The Benaki Museum's collection of Islamic art, which includes examples of all its local variations from as far afield as India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Arabia, Egypt, North Africa, Sicily and Spain, ranks among the most important in the world. Walking through the Kerameikos area of Athens along Asomaton Street, we almost missed the Islamic Museum as it is housed in a townhouse looking like any other on the street. Fortunately, this did not happen as the collection was well worth the long walk from our hotel just south of the Acropolis.
However, like the main Benaki Museum across town, photography was not allowed. I will never understand why some museums (for instance, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens) almost beg you to take photos of their collection while museums like the Benaki look at you like dirt if you dare ask if photography is allowed! Explain it to me, someone!! So, above is the ruler I bought at the museum shop showing some of the Iznik patterns on display in the museum. This is one of the best souvenirs I ever bought as it sits on my desk inspiring me with tile designs and will be used on a regular basis.
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