The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is housed in the beautiful former palace of Ibrahim Pasa, the childhood friend and adult confidant of Suleyman the Magnificent. The ties between the legendary Sultan and his dear friend ran very deep - Ibrahim was made Grand Vizier in Suleyman's court, and the Pasa even married the Sultan's sister. Suleyman's notoriously jealous wife Hurrem Sultan (also known as Roxelana) is said to be responsible for instigating a paranoid plot against Ibrahim Pasa that would eventually lead to his murder. She whispered to the Sultan that the Pasa was gaining too much power, and Suleyman eventually had his friend killed, believing that his ally was actually trying to usurp his power.
The interesting history of the building aside, the museum is filled with beautiful examples of Turkish calligraphy, kilims, books, ceramics, metalwork, miniatures, textiles, and woodwork that provide insight into Turkey's fascinating history. In addition, the museum also houses a cultural wing that showcases typical Turkish homes throughout the centuries, from yurt dwellings to the Ottoman mansions of the early 20th century. Interesting examples of traditional dress are also on display. The cultural wing also offers fine depictions of life in various parts of Turkey, from large cities to remote desert areas. A display on the roll of kilim production in Turkish society is very interesting, and the collection also includes some of the oldest rugs in the world.
Essentially the museum's collection helps to fill in the gaps and put everything else you will see in Istanbul (mosques, musical performances, ethnic dances, calligraphy) into perspective. The museum is open every day except Monday.
The museum also has a very fine gift shop that offers inexpensive copies of beautiful Islamic calligraphy for sale, among other items.