The Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

What secrets do the elegant strokes of Turkish calligraphy hold? Here at the Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art, they whisper tales of empires and artistry. The Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art, nestled within the Bayezid II Mosque Complex in Istanbul’s bustling Bayezid Square, isn’t just a museum. It’s a sanctuary for the written word, a testament to an art form that transcended mere communication to become a spiritual practice. Established in 1968, the Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art initially resided within the Yavuz Selim Complex. It found its current home in 1984, within the former madrasa of the Bayezid II Mosque Complex. This complex, commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II, son of Mehmed II the Conqueror, started its construction in 1505. The madrasa, where the museum now stands, was completed in 1507. The museum’s collection boasts over 3,000 pieces, a breathtaking array of Islamic calligraphic art. But it’s not just about calligraphy. The Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art also houses personal belongings of Ottoman sultans. You can see memoirs of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, Sultan Ahmed III, and Sultan Mahmud II. Even Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s rosewood throne resides within these walls. The museum also showcases embroidered Ottoman garments, antique handicrafts, and calligraphy on fabrics. The Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art offers a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the Ottoman Empire. The museum was closed for restoration in 2015. Let’s hope it reopens soon so that others can experience the beauty and history held within its walls. The Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art is more than just a collection of artifacts. It’s a journey through the artistry and history of the Ottoman Empire.

The story of The Museum of Turkish Calligraphic Art in Istanbul is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Istanbul and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Istanbul in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Istanbul with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Istanbul – only with Explory.

More Places in Istanbul

Yusuf Dede Camii

The elegant Yusuf Dede Camii stands before us. Its single minaret reaches for the sky. A testament to Istanbul’s rich

Explore

Barbaros Hayrettin Cami

Completed in 2023, the Barbaros Hayrettin Cami stands as a testament to modern mosque architecture. President Erdogan himself opened its

Explore

Merkez Efendi Cami

Slipping through time’s veil, we find ourselves at Merkez Efendi Cami. This isn’t just a mosque. It’s a story etched

Explore

Ahmet Dede Camii

Slipping through time, let’s journey back to 1722. Imagine Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, a place where the Bosphorus whispers secrets to

Explore