Officially opened in 1890 it retains its beautiful architectural details but still seems a sad shell of its former self. The Orient Express died a slow death during the Cold War and officially went out of service in 1977. The station is currently flanked by a gas station and parking lot, a stark reminder of how drastically transportation has changed since the station's opening.
This frightening, soviet-style Ataturk monument now sits in the center of the station, sharply contrasting with its Victorian-Orientalist surroundings.
The Great Palace Mosaic Museum was build directly over a part of the Great Palace of the Byzantine Emperors. The section of the palace included in the museum was excavated in the 1930s, uncovering a vast, partially intact mosaic floor dating to around the 5th century AD. It is thought that this mosaic decorated the colanade leading from the royal apartments to the emperor's private box next to the Hippodrome. The floor has been cleaned, stabilized and returned to it's original location.
The floor contains numerous small scenes, many of which involve hunting or animals, both real and mythic, devouring other animals.
The walls also display mosaics discovered in other parts of the palace. As you can see, animals and violence was a well-loved theme.
That elephant is pretty badass.
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