Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TURKISH & ISLAMIC ARTS
OFFLINE MAP
| MUSEUM
9am-6.30pm Tue-Sun Apr-Oct, to 4.30pm Nov-Mar; Sultanahmet)
This Ottoman palace on the
western edge of the Hippodrome was built in 1524 for İbrahim Paşa, childhood friend,
brother-in-law and grand vizier of Süleyman the Magnificent. It's now home to a magnifi-
cent collection of artefacts, including exquisite examples of calligraphy and a collection of
antique carpets that is generally held to be the best in the world.
Born in Greece, İbrahim Paşa was captured in that country as a child and sold as a slave
into the imperial household in İstanbul. He worked as a page in Topkapı, where he be-
came friendly with Süleyman, who was the same age. When his friend became sultan,
İbrahim was made in turn chief falconer, chief of the royal bedchamber and grand vizier.
This palace was bestowed on him by Süleyman the year before he was given the hand of
Süleyman's sister, Hadice, in marriage. Alas, the fairy tale was not to last for poor
İbrahim. His wealth, power and influence on the monarch became so great that others
wishing to influence the sultan became envious, chief among them Süleyman's powerful
wife, Haseki Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana). After a rival accused İbrahim of disloyalty,
Roxelana convinced her husband that İbrahim was a threat and Süleyman had him
strangled in 1536.
The museum's exhibits date from the 8th and 9th centuries up to the 19th century.
Highlights include the superb calligraphy exhibits, with
müknames
(scrolls outlining an
imperial decree) featuring the sultan's
tuğra
(monogram). Look out for the exquisite Irani-
an book binding from the Safavid period (1501-1786). And whatever you do, don't miss
the extraordinary collection of carpets displayed in the
divanhane
(ceremonial hall) - it in-
cludes Holbein, Lotto, Konya, Uşhak, Iran and Caucasia examples. The lower floor of the
museum houses ethnographic exhibits. Labels are in Turkish and English throughout.
While here, be sure to enjoy an expertly prepared Turkish coffee at Müzenin Kahvesi (
CLICK HERE
) in the courtyard.
AYA İRINI
OFFLINE MAP
| CHURCH
(Hagia Eirene, Church of the Divine Peace; 1st Court, Topkapı Palace; Sultanahmet)
Commissioned
by Justinian in the 540s, this Byzantine church is almost exactly as old as its close neigh-
bour, Aya Sofya. When Mehmet the Conqueror began building Topkapı, the building was
within the grounds and was most fortunately retained. Used as an arsenal for centuries, it
now functions as an atmospheric concert venue during the İstanbul International Music
Festival.
