Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with Audio Guide

You can enter the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum by using the QR code sent to you through the Show&Go. You may explore the museum freely during the museum’s operating hours by listening to the provided audio guide.

The Richest Collection of Islamic Art in the World

The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is the first exhibition in our region to exhibit works by both Turkish and Islamic artists. It first officially opened in 1914 at the "Evkaf-Islamiye Museum," an imaret building of the Suleymaniye Mosque Social Complex, one of Mimar Sinan's (Sinan the Architect) most prominent constructions (Islamic Foundations Museum). In 1983, it was relocated to Ibrahim Pasha Palace, which is located west of Sultanahmet Square.

Besides the Sultan's palaces, the museum structure, which dates from the late 15th century, is one of the oldest remaining palace buildings to this day. The Ibrahim Pasha Palace rises over the old "Racetrack Square" stairwell, making it one of the most prominent structures in Ottoman civil architecture. Suleiman the Magnificent renovated it in 1520 and gave it to his son-in-law and grand vizier, Ibrahim Pasha of Parga. The terrace is surrounded on three sides by an elevated building built on arches.

This terrace, which overlooks Sultanahmet Square, is one of the most attractive spots in the museum. After being closed to guests for renovation in 2012, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum reopened in 2014, on the 100th anniversary of its inaugural opening, with a new notion of the exhibition and new areas to visit. You should see the amazing collection of articles by artists from former Islamic regions. 

Things to do at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

As you visit the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, you will be able to appreciate the great heritage that is left by the previous Islamic societies. The museum displays around 40.000 artworks. It is incredibly rich both in terms of artistic and historical value. You can see the traces of Ayyubids, Seljuks, Ottomans, and other Islamic societies that lived in Anatolia since the 7th century.

There are two floors inside the museum. The first level is the home of exhibits that represent Turkish culture and lifestyles that have evolved for centuries. The second floor is rather dedicated to Islamic art and pieces that symbolize the Islamic culture. The artworks inside the museum are designed with great care and attention to numerous factors, such as style, material, and ethnography. Therefore, it is easier to keep up with the chronological order of the Turkish and Islamic arts.

As mentioned, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is the home of the world’s biggest carpet collection. If you are interested in history or are curious about Islamic arts, the Museum of Islamic and Turkish Arts will be nothing less than a paradise for you.

The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum in Istanbul is one of the most crucial must-see spots in Turkey. It will be one of your favorite attractions in Istanbul, easily, especially if you are a history lover! The museum is very big and contains a lot of historical information. Therefore, if you want to make the best of your trip to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, you might consider booking a guided tour. With a guided Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum tour,  you will be provided with thorough information about the place and the objects that are displayed, along with their context. 

The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is the best place to learn about Islamic history and culture. With a guided Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum tour, you will be able to experience a whole culture and history. Moreover, you will see some of the finest artworks and treasures on display, including rare carpets, Iranian jewels, calligraphy, and much more. By booking a guided tour to the fascinating Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum in Sultanahmet, you will save a lot of time by having a more productive trip! The museum is also close to the Blue Mosque, one of the most loved attractions in Istanbul. So, you could visit lots of places on your checklist by visiting the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum!

Important Information

• This is not a guided tour. Enjoy discovering the Museum at your own pace by listening to the specially curated Audio Guide.
• The QR tickets are only shown when you are in close proximity to the entrance of the Museum. 
• You need an Internet connection on your smartphone to get your QR tickets. For unlimited internet access get your mobile hotspot device with a discount here. 
• For an internet connection, you can also buy an e-SIM for your travel needs!
• Children will be asked to present their valid passports at the entrance of the museums in order to validate their age. Children under 5 can enter the museum for free.