For travelers with a passion for Islamic history, architecture, and cultural heritage, some cities stand out as living museums—places where centuries-old traditions meet curated collections of Islamic art and scholarship. Here are six remarkable cities where the story of Islamic civilisation unfolds across palaces, mosques, museums, and bustling streets.
First stop….
1. Istanbul, Turkiye
Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is a dazzling blend of East and West. The Topkapi Palace Museum houses relics of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and breathtaking Ottoman artefacts, while the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts showcases carpets, calligraphy, and manuscripts from across the Islamic world. Iconic sites like the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Blue Mosque make the entire city feel like an open-air museum of Islamic architecture.
2. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, known as “The City of a Thousand Minarets,” is a treasure trove of Islamic art and learning. The Museum of Islamic Art holds one of the world’s most extensive collections, with ceramics, woodwork, and metalwork dating back to the Umayyads. In Islamic Cairo, historic mosques like Al-Azhar and Sultan Hassan serve both as active places of worship and monuments to centuries of Islamic architectural brilliance.
Registan square at dusk – the ancient center of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The three madrasahs of the Registan are: the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417 1420), the Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646 1660) and the Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619 1636)
3. Fez, Morocco
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez is home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, considered the world’s oldest continually operating university. The Dar Batha Museum, housed in a former royal palace, features exquisite examples of Moroccan Islamic art, including zellige tilework, carved plaster, and calligraphy. The medieval medina, with its labyrinthine streets and artisan workshops, is a museum in motion.
4. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
A jewel of the Silk Road, Samarkand flourished under Timur (Tamerlane) and became a center of Islamic learning and architecture. The Registan Square, framed by three madrasahs adorned with dazzling blue tiles, is one of the most iconic Islamic landmarks in Central Asia. Museums like the Afrosiyob Museum provide context for the city’s pre-Islamic and Islamic heritage, offering insight into its role as a crossroads of civilisations.
5. Granada, Spain
While Spain today is largely secular, Granada offers a unique window into Islamic Europe. The Alhambra, a masterpiece of Nasrid architecture, is both a palace and a museum, with intricately carved stucco, Arabic inscriptions, and serene gardens. The Museo de la Alhambra delves deeper into Islamic Andalusian life, showcasing ceramics, jewelry, and Qur’anic manuscripts.
6. Doha, Qatar
A modern hub with a deep appreciation for Islamic heritage, Doha hosts the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), designed by I.M. Pei. The museum holds priceless works from Spain to India, spanning 1,400 years of Islamic culture. Complemented by Qatar’s emphasis on public art and education, Doha is positioning itself as a contemporary custodian of Islamic history.
Whether you’re walking through the silent courtyards of Fez or admiring the domes of Istanbul, these cities offer immersive encounters with the depth and diversity of Islamic civilisation. For those who seek history not only in books but in the very stones and streets of great cities, each destination promises a journey through time.
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
