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Within walking distance of Konak Square are two of Izmir’s most important museums, the Izmir Archaeology Museum (İzmir Arkeoloji Müzesi) and the Izmir Ethnography Museum (İzmir Etnografya Müzesi). They’re located in two adjacent buildings.

 

Izmir Archaeology Museum

The Izmir Archaeology Museum is located in a modern facility and has an impressive collection of coins, pottery, and artifacts found in Izmir and sites nearby. The museum was established in 1924 and the current building was constructed in 1984. Admission is 90₺ (as of February 2024) and it’s open daily.

Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Izmir Archaeology Museum
Gallery with statues at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Gallery with statues
Pottery at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Pottery

The most interesting pieces for me were the beautifully decorated Clazomenian sarcophagi, from the ancient Greek city of Clazomenae. Other pieces on display come from Ephesus, Pergamon, Miletos, Aphrodisias, and other ancient cities.

Clazomenian sarcophagus at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Clazomenian sarcophagus
Clazomenian sarcophagus of a baby at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Clazomenian sarcophagus of a baby
Seat of Honor from Ephesus at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Seat of Honor from Ephesus
Antinous as Androclos (139 AD) found at Ephesus at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Antinous as Androclos (139 AD) found at Ephesus

The grounds outside the museum contain a path lined with sarcophagi and pedestals from ancient columns. There are also tombstones from the important communities in the city’s history, including the Ottomans, Greeks, Jews, Armenians, and Levantines.

Path lined with pedestals at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Path lined with pedestals
Sarcophagus at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Sarcophagus
Tombstones at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Tombstones
Tombstone in French and Greek at the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Tombstone in French and Greek

 

Izmir Ethnography Museum

Right next door to the archaeology museum sits the Izmir Ethnography Museum. It’s located in the former St. Roche Hospital, built in 1831. Aside from the typical creepy mannequins, there are several pieces of clothing, pottery, glass, weapons, armor, and other artifacts on display. Admission is free (as of February 2024) and it’s open daily.

Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Izmir Ethnography Museum
Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Izmir Ethnography Museum

A part of the museum explores Ottoman life in the city with rooms of a typical Ottoman home.

Ottoman home at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Ottoman home
Ottoman home at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Ottoman home

Another section gives a glimpse into the lives of certain trades that were present in the city, such as glassworkers, metalworkers, and pharmacists.

Glassworker at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Glassworker
Nazar boncuğu (evil eye) at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Nazar boncuğu (evil eye)
Metalworker at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Metalworker
Pharmacy at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Pharmacy

The textile section had some impressive carpets and other textiles along with an old loom.

Carpets at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Carpets
Loom at the Izmir Ethnography Museum in Izmir, Turkey
Loom

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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