June 18, 2009 – Day 175 – Istanbul, Turkey

With such an important location in the Old World, Istanbul brags a wonderful Archaeology Musuem that holds massive amounts of fascinating bits of history. We spent most of the day going through floor after floor, building after building of incredible artifacts.

Tiles in the hall

The museum’s collection ranges from ceramics to coins, sculptures to burial wall fragments, intricately carved stone capitals, glassware, and even the old Golden Horn chain and the burial sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.

Stone relief

Of course there is so much more than that and it’s all so exciting but admittedly does get tiring. Luckily, there is a beautiful courtyard between the buildings and inside there are some armchairs and couches on some floors that are nice for a rest!

Alexander's Sarcophagus

Although we had intended to go visit Topkapi Palace after lunch, we didn’t make it back. It was so nice sitting in the shade and drinking tea with no worries in the world!