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Officially the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, it has both a permanent collection of modern Turkish art and visiting exhibitions and installations and is located in the Tophane district, between Karaköy and Dolmabaçhe palace.

Its location is not obvious, though it is not far from the tramway that runs along Necatibey Caddesi - it is on the waterfront, in a converted warehouse-type building, with stunning views of the Bosphorus from its café. Though some detractors will take delight in spotting international influences on some of the Turkish artists, the place itself is a model of museum/gallery planning, with an excellent shop and impressive education activities.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15488 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10308
The church’s patron, Metochites, a Byzantine scholar and politician ended his days as a monk at the church having been allowed to return after falling from power and spending two years in exile.

The mosaics found in the church portray scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, the Day of Judgement and Heaven and Hell. The colours in the mosaics seem as vibrant and fresh as they were when first created. When the church was converted to a mosque in the 15th Century the mosaics were covered over with plaster rather than destroyed remaining so until the mid 19th Century, and this covering may have helped to preserve their appearance.

They are also intricately detailed and one of the pleasures of standing in front of them is being able look deeper into the images picking out different things with each sweep of the eyes, for instance one small beautifully realised scene where water is being poured from a pitcher into large earthenware pots.

Although slightly off the beaten path it is well worth taking a trip to the Kariye Camii to see these magnificent pieces of art.

Open: Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sun Closed: Wed.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10308 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9880
There are some wonderful exhibits, especially the beautiful calligraphy and decorated manuscripts, vibrantly coloured tiles and also the exquisite, elaborate pins and brooches used to decorate turbans.

The later galleries and the Main Ceremonial Hall contain one of the world’s foremost collection of antique carpets. The exhibition explains the different types of carpets and how some styles are named after certain artists i.e. Holbein, because they were featured in paintings by those artists. In the west Turkish carpets were so prized that they were used as table coverings rather than on the floor, thus showing the wealth of those who owned them.

The museum also has an Ethnographical Section which includes a reconstruction of a traditional Yurt dwelling and also details of how natural dyes are made from such things as plants, dried flowers and even crushes insects.

All the exhibits are well displayed with descriptions in Turkish and English. There is a lot to take in however the museum also has a lovely tea room where you can refresh your senses and feet and, in summer, sit out on the terrace with beautiful views over the Blue Mosque.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9880 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5079 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5079 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5066
The harem, the private living quarters of the Sultan, his wives, concubines and children, is a labyrinth of corridors rooms and courtyards. Some of the rooms, such as the imperial chamber and the dining room of Ahmet III, are exquisitely decorated. Standing in one of the courtyards overlooking the Harem baths it is easy to imagine the daily life of the women here, their frustrations, hopes and ambitions.

In the narrow corridors one can imagine the scheming, intrigue and jostling for position as the favours of the Sultan were vied for.

The third courtyard contains the treasury, where the famous Topkapi dagger is held, and the pavilion of the holy mantle, which contains some of Islam's Hholiest relics. Walking past the room containing the Prophet Mohammed's mantle listening to the sound of chanting as verses of the Koran are recited was a heady, quite emotional experience.

In the fourth courtyard is the Baghdad Pavilion beautifully decorated with blue and white tiles and the gold canopy of the Iftariye Pavilion where there are wonderful views over the Golden Horn.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5066 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5065
The first thing to strike you when entering the nave is its sheer size and scale (the dome reaches a height of 54m, 187 ft). It is worth letting your eyes wander up the walls past the half domes and on to the apex of the main dome which seems to float, as if suspended in the air, above the interior space. Quite dizzying.

The galleries contain some beautiful frescos, you can also get a close up view of the huge plaques bearing calligraphic inscriptions which hang over the nave. The views over the nave itself and the ceiling are fantastic.

Just outside the exit is an exquisite ablutions fountain. Visiting Hagia Sophia is a truly awe-inspiring experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5065 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5064 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5064 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4198 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4198 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2948 There is a collection of fine Roman statues and in the Museum of the Ancient Orient colourful glazed brick friezes from Babylon.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2948 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5151 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5151 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5148 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5148