Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum in Istanbul is a significant cultural institution that showcases a wide array of artifacts from various Islamic periods, including the Abbasid, Mamluk, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras. It is Turkey’s first comprehensive museum of Turkish-Islamic art.

Historical Background and Location

• Originally named the “Evkaf-ı Islâmiye Müzesi” (Islamic Foundations Museum), it was first opened in 1914 in the soup kitchen of the Süleymaniye Mosque complex, one of the major works of the architect Mimar Sinan.
• In 1983, the museum was relocated to the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, which is situated on the “At Meydanı” (ancient Hippodrome), on the elevated steps of the old hippodrome. This palace, a significant example of Ottoman civil architecture, dates back to the 16th century and was renovated by Suleiman the Magnificent for his son-in-law and grand vizier, Ibrahim Pasha.

Architectural Significance

• The Ibrahim Pasha Palace, raised on arches, encompasses a central terrace surrounded on three sides by the building. The first section of the museum is accessed via stairs leading to this terrace.

Awards and Renovations

• The museum underwent restoration in 2012. It has been recognized internationally, receiving the Council of Europe’s Museum of the Year Jury Special Prize in 1984 and the Council of Europe-UNESCO award in 1985 for promoting cultural heritage to children.

Collections

• Known for having one of the world’s finest carpet collections, the museum boasts masterpieces from the Seljuk period dating back to the 13th century. The extensive glazed section of the main halls showcases this extraordinary collection of Turkish carpets.
• Beyond its renowned carpet collection, the museum also features rare manuscripts, glass artifacts, stone and terracotta works, metal, and ceramic objects.
• The lower floor of the carpet section is dedicated to an ethnography collection that reflects the Turkish daily life over the past few centuries.

Visitor Information

• Address: Binbirdirek Neighborhood, At Meydanı Street, No: 12 Sultanahmet, Istanbul
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 02125181805, 02125181806
• Opening Hours: 09:00 to 21:00, with the ticket office closing at 20:00. The museum is open daily.
• Entrance Fee: 390 TL. The museum is currently open.
• Audio guide service is available.

Nearby Attractions While visiting the museum, take the opportunity to explore Sultanahmet Square and its surroundings. The square’s park is particularly vibrant during the tulip season. Key historical monuments in the area include the Hippodrome, a witness to many historical events, and significant Byzantine relics such as the Kaiser Wilhelm (German) Fountain, the Theodosius Obelisk, and the Serpent Column.