Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

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mfs
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Editor Pick

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

  • November 8, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by mightywease from Carshalton, United Kingdom
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

Housed in an old palace overlooking the Hippodrome the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts charts the history, influences and changes in Islamic Art through the use of pottery, tiles, artifacts, calligraphy, glass and metal work, manuscripts and friezes.

There are some wonderful exhibits, especially the beautiful calligraphy and decorated manuscripts, vibrantly coloured tiles and also the exquisite, elaborate pins and brooches used to decorate turbans.

The later galleries and the Main Ceremonial Hall contain one of the world’s foremost collection of antique carpets. The exhibition explains the different types of carpets and how some styles are named after certain artists i.e. Holbein, because they were featured in paintings by those artists. In the west Turkish carpets were so prized that they were used as table coverings rather than on the floor, thus showing the wealth of those who owned them.

The museum also has an Ethnographical Section which includes a reconstruction of a traditional Yurt dwelling and also details of how natural dyes are made from such things as plants, dried flowers and even crushes insects.

All the exhibits are well displayed with descriptions in Turkish and English There is a lot to take in however the museum also has a lovely tea room where you can refresh your senses and feet and, in summer, sit out on the terrace with beautiful views over the Blue Mosque

From journal Istanbul - Minarets and Magic

Editor Pick

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

  • July 5, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by mfs from Sea Girt, New Jersey
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

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.

From journal The Wonders of Istanbul

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