Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi
Housed in the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, located on the west side of the Hippodrome. The museum is known for its world-class collection of ancient carpets and Islamic calligraphy manuscripts.
The museum is located in the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, the grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. It faces the Blue Mosque across the Hippodrome. Its collection covers Islamic art from the Seljuk to the Ottoman periods. The most famous pieces are the Anatolian, Caucasian and Persian carpets dating back to the 13th century, whose number and age place them among the finest in the world. The museum also displays handwritten copies of the Quran, calligraphy, woodwork and ceramics. The basement level presents the life of nomadic peoples. Tickets cost about 17 euros, and the museum pass is valid. Getting there: T1 tram to Sultanahmet station.
Opening hours
09:00–18:30 (until about 16:30 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Irene
- Grand Bazaar
- Gülhane Park
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums