The later period

The Blue Mosque, the Ardabil Carpet, and the Taj Mahal all date to this important period.

c. 1517 - 1924 C.E.

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Mimar Sinan, Şehzade Mosque, Istanbul

Sinan, one of the most famous architects in the Ottoman Empire, draws inspiration from the Hagia Sophia and arguably surpasses it

Muradiye Mosque

The Muradiye Mosque's interior is covered with wall paintings and colorful tiles—like a museum of fifteenth-century Ottoman architectural decoration.

Topkapı Palace tiles

Magnificent blue-and-white tiles adorn this room in the Topkapı Palace, Istanbul.

Humayun’s tomb

This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.

Exploring Color in Mughal Paintings

Curious about the vibrant colors in Mughal paintings? Learn about the art of imperial painting here.

Lacquer pen-case, signed by the artist Ashraf ibn Riza

This luxury pen-case is made from papier mâché with lacquer painting, a tradition inspired by Chinese lacquer.

Groom and Rider drawing

The precision of the line and the attention to texture allow this drawing to stand on its own as a finished work.

The Damascus Room at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The luxurious space of the Damascus Room was ikely for an affluent family to host visitors. The opulent décor and poetic inscriptions were designed to make the space feel like a retreat from the bustling commercial center. Explore the masterpiece with Max Hollein, Marina Kellen French Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.