This Istanbul-Museums Intro is intended as a brief yet concise overview of all the best museums worth visiting in this marvelous historical city. Turkey is so full of tradition and culture that you would be sorry to miss any of the places discussed below.

Archeological Museum

Counting the Sarcohphogus of Alexander the Great among its attractions, this museum was built by Turkish painter Osman Hamdi Bey.

Ataturk Museum

The home of Turkey's national political hero between 1918 and 1919, this beautiful house displays many of the man's possessions and clothes as well as portraits and photographs of him.

Calligraphy Museum

This is a truly unique museum featuring equipment and paraphernalia associated with the history of writing. Here you will find Islamic seals, Turkish pen ink art and vintage copies of the Koran.

Modern Arts Museum

A recent attraction that opened in 2004, this superb gallery of contemporary arts is housed in the renovated docks and features a photo gallery, sculpture courtyard, cafe and move theater. It really is the best place to go to get a handle on modern Turkish and international art.

Caricature Museum

Another rare and unique museum, this one was set up in the mid-1970s as a result of the efforts of the Turkish Caricaturists' Association. Later, a beautiful shrine and fountain were renovated for inclusion in the attraction. There is an astonishing collection of satirical works that tell us much about Turkish comedy and culture.