Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, one of the important museums of Istanbul, has many awards. The museum, which is the meeting place of Islamic works, has a worldwide reputation. The most important feature of the museum is that it is the first museum established in this area in Turkey. The palace, which houses the museum, is known as the only private palace that has survived. The history of this building dates back to the 16th century. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts was opened in 1914. Its name at that time was Evkaf-ı Islamiye Museum. The opening takes place inside the Süleymaniye Mosque Complex. Although it served here until 1983, it later moved to the İbrahim Pasha Palace, located in the western part of Sultanahmet Square.

Ibrahim Pasha Palace rises in the area known as Horse Square. This building is also among the important examples of Ottoman civil architecture. It is repaired by Kanuni in time and given to his groom as a gift. You have to use the terrace to visit the first part of the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. The museum is lastly undergoing a large restoration in 2012. He returned with an award from the Council of Europe Museum Competition, a very prestigious competition held in 1984. A year later, it is deemed worthy of a different award by UNESCO. These awards make the museum known worldwide.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts reflects the works of many civilizations from the Abbasids to the Mamluks, from the Ottomans to the Seljuks. There is a very impressive carpet collection in the museum. It is even considered as one of the best examples of carpet collection in the world. You can witness especially old Turkish carpets in the big hall. On the other hand, there are ceramic and metal objects and glassware in the museum. You can also visit the German Fountain and Spiral Column, which are works of the Hippodrome, here.