Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk Islam Eserleri Müzesi Hizmete)

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts contains a varied collection that captures the full range of Islamic art across the Middle East. Highlights include handwoven Anatolian carpets, Selçuk-era tiles, nomadic folk art, and whole ornate mosque doors.

Private and small-group tours often combine a visit to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts with stops at other sights in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.

• The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a must-visit for art and history buffs.

• The collection is large, so make sure to allow enough time to explore the museum.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is centrally located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood, close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It is minutes away from the Sultanahmet tram stop and is also easily accessible by taxi. Parking is limited in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, so a taxi or tram is the most convenient option.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is open every day, with longer opening hours during the busy summer and shorter opening hours in the winter. The museum rarely feels crowded, so it’s a good bet when the neighborhood’s blockbuster sights are overly full.

As you stroll the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, be sure to look for an ornate door taken from the Great Mosque in Cizre that dates to the 12th century. Other highlights include Safavid-era Iranian book bindings, columns from Damascus, Caucasian carpets, and examples of Ottoman calligraphy.