Museum of Islamic Art

The museum is situated in the south wing of the Pergamon Museum. It is dedicated to the art of Islamic peoples from the 8th to the 19th century. The Islamic Art Department was founded in 1904 by Wilhelm von Bode and initially comprised the Mshatta Façade, a gift from the Turkish sultan to the German Kaiser, and von Bode’s collection of carpets.

The works of art – from architectural ornaments to applied art and calligraphy – originate from a region that extends from Spain to India, although the main emphasis is on the Middle East (including Egypt and Iran).

The architectural decorations represent one of the major attractions, with works in various media: stone (the façade from Mshatta), stuccoes (archaeological finds from Samarra), painted wooden panelling (Aleppo Room) and wall ceramics in various techniques (prayer niches from Kashan and Konya).

The applied arts include works in a whole range of materials: ceramic vessels, metalwork, carvings in wood and bone, glasses, textiles and carpets.

Within the area of books and ancient writings, the calligraphic works and miniatures from albums of Mogul times are of particular significance.