The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi) is a must-see for anyone interested in Ottoman history and Turkish-Islamic culture. Located in Sultanahmet Square, this museum is housed in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace — a historic residence of the Ottoman Grand Vizier during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.

After visiting, enjoy the peaceful courtyard café in the museum’s garden, with views of the historic square and the Egyptian Obelisk.

Key Collections

1. Ancient Qurans and Islamic Calligraphy

The museum has an impressive display of Qurans and Islamic calligraphy. Some of these manuscripts are among the oldest in the world. The Qurans date back to the 7th century and feature delicate gold detailing and calligraphy.

2. Turkish Ceramics

Known for its Iznik tiles and ceramics, the museum has a collection of pottery and tiles famous for their vibrant colors and detailed designs. These pieces show the artistry of Turkish ceramics from across different historical periods.

3. Carpets and Kilims

The museum boasts one of the world’s largest and oldest collections of carpets, including rare Seljuk carpets from the 13th century. Handwoven from natural dyes and fibers, these carpets tell stories through their patterns and motifs.

4. Islamic Metalwork

The metalwork section displays Anatolian Islamic artifacts, including incense burners, lamps, and other ornate items crafted from brass, silver, and bronze. Islamic metalwork often uses geometric designs, as religious art avoids depicting people or animals.

5. Ethnographic Displays

Here, you’ll get insight into daily life during the Ottoman era, with traditional objects, furniture, and textiles that represent Turkish nomadic and urban culture.

6. Wood Works

The museum’s woodwork collection includes intricately carved columns, doors, and panels from the 12th and 13th centuries, sourced from Damascus and Cizre. Many of these pieces are decorated with mother-of-pearl and ivory inlays.

7. Islamic Textiles

A textile collection features clothing, prayer rugs, and intricate embroidery that reflect Ottoman tastes and techniques.

8. Turkish Glassware

The glassware collection includes items from Abbasid excavations in Samarra and Raqqa, such as glass, tile, terracotta, and ceramic objects.

9. Stone Art

The stone art collection spans multiple dynasties, with pieces from the Mamluk, Umayyad, Abbasid, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Highlights include Seljuk tombstones carved with mythical creatures, hunting scenes, and an Umayyad milestone.

10. Islamic Arms and Armor

This collection showcases helmets, shields, swords, and daggers. The attention to detail in each item reflects the high level of craftsmanship dedicated to ceremonial and functional arms in Islamic art.

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The Museum Building: Ibrahim Pasha Palace

The Ibrahim Pasha Palace itself is a historic highlight. Built in the early 1500s, the palace includes original stonework, arches, and courtyards.

The Most Famous Pieces in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Some must-see exhibits and famous pieces of art and artefacts at the museum include:

• The oldest known carpet in the world, the Pazyryk Carpet dates back to the 5th century BCE.
• The 14th-century Seljuk Mihrab is a magnificent example of woodcarving and mother-of-pearl inlay work.
• A 16th-century Iznik tile panel depicting the Kaaba, showcasing the height of Iznik tile artistry.
• An exquisite Quran manuscript from the 9th century, adorned with gold and lapis lazuli.

Getting to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

The museum is in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet area, near the Hippodrome. You can reach it via the T1 tram line; just get off at the Sultanahmet stop, which is a short walk from the museum.

Museum Café

The museum features a small Ottoman-style café where you can enjoy traditional Turkish coffee and snacks, adding to the experience.

Nearby Attractions

• Hagia Sophia: Iconic former cathedral and mosque, famous for its mosaics and large dome.
• Topkapi Palace: Former Ottoman residence featuring artifacts, including relics and imperial treasures.
• Grand Bazaar: Historic market with over 4,000 shops offering spices, jewelry, and traditional goods.
• Basilica Cistern: Underground water storage with columns and the Medusa heads.
• Blue Mosque: Known for its blue tiles, domes, and minarets; still a functioning mosque.

Each of these spots is within walking distance, so it is easy to combine these historic visits in one day.

Visitor Information

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  Entrance Fee: 17€

⌛Opening Hours: from 09:00 to 21:00 (1 April – 31 October); from 09:00 to 18:30 (1 November – 31 March).

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  Closed: No

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  Location: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:12, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

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