Designed to be a pillar of light within the community, the Aga Khan Museum showcases the breadth of Muslim civilizations from the 8th century to the present day in their permanent collection. With over 1000 artifacts that include rare manuscripts, paintings, ceramics, glass, scientific instruments and intricate metal work founds in this 1,800 square metre galleries.
On now until June 26, 2016,the exhibition A City Transformed: Images of Istanbul Then and Now explores the beautiful and historic city of Istanbul, Turkey and how it has evolved over the years — first as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and finally Kostantiniyye or Istanbul as the Ottoman capital — to the present day metropolis. From the earliest photographs dating back to the period 1850s–80s, when local and travelling photographers vied for the honour of bearing the Ottoman Sultan’s official tuğra (calligraphic monogram) on their albums and panoramas from the acclaimed collection of Ömer Koçto to more contemporary imagery showcasing the dizzying stills and projections of contemporary photographer Murat Germen; this exhibit is an exquisite look of how Istanbul has evolved over the ages.
If you’re feeling a little hungry, be sure to drop by the on-site restaurant Diwan (open for lunch 11:30 am–2:30 pm Tuesday to Sunday, and for dinner on special themed evenings) to indulge and explore popular Middle Eastern dishes. For more information, visit agakhanmuseum.org for the latest news on their Dining with a Celebrity Series and pre-show dinners.
