While in Istanbul, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Istanbul Turkish and Islamic Art Museum!
The history of the Museum
The museum is located on the European side in the former palace of İbrahim Pasha, grand vizier of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. At the Hippodrome, this palace is a fine example of Ottoman civil architecture from the 16th century.
Soliman had given this palace to Pargalı İbrahim Paşa in 1520 in order to thank him for the 13 years spent in his service.
The museum has won a prize from the Council of Europe and Unesco for its work carried out with the aim of making children appreciate the cultural heritage.
Exhibited collections
Its huge collection includes nearly 40,000 pieces of Islamic art from the 8th to the 19th century. They are an invaluable cultural, historical and religious wealth.
The visit of the museum is very interesting and is divided into several parts in small confined spaces, vaults for a specific period or subject.
A section of the museum is devoted to carpets: you will see Seljuk carpets, small prayer carpets dating from the 15th century, Kilims, and Holbein carpets made in Anatolia between the 15th and 17th century (the presentation of these rare pieces is clever and mirrors make us able to see the smallest details, of outstanding work)
The incredible display of Korans from various regions illustrate the differences in writing between the Umayyads, the Abbasids, the Fatimids, the Seljuks. This panel of Korans is breathtaking.
The ethnographic section presents the reconstruction of the lifestyles of Turkish tribes from the 19th century. The museum also has many objects, mosaics, glassware and earthenware, etc…
This museum is also worth seeing for the architecture of the building itself. The inner courtyard is truly a haven of peace with a breathtaking view of the minarets of the Blue Mosque and the hippodrome.
Opening hours of the Istanbul Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
Open every day,
From April 15 to October 2
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From October 2 to April 14
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Which is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee of the Istanbul Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is 42 tl
There is a souvenir shop at the entrance, a terrace to enjoy a good tea in the courtyard.
Where is the Istanbul Turkish and Islamic Art Museum located?
Ibrahim Pasa Sarayi Sultanahmet: from the Eminönü boat pier, take the tram for 3 stations, get off at Sultanahmet or walk there for around 10 minutes on the tram tracks.
(In front of the Blue Mosque on the place of the hippodrome).