Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam

I really wanted to give it 5 stars but couldn’t. I like these kind of museums, but this was one was boring! No interactive experience, just walking around with labels difficult to read, even the employees seem very bored working here! The concept is great, the location is also good, but definitely needs more innovation.

I usually enjoy these types of museums, but unfortunately this museum wasn’t that great, in fact it’s a spoiled opportunity. I usually enjoy the history of science, engineering and science, and have a blind spot for the history of science during the ottoman era. I thought this would be an enlightening and interesting experience. The objects itself are replicas and I don’t mind that, what I mind is the lack of curation and interactive elements. It’s a listing of different objects in different fields of the sciences, but what did the objects solve, what are the actual contributions and how did they work? We went through the exhibition using the provided audio guide. It’s such a pity, this could be really really interesting, but unfortunately it does not feed into the curious and learning mind.

The Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam displays various scientific and technological instruments invented by Muslim scholars between the 9th and 16th centuries. The museum consists of 12 sections: astronomy, navigation, war technology, medicine, mining, physics, mathematics and geometry, architecture, chemistry and optics, and geography.

So many concepts normally considered to have originally b een discovered in Europe are shown to have been discovered in the Islamic world first. The "discovery of America by Muslim sailors from Java" theory is particularly interesting.

The museum is very big. It may take time as there is lots to read inside. Very inspiring. In all science sections. Museum card are allowed

We visited this museum because it is part of the Istanbul Muze pass, too. I would only recommend visiting here if you have experienced everything else that you want to see. Many of the exhibits are replicas or models. If you have an advanced science degree or are passionate about the history of those fields then you may be more inclined to enjoy this museum.

It was the only museum we had a chance of visiting during our exploration of Turkey. As someone who loves science, technology and astronomy - it was fascinating. I'm no expert but it does highlight the revisionist history from the other side. The inventions and innovation of the peoples during this era opposes the very notion of any conflict between science vs religion as is being oft debated. Nonetheless, the entry fee was 50TL which equates to 2.48GBP. It spans across two floors, and can take up to 2 hours, or longer if you're taking pictures to really get engrossed into the instruments and innovations. A huge favourite; the models of the major mosques - highlighting the depth, breadth and size between each and the similarity in architecture.

It is unfortunately incredibly poorly curated. You might enjoy it if you’re passionate about astronomy or medicine but it is super text heavy. Every « artifact » is a replica. The lighting is disastrous. Not worth the 10€ at all.