Explore Topkapi Palace history and learn about the ottoman era

About Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is one of the most significant Ottoman landmarks in the history of Istanbul, offering a unique site into the lives of the Sultans. The place was used as the main headquarters and administration of the Sultans during their reign, which was also used as the royal home of the rulers.

It was used as the Sultan's home for around four centuries, before becoming a museum. The beautiful architecture inspired by Turkish designs and Ottoman ornaments can be seen here and visitors can explore all the courts and halls which exhibit amazing artefacts from the Ottoman era Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace Museum

Istanbul's Topkapi Palace Museum is an incredible tourist destination. Therefore, you must take your time and fully appreciate the architecture, scenery, and history of the palace. It is fun to stroll through the gardens and take in the city's buildings, vibrant tiles, and views. Even people who ordinarily don't think much of tiles will be impressed by the colourful patterns as they wander through the buildings and rooms.

The most significant of these tiles are the 1529 blue and white ceramic-inspired panels on the chamber facade. Sultan Ibrahim erected the Summer Pavilion in 1640, where the Crown Princes' circumcision rituals took place. The Royal Household personnel were given access to the Library of Ahmed III when it was constructed in 1719. The Agalar Mosque currently houses the library's books. There is a calmness as soon as you enter this place.

The best part of the museum is that the whole palace is one big exhibition which showcases the royal life of the Ottoman empire. One can witness where the kings used to take public meetings, cabinet meetings and perform leisure activities. The museum has many artefacts on display inside the palace from small things like a glass to big things like weapons used during the time of wars. Explore the amazing architecture and art style of the Ottoman era and what inspired Sultans to build and renovate the palace over the period of time. Starting from the Imperial Gate, to the south of the palace, would be used by the sultan to enter.

The major way into the First Courtyard was through the Imperial Gate which is the main street leading to the palace. The First Courtyard, the largest of the palace's courtyards, was surrounded by high walls and used as an outdoor precinct or park. The middle gate leads to Divan Square or the Second Courtyard which was surrounded by the former palace hospital, bakery, Janissary barracks, stables, imperial harem, Divan, and kitchens. The third courtyard, or the innermost courtyard, was where the sultan's private apartment and the inner palace school were located. It is reached through the canopied Gate of Felicity. The fourth courtyard, which is mainly made up of terraced gardens and pavilions, is connected to the third courtyard.

Explore the lifestyle of the Harem, where all the ladies of the palace used to live and know about their daily routine as you get to explore the Harem section of the palace. Everything is displayed on the exact spot where royal ladies used to put their items. Make sure to look up at the ceilings whenever you are at the Topkapi Palace's Harem since they have amazing tiles, designs, colours, and gold inlay. There are 300 rooms, 9 Turkish Baths, 2 Mosques, and 1 hospital, which are all part of the Topkapi Palace Harem.

Topkapi Palace History

A cape facing the Golden Horn, where the Bosphorus Strait meets the Marmara Sea, is called Seraglio Point (Sarayburnu), where the palace complex is situated. The palace is situated at one of the highest elevations near the sea in a hilly area. Here was where the Byzantion acropolis, an ancient Greek city, stood throughout the Greek and Byzantine periods, as given in the Topkapi Palace history.

According to Topkapi Palace history, the place's primary design was developed by Mehmed II. The highest point of the cape would hold his personal belongings. The outermost core was encircled by a variety of structures, which wound around the perimeter and down the cape towards the Bosphorus. High walls that part of them dated back to the Byzantine acropolis encircled the entire site. By using screened windows and creating hidden corridors, the architects had to make sure that even inside the palace, the sultan and his family could enjoy the utmost amount of seclusion and discretion.

Future renovations and additions were organised according to this fundamental design. Not only among European tourists but also in Islamic or oriental palaces, Topkapi Palace's design and beauty were exceptional.

Although Mehmed II's basic design was largely retained, later sultans made a number of changes to the palace. During Suleyman the Magnificent's rule, the palace underwent a considerable expansion between 1520 and 1560. Suleyman intended his residence to depict the Ottoman Empire's burgeoning power because of its quick expansion. Mimar Sinan was given the task of repairing the palace's damaged areas in 1574 by Sultan Selim II after a large fire devastated the kitchens.

Along with repairing and expanding the damaged areas, Mimar Sinan also added new pavilions along the seashore and renovated the Harem, Baths, and Privy Chamber. The palace's current appearance was achieved by the end of the 16th century. Instead of being a single massive building, the palace is a vast complex made up of a number of low buildings arranged around courtyards and connected by galleries and passageways.

Check Out: Reasons to Visit Topkapi Palace

Plan Your Visit to Topkapi Palace

Here's how you can Plan your visit to Topkapi Palace:

Opening Hours

How to Reach

Facilities, Services & Tips

Accessibility Information

It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM except for Tuesdays.
Topkapi Palace Museum is also closed on the first day of the Feast of Sacrifice, May 1 or Labour Day, and the first day of Ramadan.

Check Out: Guide to Topkapi Palace