Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: from al-Jazari to astronomy
- Museums and palaces
- Gülhane Park, Sirkeci
- Paid
Family hotels closest to Museum of Science and Technology in Islam
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: 25 min walk (1.7 km) Walking route
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: 25 min walk (1.8 km) Walking route
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: 25 min walk (1.8 km) Walking route
Visitor information
| Type | History of science museum |
|---|---|
| Built | Opened in 2008 (in the former imperial stables of the palace) |
| Commissioned by / architect | The collection of Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin |
| Neighbourhood | Gülhane Park, Sirkeci |
| Opening hours | Opens daily at 9 am; closing time changes with the season (later in summer) |
| Admission | Paid. See the official ticket website for current prices and discounts. |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Getting there | T1 Gülhane stop, 5 min walk |
| From Sultanahmet Square | About 14 min walk (990 m) |
| Pushchair / stroller | Easy with a stroller. Reached by a level path through the park; the halls are mostly on one floor |
| Best time | In the afternoon, together with a walk in Gülhane Park |
| Official website | muze.gov.tr (resmî bilet sitesi) |
Opening hours and prices can change; check the official website before you go. Map links open in Google Maps.
The story of the museum
The museum is made up of models commissioned by Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin, known for his work on the history of science in Islam, at his institute in Frankfurt. The pieces were rebuilt from drawings and descriptions in books written in the Islamic world between the 9th and 16th centuries. The historic stable building on the Sirkeci side of Gülhane Park was restored and opened as a museum in 2008.
Which sections are there?
- Astronomy: Astrolabes, celestial globes and a model of Taqi al-Din’s observatory in Istanbul.
- Clocks and mechanics: Al-Jazari’s elephant clock, water clocks and automatic devices.
- Medicine and chemistry: Surgical instruments, pharmacy jars and distillation apparatus.
- Optics and physics: Ibn al-Haytham’s experiments with light.
- Geography: The world map of the time of Caliph al-Ma’mun and navigation instruments.
Visiting with children
The machine models in the museum explain the history of science to children far better than a book. You can combine the visit with a walk in Gülhane Park and a break in the park’s tea garden. The path from the park gate to the museum is level and easy with a stroller.
Visiting tips
- In front of the elephant clock, read the panel explaining how the clock works together with your children.
- The shortest way into the museum is through the Sirkeci-side gate of Gülhane Park.
- On a rainy day it makes a good indoor plan together with the Archaeology Museums.
Our family hotels near Museum of Science and Technology in Islam
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: 25 min walk (1.7 km) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: 25 min walk (1.8 km) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: 25 min walk (1.8 km) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Sareban Hotel
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam: 25 min walk (1.8 km) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam?
It is inside Gülhane Park, in the historic stable building on the Sirkeci side. It is about a 5-minute walk from the T1 Gülhane stop.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Al-Jazari’s elephant clock, the astrolabes and the machine models capture children’s interest, and because the museum is mostly on one floor it can be visited with a stroller.
