In the heart of Istanbul, the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum reveals an extraordinary legacy with mosaics and archaeological finds that allow visitors to explore centuries of history in a single space.
The mosaics adorning the ancient floors and walls are much more than decorative elements. Beyond the mythological scenes, they offer valuable insight into the social life of their time and bring the past to life through stone and colour. As a land that has welcomed countless civilisations over millennia, Turkey welcomes visitors with its unique mosaic heritage, which includes some of the finest examples in the world and extends throughout the country, transforming these places into living art galleries of world heritage. This extraordinary and beautiful heritage can now be discovered in the heart of Istanbul, in the city’s newest museum. Here, history emerges where you least expect it, as in the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum, one of the largest mosaic areas outside the historic city walls and a true hidden gem for culture lovers.
The legacy that emerges from the depths
Located in the former military hospital, now converted into the Kazlıçeşme Arts Centre, the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum is a must-see for culture lovers in Istanbul. The unique mosaics on display in the museum were discovered during the restoration of the building in 2015, at a depth of approximately 1.5 metres below the surface.
Following their discovery, the mosaics were immediately subjected to a conservation process. In 2019, given the possibility that the geometric patterns of the mosaics observed on the floor of the building extended beyond the structure, a trial excavation was initiated under the supervision of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. These excavations not only confirmed the continuation of the mosaics, but also brought to light an unexpected and significant find: an important marble sarcophagus containing the remains of two people.
Today, the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum is a wonderful cultural destination where the mosaics are displayed in their original location, allowing visitors to appreciate their original setting and context, and where other fascinating historical objects await discovery.
Mosaics seen from above
Inside the museum building, a beautiful restored red brick Ottoman construction in the Zeytinburnu district, large mosaics welcome visitors in all their splendour. Walking on the raised glass floor placed over the original mosaics, made using the “opus tessellatum” technique, you can admire the art of the late Roman and early Eastern Roman periods.
The multicoloured mosaics, dating from the 4th-5th centuries AD and believed to have been part of a local Roman villa, feature a striking variety of ornaments, from geometric designs and stars to polygonal compositions and floral motifs. As you wander through the world of these elegant designs, you will discover the aesthetic sensibilities and stories of their era, embarking on a peaceful journey through the history of Istanbul. Each visit leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to return again and again.
Much more than mosaics...
In addition to the fascinating mosaics that cover 190 m², the archaeological finds at the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum are equally impressive. The marble sarcophagus, brick tomb and human remains associated with these structures are among the most intriguing items and will undoubtedly leave you speechless. Furthermore, the terracotta vessels and coins from different centuries show the long continuity of life in the area over time.
While these discoveries enrich your experience, the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum is much more than just an archaeological stop. With its library, exhibition halls, and other cultural spaces, it offers visitors a versatile centre that revitalises the cultural life of the region. So, after visiting the mosaics and fascinating exhibitions, be sure to explore the rest of the complex. The museum is open every day except Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00.
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Source: COMUNICACIÓN IBEROAMERICANA