Topkapi Palace
Travel Point Overview
Topkapi Palace served as the official residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire for centuries. Built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, it remained the residence of the Ottoman rulers until the mid-19th century.
Topkapi Palace: The Heart of the Ottoman Empire
📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey
🏛 Era: Ottoman Empire (1460-1478)
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror)
🎨 Architectural Style: Ottoman palace architecture
🛠 Converted into a Museum: 1924
🎟 Entrance Fee: Free with Museum Pass (Harem section requires a separate ticket)
A Historical Legacy: Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace served as the official residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire for centuries. Built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, it remained the residence of the Ottoman rulers until the mid-19th century.
Following the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy in 1922, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ordered the palace to be converted into a museum on April 3, 1924. Today, it stands as one of the most magnificent examples of Ottoman heritage and welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Sultan Mehmed II and Topkapi Palace
📜 The First Palace: After the conquest of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II first built a palace in Beyazıt, where Istanbul University now stands. This palace was later called the "Old Palace".
🔹 Following this, he built the Tiled Pavilion and later Topkapi Palace, where he eventually settled.
🔹 Originally named “Saray-ı Cedid” (New Palace), it was later renamed "Topkapi Palace" during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I, after the burning of the Topkapusu Coastal Palace.
Architectural Design of Topkapi Palace
🏛 Designed according to Ottoman state philosophy, reflecting the relationship between the Sultan and his subjects.
🔹 The palace consists of courtyards and gardens, surrounded by state offices, pavilions, and residences.
🔹 It is located on Sarayburnu, at the tip of the Istanbul Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.
🔹 The palace is enclosed by the 1400-meter-long "Sur-ı Sultani" walls on the land side and by Byzantine walls on the sea side.
🔹 Covering an area of approximately 700,000 square meters, it is one of the largest palace complexes in the world.
Sections of Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace features a vast complex of courtyards, pavilions, and halls, each serving different purposes. Some of the most notable sections include:
🔹 First Courtyard (Alay Meydanı): Includes Hagia Irene Church and the Imperial Gate (Bab-ı Hümayun).
🔹 Second Courtyard (Divan Meydanı): Houses the Kubbealtı (Imperial Council Chamber) and Justice Tower.
🔹 Third Courtyard (Enderun Courtyard): The private residence of the Sultan, containing the Imperial Treasury and the Enderun Library.
🔹 Fourth Courtyard: Features Baghdad Pavilion, Revan Pavilion, and the İftar Pavilion, showcasing exquisite Ottoman architecture.
🔹 Harem Section: The private quarters of the Sultan and his family.
(⚠ Museum Pass is NOT valid for the Harem; a separate ticket is required.)
Collections at Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace houses one of the richest collections of Ottoman artifacts, including:
🏺 Imperial Treasury – Displays some of the most valuable jewels and gold artifacts of the Ottoman Empire.
🎭 Sultan’s Garments – Includes royal robes and kaftans worn by Ottoman sultans.
🖼 Sultan Portraits and Painting Collection – Featuring rare portraits of Ottoman rulers.
⚔ Weapons Collection – Showcases swords, armor, and bows used by the Ottomans in battles.
🕌 Sacred Relics Section – Home to the Holy Mantle of Prophet Muhammad (Hırka-i Saadet), his sacred beard, and other Islamic relics.
Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Museum Pass Usage
🎟 Standard Entry: Free with Museum Pass
🎟 Harem Section: Not included in the Museum Pass (Requires a separate ticket)
Visitors can explore most of the palace for free with the Museum Pass, but the Harem section requires an additional ticket for entry.
How to Get to Topkapi Palace?
📍 Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul
🚆 Public Transport Options:
- From Taksim: Take the funicular to Kabataş, then the tram to Sultanahmet.
- From the Airport: Take the metro to Aksaray, then the tram to Sultanahmet.
- From Kadıköy or Üsküdar: Take the ferry to Eminönü, then walk or take the tram to Sultanahmet.
- Once at Sultanahmet Square, walk past Hagia Sophia and follow the path leading uphill to Bab-ı Hümayun (Imperial Gate), the main entrance of Topkapi Palace.
🚗 By Car:
There are parking areas near the palace, but due to high pedestrian traffic, private vehicle access may be limited.
Explore Topkapi Palace with Advisormapp!
📲 Use the Advisormapp app to navigate Topkapi Palace, access audio guides, and discover its rich history. Get ready to experience one of Istanbul’s most breathtaking royal palaces! 🚀✨
