Beneath Istanbul’s streets lies 4th-century masterpiece

During the restoration of Kazlicesme Sanat (Art Gallery) in Istanbul's Zeytinburnu district, archaeologists uncovered a breathtaking mosaic dating back to the mid-to-late fourth century A.D.

Excavations between 2017 and 2021 revealed this ancient marvel beneath the foundations and garden of the historic building, which once served as a military hospital during the Ottoman period.

A mosaic floor displayed under a protective glass structure inside Kazlicesme Sanat in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul.

The mosaic floor discovered inside Kazlicesme Sanat (Art Gallery) is displayed under a glass structure, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photos via Koray Erdogan/Türkiye Today)

A unique example outside city walls

Spanning approximately 180 square meters, the Zeytinburnu Mosaics stand out as a rare example of mosaic flooring discovered beyond Istanbul's ancient city walls.

Unlike many mosaics that have been removed and relocated, this intricate masterpiece has been preserved in situ, allowing visitors to appreciate its original placement and context.

A central mystery in design

The mosaic features an elaborate geometric design, with two interlocking squares framing a central motif.

However, due to an Ottoman-era building foundation placed directly in the center of the artwork, the precise details of its focal point remain unknown—leaving historians and archaeologists with an enduring mystery.

Ancient mosaics, a sarcophagus, and an exhibition space at the Mosaic Museum in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Türkiye.

Mosaics, sarcophagus, and exhibition area inside the Mosaic Museum outside Kazlicesme Sanat in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo via Koray Erdogan/Türkiye Today)

An artistic triumph of 'opus tessellatum'

Crafted using the opus tessellatum technique, this polychrome (multi-colored) mosaic showcases five distinct compositions, each rich with geometric and botanical motifs. At its heart lies a six-meter-wide circular design featuring an eight-pointed star, encircled by a rosette.

Surrounding this central composition, intricate patterns unfold in layers, revealing:

• Interwoven knot motifs form a mesmerizing visual rhythm
• Four-pointed stars composed of interlocking triangles
• Eight-pointed star formations arranged with rectangular elements
• Tangential circles containing square patterns , add to the complexity of the design

Testament to Istanbul’s hidden past

The discovery of the Zeytinburnu Mosaics sheds new light on the artistic and architectural heritage of late antiquity in Istanbul.

With its remarkable craftsmanship and enigmatic central motif, this ancient masterpiece continues to captivate researchers and visitors alike.

How do you get there?

By marmaray

Get off at Zeytinburnu Station and reach Kazlicesme Sanat with a 3-minute walk.

By metrobus

Get off at Zeytinburnu Station, then take a bus or minibus to Kazlicesme Sanat in about 10 minutes.

By tram

Get off at Zeytinburnu Station, then take a bus or minibus to Kazlicesme Sanat in about 10 minutes.

By ferry

Take a ferry from Kadikoy or Uskudar to Eminonu, then transfer to Marmaray to reach Kazlicesme Sanat.