Topkapı Palace

The Palace of Topkapı, also known as Topkapı Sarayı in Turkish, is one of the most important historical venues of Istanbul. It hosted the Ottoman Sultans and their reigns for centuries. It served as the main centre of Ottoman Empire’s operational headquarters and the main residence of Ottoman Sultans for generations. Located in Istanbul’s Fatih district, Topkapı Palace has a view of both Europe and Asia thanks to having been built in such a strategic point. There are many other aspects that make Topkapı Palace a perfect touristic place along with its special location. So, without doubt, Topkapı Sarayı is probably the best place in Istanbul that worth visiting and collecting new memories.

You can see the Sultan’s Harem, the armouries, the treasuries and many interesting things inside the palace.

The History of Topkapı Palace

After the conquest of Byzantine capitol Constantinople, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror ordered the construction of Topkapı Palace. The construction began in 1459, six years after the conquest. Mimar Sinan, the grand Ottoman Architect, was among the ones who planned the main architecture of the first version of Topkapı Palace.

It was at first called “the New Palace” to prevent confusions between the old palace and the newly built one. In 19^th Century, the palace was given the name “Topkapı Palace”, which literally translates to Cannon Gate Palace.

The palace complex is located on the Seraglio Point that overlooks the Golden Horn, Europe and Asia. Its basic layout was drawn by the Conqueror Sultan Mehmet himself in such a way that his private quarters would be at the highest point of the palace, being able to overlook and observe everything from there yet having the utmost privacy at the same time. In fact, the architects planned Topkapı Palace by considering the maximum privacy and discretion for the Sultan and his family. Although there were nearly 4000 residents living in the palace, Sultan’s and his family’s quarters were always hidden behind grilled windows or secret passage ways.

At the end of the 16^th century, the palace had finally been in its present state in regards to its appearance.

From a bird’s eye-view, the palace grounds are observed to be divided into four main courtyards. Each courtyard was guarded by high walls and soldiers; the first courtyard was the most accessible one for the public and as you proceed to the fourth, the accessibility became harder and harder.

This was for a reason, of course. The fourth courtyard and the harem were the private areas of the Sultans. Harem was guarded by Harem Aghas and contained nearly 300 women with Sultan’s family members.

From Topkapı Palace to Topkapı Palace Museum

The Sultans were mainly using other palaces in Istanbul such as Dolmabahçe Palace as the imperial court in the mid-19^th century. Some constructions within Topkapı Palace were holding their functions yet the others were not in use anymore. After serving Sultans and the Ottoman Empire for centuries, Topkapı Palace was converted into a museum in 1924 following the downfall of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of Turkish Republic.

In the present day, some parts of the palace are occasionally going under renovations so they are often closed off on purpose.

Receiving more than 3 million visitors each year, Topkapı Palace is a gigantic complex covering approximately 700.000m².

Each courtyard contains different parts of the palace used for different purposes. Visitors can examine a wide variety of sections within the palace from the Imperial Treasury to Privy Chambers, Kiosks and personal libraries of Sultans.

According to the latest announcement of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Topkapı Palace is open for its visitors every day except Tuesdays.

The closing hours change depending on the season.

During the Winter Season between October 30^th and April 15^th, visitors can see the Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene between 9:00 a.m. – 4: 45 p.m.

In the Summer Season, however, which is between April 15^th and October 30^th, those places can be visited between 9:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.

There is one simple rule regarding those visits whether they are in the Winter or the Summer Season: the box office closes 45 minutes before the closing hour. So, you should get your tickets in advance.

The entrance fee to Topkapı Palace is currently 100 Turkish Liras.

Quick Facts About Topkapı Palace

• Before or after your visit, you can take a walk in the beautiful, vast and fresh greenery of the Gülhane Park. From there, you can go to Sultanahmet on feet and see the other historical places of Istanbul within the ancient peninsula.
• The famous Hagia Sophia is also located directly behind Topkapı Palace and it requires no entrance fee. Therefore, Hagia Sophia can be added to your visit list, as well.
• The Harem, where nearly 300 women and the Sultan’s family resided, was guarded by eunuch Harem Aghas who were originally black slaves sent as a gift from the Ottoman Governor of Egypt. In addition to the population of 300 women, 200 eunuchs lived in the Harem and guarded there.
• During some religious festivals, Topkapı Palace might be closed.
• Topkapı Palace was the primary residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly 4 centuries as a part of the 600 years of Ottoman reign.
• Topkapı Palace contains the 4^th largest diamond in the world: The Spoonmaker’s Diamond. It is exhibited as the most valuable thing in Topkapı Palace in the section of Imperial Treasury. According to the legend, this extremely valuable stone had been first found in a waste yard by an unfortunate man. As shocking as it may sound, this man sells the diamond to a spoon maker in exchange for 3 spoons. Later on, a moneylender discovers the diamond and the things escalate rather quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Topkapı Palace