Most tourists in Sultanahmet stare at the Blue Mosque and miss the treasure right across the street.
Housed in the original 16th-century palace of Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is a hidden gem containing the world’s most valuable carpet collection and rare artifacts.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know: how to get tickets, opening hours, what to see, and historical facts.
🔍 Quick Info Box (Updated 2025)
Opening Hours (Updated for 2025)
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is open every day.
Opening Time
09:00
Closing Time
18:00
Last Entry
17:30
Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (09:30) or late afternoon to avoid tour groups.
🎟️ Entrance Fee & Tickets
Buying tickets for popular museums in Istanbul can sometimes be confusing. Here is the smartest way to enter the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum:
🌟 Pay at the Door
You can purchase a single entry ticket at the ticket booth located at the entrance.
📌 Note: During peak season (April-October), lines can get long.
🌟 Buy Online
If you want to visit only this museum but don't want to waste time in the ticket line, you can buy your ticket online in advance. This allows you to secure your entry and walk straight to the security check.
🌟 Museum Pass
If you plan to visit other major sites like Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, or the Archaeological Museums, buying single tickets will cost you more. We highly recommend the Istanbul Museum Pass. It is valid for 5 days and gives you access to 10+ museums
✔ Why it’s better: You save money and skip the ticket lines at almost every museum in the city..
How to go to Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum?
The museum is located in the most accessible part of the city: Sultanahmet Square.
Tram
Take the T1 Tram → Get off at Sultanahmet
Walk 2 minutes.
Marmaray
Stop: Sirkeci → 15-minute walk.
Taxi/Ride apps
Possible, but Sultanahmet traffic is heavy.
Tram is faster 95% of the time.
Using the tram? Read our Istanbul transportation guide!
🏛️ History: A Museum Inside a Palace
Before looking at the artifacts, look at the building itself! This is the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, one of the earliest surviving examples of Ottoman civil architecture.
The Gift
It was built in 1520 and gifted by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to his Grand Vizier and close friend, Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha.
The Spectator Palace
Located right on the Hippodrome, the Sultan and his family used to watch celebrations, parades, and circumcision festivals from the palace’s balconies.
The Museum
It became a museum in 1983. Before that, it was the first museum in Turkey to group Islamic artworks together (originally opened in 1914 at the Süleymaniye Complex).
💎 Highlights: What to See Inside?
The museum collection exceeds 40,000 pieces. Here are the sections you absolutely shouldn't miss:
1) The Carpet Section (World’s Best)
This museum is often called a "Carpet Museum" because it holds the richest carpet collection in the world.
👀 What You'll See: You will see rare Seljuk carpets from the 13th century that cannot be found anywhere else. The massive rugs hanging from the high palace ceilings are breathtaking.
2) Sacred Relics
One of the newest and most spiritual additions to the museum.
👀 What You'll See: This section houses sacred items attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, including a part of his beard and his footprint (Kadem-i Saadet).
3) Ethnography Section (Life in Old Istanbul)
Want to see how people lived in Istanbul 200 years ago? The ethnography section recreates 19th-century Ottoman life.
👀 What You'll See:
4) Glass, Ceramics & Metalwork
The collection spans the entire Islamic world!
👀 What You'll See:
☕ Cafe & Terrace View
After your visit, don't rush out! The museum has a beautiful courtyard and a terrace that offers one of the best views of the Blue Mosque. There is a nice Museum Café where you can rest, drink a traditional Turkish Coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic Hippodrome.
Planning More of Your Istanbul Trip?
Discover Istanbul's other iconic sights. Here are the most popular tickets booked by fellow travelers:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes! The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is included in the Istanbul Museum Pass. This is the best value option for tourists. You can get your Istanbul Museum Pass here!
We recommend setting aside 60 to 90 minutes to fully appreciate the carpets and the ethnography section.
Unlike the Blue Mosque across the street, this is a museum, not an active place of worship. There is no strict dress code, but casual/respectful clothing is recommended.