The Pargali Ibrahim Pasha Palace stands on the western side of the old Hippodrome in Sultanahmet, facing the Blue Mosque. Built in the early 16th century, it is one of the few private palaces of that era to survive in Istanbul. Today it houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, one of the best collections of its kind anywhere.
Who was Pargali Ibrahim Pasha?
Ibrahim was born in Parga, on the Ionian coast of today's Greece, reportedly the son of a fisherman. As a boy he was brought into Ottoman service, where he became a close friend of the young Prince Suleiman. When Suleiman became sultan, Ibrahim rose quickly and in 1523 was appointed grand vizier, the most powerful office after the sultan.
His title "Damat" means son-in-law of the sultan's family, as he was long believed to have married Suleiman's sister. Ibrahim's wealth and influence grew enormously, and so did his enemies. In 1536 he fell from favour and was executed in Topkapi Palace; his body was removed from the palace in secret. His dramatic story is well known in Turkey and was retold in the popular TV series Magnificent Century.
History of the Ibrahim Pasha Palace
The palace was given to Ibrahim by Suleiman and was built on a grand scale, around large courtyards, with a divan hall for meetings, reception rooms, a bath and many private chambers. Its position on the Hippodrome, the city's main public square, showed the grand vizier's status to everyone in Istanbul.
The palace is sometimes attributed to Mimar Sinan, but it was built before Sinan became chief architect in 1538. Over the following centuries it was used as a residence for viziers, barracks, offices and even a prison, and parts of it were lost. After restoration, it became the home of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in 1983.
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
The museum was founded in 1914 and was the first museum in Turkey dedicated to Turkish and Islamic art. Its collection spans more than a thousand years and many parts of the Islamic world.
- Carpets: one of the most important carpet collections in the world, including rare Seljuk carpets and classical Ottoman pieces.
- Calligraphy and manuscripts: illuminated Qurans, imperial decrees with the sultan's monogram (tuğra) and fine calligraphy.
- Woodwork, metalwork and ceramics: carved doors and lecterns, candlesticks and tiles from mosques across Anatolia.
- Ethnography: displays on everyday life in Anatolia, including traditional nomad tents and household items.
Take a moment at the windows of the upper galleries, which look out across the Hippodrome towards the Blue Mosque. The square in front was the centre of public life in Byzantine Constantinople, where chariot races were held, and in Ottoman times it was still the stage for parades, festivals and celebrations, which is why a grand vizier wanted his palace here.
Visiting the palace and museum
The palace is at Sultanahmet Square, on the side of the Hippodrome opposite the Blue Mosque. Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet and walk two minutes past the Egyptian Obelisk.
- Allow one to two hours for the museum.
- Entrance fees and opening hours change, so check them on the official website before you visit.
- The museum is run by the Ministry of Culture, so check whether your Museum Card covers it.
- If you love carpets, also visit the Foundations Carpet Museum near Hagia Sophia.
The palace is a natural stop on a guided walk through the old city. Our Istanbul old city tour covers the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the other main sights of Sultanahmet with a licensed guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace today?
It houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, with carpets, calligraphy, manuscripts, woodwork, ceramics and an ethnographic section.
Where is the Ibrahim Pasha Palace?
It is on the western side of the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), opposite the Blue Mosque. The nearest tram stop is Sultanahmet on the T1 line.
Who was Pargali Ibrahim Pasha?
He was a close friend of Suleiman the Magnificent who became grand vizier in 1523. He was executed in 1536 after falling from the sultan's favour.
Did Mimar Sinan build the Ibrahim Pasha Palace?
No. The palace dates from the early 16th century, before Sinan became chief architect of the empire in 1538.
End your sightseeing day on the water
After the old city, see the palaces and mansions from the Bosphorus on a private sunset yacht cruise, only for your group.