The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi), located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square, houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Islamic artifacts, Ottoman manuscripts, calligraphy, and Anatolian carpets. Originally established in 1914, it is Turkey’s first museum dedicated to both Turkish and Islamic heritage. The museum provides valuable insight into the artistic, cultural, and religious history of the Islamic world, with artifacts spanning from the 7th century to the 20th century.
On this page, you will find essential details to assist in planning your visit to this historic landmark.
Information
Summer Period Hours: 1 April - 31 October
Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 21:00
Winter Period Hours: 31 October - 1 April
Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Closed: Open Every Day
Box Office Closing Hours:
Summer Period: 20:00
Winter Period: 17:30
Address: Binbirdirek Mah. At Meydanı Cad. No:12, 34122 Sultanahmet/İstanbul.
Email: tiem@ktb.gov.tr
Phone: +90 (212) 518 18 05
Recommended Duration: 1.5 hours
👉 Listen to a sample of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts Audio Guide.
Admission & Ticket Options
1) Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours
- Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum: Entry Ticket & Audio Guide
- Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum: Skip The Line Ticket + Audio Guide
- Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum with Fast Track Tickets & Audio Guide
2) City Passes
For details on passes that grant access to this attraction, please refer to the passes page.
Exhibitions & Collections
- Carpet Collection: Featuring one of the world’s largest and most valuable collections of handwoven carpets, including Seljuk, Ottoman, and Safavid-era rugs.
- Islamic Calligraphy & Manuscripts: A collection of rare Qur'ans, imperial edicts, and handwritten documents, showcasing Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman Turkish calligraphy.
- Wooden Artifacts: Finely carved Ottoman and Seljuk-era wooden doors, pulpits (minbars), and furniture, reflecting advanced craftsmanship.
- Ceramics & Metalwork: Intricately designed tiles, ceramics, and metal objects from various Islamic dynasties.
- Ethnographic Section: Displays related to Ottoman-era daily life, including traditional clothing, jewelry, and household items.
How to Get There
- By Tram: Take the T1 tram line to Sultanahmet Station, which is a short walk from the museum.
- By Metro: Visitors from the Asian side can take the Marmaray Line to Sirkeci Station, then transfer to the T1 tram or walk.
- By Bus: Several bus routes connect to Eminönü and Beyazıt, both within walking distance.
Visitor Guidelines & Practical Information
- Dress Code: No specific dress code, but modest attire is recommended as the museum is near religious sites.
- Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators for visitors with mobility needs.
- Best Visiting Times: Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
History of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts was founded in 1914 in the Süleymaniye Complex, making it Turkey’s first museum dedicated to Islamic and Turkish heritage. In 1983, the collection was relocated to its current home in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, a 16th-century Ottoman palace built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s Grand Vizier, Ibrahim Pasha.
The museum preserves artifacts from early Islamic civilizations through the Ottoman Empire, offering one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art and ethnography in the world. It continues to serve as a key cultural and historical institution, attracting scholars, historians, and visitors from around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
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