The Ardabil Carpet
Take a closer look at the world's oldest dated carpet and one of the largest, most beautiful and historically important
Islamic Middle East
Plan a visitThe V&A holds over 19,000 items from the Middle East and North Africa, ranging from the early Islamic period (the 7th century) to the early 20th century.
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These vibrant collections include holdings of metalwork, ceramics, architectural woodwork and textiles, in particular from Iran, and also from Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Syria and the countries of North Africa. Highlights include the Ardabil Carpet, the world's oldest dated carpet and one of the largest, most beautiful and historically important.
Exploring Islamic Middle East
Kaftan, unknown, about 1590, Turkey. Museum no. 753-1884. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Mamluk minbar, unknown, 1468-1496, Egypt. Museum no. 1050:1 to 2-1869. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
'22,500' Composition, Hadieh Shafie, 2011, USA. Museum no. ME.1-2012. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
'Luck of Edenhall', beaker, about 1350, Egypt or Syria. Museum no. C.1 to B-1959. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The Ardabil Carpet (detail), unknown, 1539 – 1540, Iran. Museum no. 272-1893. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Rock crystal ewer, unknown, 1000-1050, Egypt. Museum no. 7904-1862. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
'Animals by the Watering Hole', tapestry, Ali Salim, 1985. Museum no. ME.1-2008. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Ivory pyxis, unknown, 969-970 AD, Spain. museum no. 368-1880. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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Tile panel (detail), unknown, 17th century, Iran. Museum no. 139:1 to 4-1891. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Learn more about Islamic Middle East
Calligraphy in Islamic art
Discover the creativity and versatility of the written word in Islamic art
Researching the Alhambra Palace
Experts from the Alhambra Palace and the V&A delve into one of the finest collections of Islamic art and architecture
Jameel Prize 5
Discover eight exceptional contemporary artists and designers inspired by Islamic tradition
K. A. C. Creswell's photographs of the Middle East
The Luck of Edenhall
Its unique, superstition-wrapped history makes this antique drinking glass one of the Museum's most intriguing objects
