Estanbul 2010

The marketplace behind the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is situated on the remains of an old palace dated between the 4th and 6th centuries.

The mosaics of the palace were discovered at the lower edge of the market, in their original places. It is known that these mosaics, unearthed in the 1930’s, used to decorate the floor of a large hall in the palace.

Various hunting scenes, scenes from everyday life and impressive decorative designs exhibit high quality workmanship. Buds encircled by bent acanthus leaves, a Medusa head and scenes from a lion hunt are some of the most attractive examples. Scenes depicted by these mosaic panels, created in the style of Antakya Mosaic School (Roman Age), are extremely realistic.
Following the discovery of these mosaics, other mosaics unearthed in other sections of the city were framed by concrete panels and brought here to be displayed. Restoration of the market place has been completed and the Mosaic Museum has been reopened to the public.