Istanbul Attractions
Islamic Art © linkadnan
Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
The grand 16th century palace of the sultan’s Grand
Vizier, Ibrahim Pasa, today houses the Turkish and Islamic Art
Museum, containing what many consider to be the finest collection
of Islamic artefacts in the world. The palace itself was the finest
private residence ever built in the Ottoman Empire. From its
supreme position overlooking the Hippodrome, the sultan could enjoy
excellent views of the celebrations in the square below. The museum
is well laid out and contains more than 40,000 examples of
Selçuk, Mamluk and Ottoman Turkish art, including ceramics,
Koran cases, calligraphy, textiles, metalwork and illuminated
manuscripts. Its antique carpet exhibit is
renowned; the carpets, kilims and prayer rugs forming one
of the richest and oldest collections in the world.
Address: Ibrahim Pasa Sarayi, Atmeydani 46, Hippodrome, Sultanahmet;
Telephone: (212) 518 1805;
Transport: Sultanahmet tram stop;
Opening time: Open daily except Mondays from 9.30am to 5.30pm;
Admission: 4 YTL
