The Sinop Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Sinop, one of the important ancient port cities of the Black Sea region, and is an archaeological museum where historical artefacts from the region are exhibited. The museum was officially established in 1941 and opened to visitors in its current building in 1970. The museum has an extensive collection spanning from the Prehistoric Age to the Ottoman period, and includes archaeological, ethnographic and tombstone sections, as well as an open-air exhibition area.
Sinop Archaeology Museum (Culture Portal)
History
Museum activities in Sinop began in 1921 with the collection of various artefacts at the Aya Tyanos (Balatlar) Church. These efforts gained official status in 1932, and the museum organisation was established in 1941. As the number of artefacts increased, the existing building became inadequate, and in 1970, the current modern museum building was constructed and put into service. During the restoration work carried out in 2006, the museum's sections were reorganised, and the conditions for displaying the artefacts were improved.
Architecture and Sections
The museum building was constructed in accordance with modern museum practices. The structure has galleries arranged in chronological and thematic order. The museum consists of four main sections:
- Archaeology Hall: Stone, pottery, glass, and metal artefacts from the prehistoric period to the Byzantine period, as well as marble sculptures and sarcophagi, are displayed here.
- Mosaic and Tomb Artifacts Hall: Sarcophagi, tomb steles, and floor mosaics related to the ancient tomb culture are on display here.
- Ethnography Hall: This hall includes everyday objects, clothing, weapons, and handicrafts from the Ottoman and Republican periods.
- Open Display Area: The museum's garden displays architectural pieces such as sarcophagi, inscribed stones, and column capitals from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Sinop Archaeology Museum (Culture Portal)
Collections and Artwork Groups
The main artwork groups exhibited in the museum are as follows:
- Prehistoric stone tools and pottery
- Sculptures, steles and architectural elements from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods
- Ancient coin collections
- Glass and terracotta lamps
- Ottoman period manuscripts, jewellery, carpets and kitchenware
Among the museum's important works are marble sarcophagi from the Roman period, finds from the Gökırmak Valley, amphorae from the ancient port of Sinop, and tombstones from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.
Sinop Archaeological Museum (Anadolu Agency)
Open-Air Exhibition Area and Serapis Temple
The open-air exhibition area in the museum courtyard displays stone artefacts from the Roman and Byzantine periods in chronological order. The museum garden also preserves the remains of a Serapis Temple from the Roman period. Architrave blocks and architectural decorations belonging to the temple can be seen in this area.
Sinop Archaeology Museum (Culture Portal)
Excavation and Research Activities
The Sinop Archaeology Museum also hosts various archaeological excavations and rescue operations. In particular, the Balatlar Church excavation, ancient harbour excavations and rescue excavations in surrounding settlements have continuously enriched the museum's collection. These studies strengthen the scientific aspect of the museum and contribute to the creation of the region's archaeological inventory.
Visits and Educational Activities
The Sinop Archaeology Museum is open to local and foreign visitors throughout the year. The museum organises various educational activities and guided tours, particularly for students and researchers, contributing to the promotion of the region's historical heritage. With its exhibition layout renewed after restoration, the museum aims to offer visitors a chronological narrative of history.
