frescoes. The original structure was built in 534 in the reign of Justinian. This is in the guide books, closed on Tuesdays, I believe, but not to be missed. The restaurant next door is elegant and provides a rich assortment of Ottoman cuisine made with authentic ingredients dating back 500 years. I was there last year and will return.

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