Imperial Mint Museum in Istanbul

This museum is "hidden" in the expanse of a large palace complex of Topkapi. In fact, this is museum in a museum. Nevertheless, it is a separate institution with its own exhibits. Imperial Mint is a place where they printed money for the rulers of the Ottoman Empire for more than two hundred years. The yard is located next to the church of Saint Irene, in the first yard of Topkapi, behind the walls of the palace.

Strictly speaking, the history of the Imperial Mint in Istanbul has more than three hundred years. Its age is traditionally counted since the last upgrade. It happened in the early 19th century under Sultan Abdul Medzhid I. The Sultan, eager to modernize the country, turned his attention to currency of the Ottoman Empire. At his request they’ve added additional department to the Imperial Mint and English specialists began to mint coins using English equipment ordered from London. These same experts trained local craftsmen to mint coins of European standard. Using the British model, the Sultan ordered to open the State Treasury at the Court, and it worked until the end of 19th century until the sultans had moved to Dolmabahce Palace...

In this museum you can see not only the coins of different periods of the Ottoman Empire, but also jewelry and precious items produced Yard for the Sultan and his wives. And also - various medals, decorations, medallions and much more.

This museum is striking with its building. It is valuable in itself. Decorated in the Baroque style, nevertheless it has retained the traits of eastern influence. You will see with your own eyes the decor elements of the 18th century, printing presses masters used for minting money for their sultans and other valuable exhibits...

The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from 9:30 till 17:00.