Turkish culture’s long history with Islam has given today’s visitors and locals a chance to view the fantastic legacy these centuries have left behind. Here are some of the top-visited Islamic museums in Turkey that captivate the imaginations of visitors.
Haci Bektas was a famous Islamic philosopher and dervish who lived in the Cappadocia region. He was the founder of the Bektashi Order. With his philosophy of love and tolerance, Haci Bektas’ views soon spread around Anatolia, and the Balkans and his philosophies soon gained many followers. Today, his dargah has been converted into a museum and is a fascinating place to visit and learn more about Haci Bektas and his loving, peaceful philosophy.
Mevlana Museum fascinates visitors from all backgrounds with its fascinating background as a former home to the whirling dervishes. Mevlana was a highly renowned philosopher, with his ideas on love and self-knowledge, having effects on many people over the centuries. The year 2007 was declared Mevlana Year by UNESCO, and his philosophy of tolerance was celebrated throughout the year with different events. Mevlana Museum is one of the most visited museums in Turkey and an important place for Muslims.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum first opened as a part of the Suleymaniye Mosque Complex in the Soup Kitchen Building. The museum moved to Ibrahim Pasha Palace in 1983. Today, up to 40,000 pieces of art can be viewed in the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and it covers almost all eras of Islamic Art. There are Qurans from many different parts of the world where Islam expanded. The carpet section of the museum is home to the most extensive carpet selection in the world. The museum also has other parts that showcase wooden and stone art. The museum also features a sizable ethnography section.
The Privy Room was the sultans’ private apartment. Before succeeding to the throne, sultans would come to this room to pray and then leave for the ceremony. The Holy Relics Chamber is located in the Privy Room.
After Selim I conquered Mamluk Egypt, the caliphate was passed from Abbasid to the Ottoman Empire. The last Abbasid caliphate gave Selim the Grim the Holy Mantle of the Prophet. After this, more holy relics were sent to Istanbul over the centuries. For example, in situations where the previous location seemed unsafe, Holy Relics were sent to Topkapi Palace.
The Holy Relics Chamber is a very important place for Muslims from all over the world and needs to be respected. It should be kept in mind not to enter this chamber with inappropriate clothing.
İsmail Fakirullah’s Tomb is in the city of Siirt, located in the Southeastern part of Turkey. When İsmail Fakirullah passed away in the 18th century, his student İbrahim Hakkı built a tomb for him. He also built a 10-meter-high tower with eight sides. During the equinoxes, the sunlight hits this tower at the exact angle needed to pass through a small window on the tower and hit a unique ornament located on the head of the grave. The tomb is an architectural wonder created by İbrahim Hakkı and visited by many people each year, especially during equinoxes.
Özge Erdem
Özge’s career goals changed big time during the third year of her major, when she realized she had no wish to be a chemical engineer. After traveling Asia and doing various nomadic jobs, she settled back in Turkey to start her dream job of building websites and copy-writing with her high school friend.
