Sadberk Hanım Museum

Discover Turkey’s rich artistic and archaeological heritage in a Bosphorus-side mansion.

Istanbul’s First Private Museum

Located in the historical Azeryan Mansion in Büyükdere, on the European shore of the Bosphorus, the Sadberk Hanım Museum opened its doors in 1980 as Turkey’s first private museum. Established by the Vehbi Koç Foundation in memory of Sadberk Koç, the wife of Turkish business magnate Vehbi Koç, the museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts that span thousands of years of Anatolian history.

With its elegant late-Ottoman architecture, the museum combines cultural preservation with aesthetic beauty. A second adjacent mansion, Sevgi Gönül Wing, was later added in 1988 to house the museum’s growing archaeological collection.

From Neolithic Artifacts to Ottoman Antiques

The museum's archaeological collection includes works dating from the 6th millennium BCE to the end of the Byzantine period. Highlights include:

• Bronze Age figurines and tools from Anatolia

• Roman marble statues and sarcophagi

• Byzantine jewelry and devotional objects

The ethnographic collection offers insight into daily life in the Ottoman Empire, with displays of traditional costumes, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. Richly decorated Ottoman interiors are recreated within the museum to immerse visitors in the lifestyle of a bygone era.

İznik Tiles and Ceramics: A Peak of Ottoman Aesthetics

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, İznik, a town south of the Marmara Sea, became the most important center of ceramic production in the Ottoman Empire. The workshops in İznik began producing high-quality white paste ceramics with flawless transparent glaze around the end of the 15th century.

Influenced by Chinese porcelain, İznik blue-and-white ware featured designs of scrolling branches, rumi and palmette motifs, and floral forms. By the late 1530s, the palette expanded to include turquoise, manganese purple, and olive green—colors often confused today as "Damascus ware."

The 16th century marked the golden age of İznik ceramics, reaching perfection in both technique and aesthetics. One hallmark of this period was the slightly raised coral red used in decoration. These tiles were used extensively in the construction of imperial structures—mosques, mausoleums, medreses, hamams, palaces, and pavilions—many of which were designed by the chief Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan.

By the early 17th century, a combination of economic decline and increased porcelain imports from China led to a decrease in quality. Eventually, İznik ceramic production ceased entirely in the late 17th century. The Sadberk Hanım Museum preserves exquisite examples of this unique artistic tradition, providing visitors with a tactile connection to Ottoman visual culture.

Plan Your Visit

📌 Location: Büyükdere Mah. Piyasa Cad. No:27-29, Sarıyer, Istanbul
🕒 Hours: Open daily (except Wednesdays), 10:00–17:00
🎟️ Tickets: Standard and student pricing available on-site
🔗 Website: sadberkhanimmuzesi.org.tr

A Hidden Gem for Culture Lovers

The Sadberk Hanım Museum may not be as famous as Istanbul’s larger state museums, but its curated exhibitions, historical ambiance, and scholarly collection make it a favorite among historians, art lovers, and curious travelers alike. Whether you’re drawn by ancient history, Ottoman design, or the tranquil setting by the Bosphorus, this museum offers a richly rewarding experience.