Archaeological site preserves centuries-old mosaic art for public viewing as a cultural exhibit.
Historically Rich Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum Opens in Istanbul
A Roman-Byzantine mosaic found during restoration work in a historical municipal building in Istanbul's Zeytinburnu district has been transformed into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past.
Originally built as a military hospital in 1893, the structure later served various functions, including as the district's main office. Its latest incarnation, however, showcases a significant archaeological discovery－a mosaic pavement from the late Roman-early Byzantine period.
Mayor Omer Arisoy expressed excitement upon the discovery in 2014 during a major restoration project. He suspected that the mosaic might extend beyond the small room where it was initially found. Further excavations subsequently revealed a burial chamber and a marble sarcophagus housing the remains of two individuals. Carbon-14 analysis places their burial between 220 and 380 A.D.
The Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum is now open to the public, featuring the 190-square-meter mosaic floor, the marble sarcophagus, a casket-style tomb, and human skeletons. The complex, which also encompasses a library, exhibition space, cafe, and restaurant, serves as a brand-new living space for the local community.
The museum is one of only eight mosaic museums in Turkey, and it stands out as it showcases the mosaic in situ - exactly where it was discovered. Moreover, it boasts the largest mosaic found outside the ancient walls of Istanbul.
The former parking area adjacent to the museum has been converted into a cultural space called Kazlıçeşme Sanat, offering exhibitions, events, and culinary experiences for visitors.
The mosaic's preservation and display contribute valuable new information to Istanbul's historical record. Experts and historians are continuing to study the site to better understand its original function and the cultural significance of this exceptional structure dating back to the third or fourth century A.D.
The Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum enhances the historical and cultural value of the Zeytinburnu district, serving as an essential educational resource and a testament to the city's rich artistic and historical heritage. Visitors can engage in a multisensory experience that overlooks the Severan Walls, the ancient defensive walls of Constantinople.
The museum's opening adds to the urban renewal in Zeytinburnu, which has transformed from a center for leather tanning and wholesale leather shopping to a hub for luxury hotels and restaurants. The district continues to evolve, with intriguing new discoveries like this mosaic enriching its cultural tapestry.
The Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum, a testament to Istanbul's rich past, isn't only a showcase of the significant archaeological find but also serves as a modern living space for the local community. Beyond its historical artifacts such as the mosaic floor, sarcophagus, and tomb, it offers a cafeteria and restaurant, creating a home-and-garden ambiance that blends cultural heritage with a contemporary lifestyle. The museum's transformation of the adjacent parking area into Kazlıçeşme Sanat additionally presents exhibitions, events, and culinary experiences, cementing Zeytinburnu's status as a vibrant cultural hub.
