Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum: A Palace Full of Carpets
Address
Hippodrome, Ibrahim Pasha Palace, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Suggested Duration
45 minutes
From
8 EUR
Skip the Line
Fast-track entry, included with the Museum Pass
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Free cancellation up to 24h before
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A former grand vizier’s palace on the edge of the Hippodrome, now packed with more antique carpets than most people see in a lifetime, plus a quiet terrace with one of the best unobstructed views of the Blue Mosque in the city.
Highlights
- Walk through the actual palace of Ibrahim Pasha, Suleiman the Magnificent's grand vizier
- See one of the largest antique carpet collections on public display anywhere
- Finish on the Hippodrome terrace with a clean view straight down to the Blue Mosque
Included / Excluded
- Entry to the carpet and manuscript galleries
- Access to the ethnography wing and Hippodrome-facing terrace
- Live guide (self-guided unless booked as a guided tour)
Good to Know
- One of the least crowded major sights in Sultanahmet, a good midday break from the bigger queues
- The terrace has one of the cleanest photo angles on the Blue Mosque in the old city
- Closed on Mondays year round
Available languages: Turkish, English
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum?
It's housed inside the former Ibrahim Pasha Palace, right on the Hippodrome square between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Is it worth visiting if I've already seen Topkapi and Hagia Sophia?
Yes, the carpet and manuscript collections here are different in kind from anything at the bigger sites, and the crowds are noticeably thinner.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Around 45 minutes covers the highlights, longer if you linger over the calligraphy and manuscript rooms.
