Up the Istanbul strait and shortly before Buyukdere, the collection of an Armenian civil servant fills two charming 19th century wooden villas.

The larger of the two villas belonged to the Armenian, who became a politician and died in the great Beyoglu fire in 1922. His collection was put together in memory of Sadberk Hanim, wife of millionaire businessman Vehbi Koc.

A private museum which originally displayed only Turkish decorative arts, was recently expanded to include a new collection of archaeological exhibits. This is the oldest section, and includes sixth-millenium BC mother goddesses. In the ethnography section, there are maternity and circumcision beds, clothing and jewellery.