Istanbul Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The building known as Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum used to be a palace from the Ottoman Empire era. It was built by Pargali Ibrahim Pasha, a prime minister (Grand Vizier) in the state, in the 16th century.
Pargali Ibrahim Pasha is also known as “Damat Ibrahim Pasha” and he was the first Ottoman Grand Vizier who was able to build such a glorious palace.
There are two reasons why Ibrahim Pasha was privileged. The first reason is he grew up with Sultan Suleiman and he was a very good friend of him and his assistant. The other reason is Pargali Ibrahim Pasha was married to Sultan Suleiman’s sister, Hatice Sultan.
After this marriage, Pargali Ibrahim Pasha became relatives with the Ottoman dynasty and no harm was seen in Pargali Ibrahim Pasha’s owning his own palace. However, although he was a highly respected and popular pasha in the Ottoman Empire, he was executed abruptly.
Following Ibrahim Pasha’s death, his magnificent palace began to be used by several other statesmen. Nowadays it’s a museum where a unique collection of Islamic and Turkish art is displayed.
Museum is Located in Sultanahmet area
The Museum is located next to Blue Mosque
Where is It located?
The museum located in Sultanahmet area, right next to Blue Mosque. You can also visit Hippodrome of Constantinople which is located between Blue Mosque and the museum.
How to Get to There?
You can reach the museum from Eminonu or Beyazit direction via tram. It’s a five-minute walking distance from Sultanahmet Tram Station.
Things to See at the Museum
You can observe the intermingled history of the Turks and Muslims at Turkish Islamic Arts Museum as highly important works from both Islam and Turkish history are preserved here.
The Turkish works here are mainly from Seljuk Turks and Ottoman era and their origins are Anatolia. Hand-written Quran and other religious works from the Caliphates period are also displayed at Turkish Islamic Arts Museum.
Turkish Carpets and Rugs Section
The carpets of Anatolian Seljuk Turks’ displayed in the museum are the only carpets of its kinds that still survive today. The most important carpet examples of Turkish nomads are displayed here.
You should also note that such carpets of Turkish nomads are displayed all over the world in various museums today. Additionally, huge carpets from the Ottoman era are displayed here too.
There are differences between the Seljuk and Ottoman carpets in terms of theme and tone. These differences can be observed more clearly when you visit the display rooms in the museum.
More reading about History of Turkish Carpets
Ancient Turkish Rugs
Historical Seljuk and Ottoman Carpets
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum Entrance Fee 2019
Turkish and Islamic Art Museum entrance fee is 42 Turkish Liras and there is no discount for students. Istanbul Museum Pass is also valid for this museum.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum Opening Hours 2019
Visiting hours for the museum are scheduled in line with tourism season. In the winter season when fewer tourists visit the museum, it’s closed at 14:00. However, Turkish Islamic Arts Museum is open every day of the week.
Summer Season Opening and Closing Hours
Between April 15 and October 2
09:00 – 19:00
Winter Season Opening and Closing Hours
Between October 2 and April 14
09:00 – 17:00
Written By Serhat Engul
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