The Topkapi Palace, also known as the Sultan's Palace, is a former sultanate residence in Istanbul. It served as the seat of power for 25 sultans who ruled over the vast Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a major landmark of the country and attracts tourists from around the world.
General information about Topkapi Palace
When visiting the palace, it is important to observe certain rules that stem from the religious practices of the state.
For example, entering the mosque without a covered head, shoulders, and knees is not allowed.
It is forbidden to take photos and videos in the halls of Suleiman's palace. Guards at the exit will ask you to delete any photos taken.
Prams are not allowed in the complex.
If you want to use guide services, you can buy an audio guide and see everything while listening to the history of the attraction and the exhibits, of which there are 65,000.
Work schedule and cost
The palace warmly welcomes guests every day except Tuesdays. The opening hours vary depending on the date:
From April 16 to October 31, it is open from 9:00 to 19:00.
From November 1 to April 15 from 9:00 to 17:00.
Price Entrance ticket 40 TRY. For the harem, you will have to allocate an additional 25 TRY.
History of the palace complex of Istanbul
The history of the palace complex in Istanbul dates back to 1475, during the reign of Turkish Sultan Mehmed. At that time, it served as a working residence. However, it was Sultan Suleiman who undertook the extensive reconstruction of the building, motivated by his concubine Roxelana, who became famous worldwide as a Slavic girl in the Islamic world.
Roxelana was not satisfied with living far away from her husband, as the harem was located behind the castle walls. The Sultan built a luxurious harem for his wife, mother, and concubines. It was finally completed in 1540. Within the walls of the Topkapi Palace, 25 generations of sultans were born over several centuries.
Everything changed in the 1920s when Turkey became a republic. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first Turkish president, came to power. In 1924, he turned the complex into a museum, open for anyone to visit, marking a historic moment in its history.
What you can see in the Sultan's Palace in Istanbul
For history buffs, here's something to see:
Kitchens and hammams;
The rooms where the servants lived;
Premises and halls for the Sultan and his huge family;
Harem-i and Humayun.
The modern Harem of Suleiman holds the title of a historical heritage site and is protected by UNESCO.
The palace complex covers a vast area of over 700,000 square meters. It can be considered a city within a city, as it comprises:
large 4 yards;
pavilions and mosques;
baths and stables;
parks, pools and fountains;
living quarters and rooms for servants.
First Yard
The former residence of Turkish rulers impresses with its luxurious design. Visitors first pass through the ceremonial gates called "Bab-i Humayun," built in 1478. Passing through them, you enter the "Janissaries' Court." Previously, this place served as an audience hall and a workspace for servants. Here you can also find:
The oldest Church of St. Irene in the city;
Archaeological Museum;
Museum of the Ancient East;
The Tiled Pavilion, which happens to be the oldest public building in the capital.
Main courtyard
Next, the path leads through the "Bab-i Selam" gate, leading to the main courtyard of the Sultan's Palace. You will be greeted by the famous Executioner's Fountain, where executioners used to wash their hands after carrying out death sentences. While passing through this courtyard, be sure to visit:
Divan tower. A meeting of nobles was held in this place, where the Sultan had conversations with his subjects, appointed people to important positions and met visitors.
A harem complex with a labyrinth leading to its entrance. This is an almost endless chain of different rooms and living rooms.
Internal treasury. Here you can see a huge collection of armour and weapons, silver and gold items, caskets and rosaries.
Former kitchen halls. A collection of Chinese phosphorus pottery has been preserved here.
Hurrem Bath, dedicated to Roksolana. It was opened for visiting not so long ago, as it was under restoration. In addition to walking around the building, you can go for spa treatments.
We should also mention the highlight of the palace town - a harem called "Harem-i Humayun". It can be visited through guided tours. Tourists are only allowed on the first floor of the building, where privileged women of the ruler once resided. Each room in the harem has its own unique interior, inscriptions, and mosaics.
The list of must-see attractions should also include the mosque and tombs of the famous Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Roxelana. Notably, the mosque dedicated to the Slavic concubine still holds the record for being the largest in Istanbul. Their graves are located in the mosque's courtyard, where they rest in peace.
Third courtyard
To enter the private chambers of the Turkish Sultan, you can pass through the gate called "Bab-us Saadet." During the reign of Ottoman ruler Selim I, the Throne Room was built, followed by the Library of Ahmed III. It is within the territory of the third courtyard that valuable relics brought by Selim from his trips to Egypt and Mecca in 1517 are preserved, including:
Personal belongings of the first rulers of the sultans;
Mantle, part of hair, tooth and footprint of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Fourth Yard
One could say that this is the leisure part of the palace complex. Take your time to explore the beautiful park, sit in the pavilions with pergolas, and by the pools. From the fourth courtyard, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn Bay.
The Sultan's Palace in Istanbul is a true treasure trove of the city that should definitely be included in your itinerary. It is advisable to allocate more than one day to fully appreciate every detail and not miss anything.
