Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

3rd floor, the ‘Neighbouring Cultures of Anatolia, Cyprus, Syria and Palestine’ exhibition was closed at the time of research. At the time of research, a separate entrance led to an impressive collection of ancient grave-cult sarcophagi from Syria, Lebanon, Thessalonica and Ephesus, including impressive anthropoid sarcophagi from Sidon. Three halls are filled with the amazingly detailed stelae and sarcophagi, most dating from between 140 and 270 AD. Many of the sarcophagi look like tiny temples or residential buildings; don’t miss the Sidamara Sarcophagus from Konya with its interlocking horses’ legs and playful cherubs. The last room in this section contains Roman floor mosaics and examples of Anatolian architecture from antiquity. This classical sculpture from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon is the Archaeology Museum’s most significant possession – so named not because it belonged to the Macedonian general, but because it depicts him among his army battling the Persians, who were led by King Abdalonymos (whose sarcophagus it is). The sarcophagus is carved out of Pentelic marble and dates from the last quarter of the 4th century BC. Alexander, on horseback, has a lion’s head as a headdress. The sculpture retains remnants of its original red-and-yellow paintwork. The Tiled Pavilion in the museum compound was originally an outer pavilion of Topkapı Palace. The sultan used it to watch sporting events being staged in the palace grounds below (now Gülhane Park). A Leave Gülhane Park to find Kybele Cafe in an eclectic hotel with hundreds of colourful glass lights hanging from the ceiling. A Seek out Sefa Restaurant for an authentic taste of delicious Turkish hazır yemek (ready-made dishes). ALEXANDER SARCOPHAGUS

Tiled Pavilion This handsome pavilion was constructed in 1472 by order of Mehmet the Conqueror. The portico, which has 14 marble columns, was constructed during