Carpet Museum

Overview

The Carpet Museum (Halı Müzesi) displays a curated collection of rare Anatolian carpets and kilims dating from the 14th to 20th centuries, housed in a restored imperial pavilion beside the Blue Mosque.

Highlights

• 14th-Century Seljuk Carpets: Among the oldest surviving Turkish carpets in the world.
• Regional Variety: Carpets from every major weaving tradition in Anatolia, each with distinct patterns and dyes.
• Free Admission: An excellent free museum in the heart of Sultanahmet.

History

The collection was assembled from mosques across Turkey where centuries-old carpets had been in continuous use for prayer. The museum opened in 2013 in a restored Sultanahmet building.

Visitor Tips

• Quick Visit: Small enough to see in 30–45 minutes.
• Rug Shopping Context: Visit before shopping for carpets to learn how to identify quality and regional styles.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.