The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is located in Sultanahmet Square in Eminonu district in Istanbul. It was built in 1524, formerly it was the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, who was the first grand vizier to Suleyman the Magnificent. He was the first counselor of the Sultan and married Suleyman’s sister as the sultan ascended the throne, thus occupying a very important place in the Ottoman palace hierarchy. After Ibrahim's death the palace was used as a military barracks for new recruits, and made a museum during the Republic.
The collection includes notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, tiles, and rugs as well as ethnographic displays on various cultures in Turkey, particularly nomad groups.
