Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the most famous palaces in Turkey. Sultan Mehmed II gave the order for the Topkapi Palace, one of the enormous remaining palaces in the world, to be constructed between 1460 and 1478, a few years after he had captured Constantinople. The Ottoman Sultans resided in the palace for almost four centuries. Additionally, it served as the state's administrative and academic hub.
After Mehmed's passing, the palace underwent renovations and expansion under the rule of nearly 30 sultans, giving it its present appearance—a distinctive fusion of Islamic, European, and Ottoman architectural elements. The palace, with its four courtyards and more than 400 chambers, housed some 4,000 people, including 300 concubines in the harem.
Overview
| Location | Turkey |
| Address | Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey |
| Function | Palace, Museum |
| Function | Ottoman architecture |
| Google Map | - |
Highlights
- Witness the imperial works of art in Mosaic. One of the Hagia Sophia's essential components was mosaic.
- Look at the courtyard where the Sultan held meetings with his top-level courtiers.
- Seek blessings at the important mosque of the palace, the mosque of the Agas. It also houses the sacred Privy Chamber, which houses the cloak of Muhammad and the hair from his beard.
- The Topkapi Palace Harem was home to Sultan's mother, wives, concubines, and children, and it is a massive structure that spreads over 400 rooms. It has many sections, all interconnected by galleries and passageways.
- Of the plethora of kiosks, the most important ones are Yerevan and Iftar. Make sure you don't miss it.
Topkapi Palace Ticket Price
An average of 3 million individuals visit Topkapi Palace each year. The palace, which consists of four sizable courtyards, promises a journey close to nature. The palace also houses the "Hagia Irene Church" and the "Istanbul Archaeological Museum." The palace also has entry fees. Below are the details of the Topkapi Palace entry fee:
| Category | Price |
| Adult | 200 Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Adult (Harem) | 100 Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Children (under 12a) | Free (Palace) |
Note: Prices are subjective to change.
Recommended For
The Topkapi Palace is a must-visit for solo travelers, friends, groups, and families fascinated by the history of Sultans and Turkish Kings.
About Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, located in Istanbul, Turkey, serves as a colorful and beautiful reminder of the magnificence of the former Ottoman Empire of Turkey. Sultan Mehmed, the Conqueror, constructed it in 1459; its name translates to "Cannon Gate" in Turkish.
It was significant when the Sultan and his numerous concubines utilized it in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Imperial Harem is one of the main draws here, even today! The government transformed Topkapi Palace into a museum honoring the glorious Ottoman Empire as the sun set on the Ottoman Empire.
The top two places that have recorded the most tourist footfall in the palace are the Ottoman Imperial Harem and the Treasury of the Sultans. It is here that the world-famous Spoonmaker's diamond and Topkapi dagger are housed!
The Ottoman Imperial Harem and the Treasury of the Sultans are the two locations in the palace that have attracted visitors. In addition, the renowned Spoonmaker's diamond and Topkapi dagger are kept in this location!
The manuscripts from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as the armor, clothing, and other lesser-known but equally stunning treasures, can be found here. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its age, beauty, and the large amount of information it contains on the lifestyles of the vivid sultans of the Ottoman Empire.
The Topkapi Palace had four elegant courtyards and a few smaller ones. The first courtyard is the outermost, and the fourth is the innermost. Each courtyard has its own set of structures and specialties, attracting tourists from around the world.
First Courtyard
Since all the janitors patrolled there while dressed in colorful attire, this courtyard is also known as the "Parade Court." The "Middle Gate" connects the first courtyard to the second courtyard.
Second Courtyard
The Imperial Council and the Imperial Treasury are the focal points of this courtyard. The timber roof of the Imperial Council is painted green and white, beautifully carved with gold, and embellished with several marble pillars. The enormous Gates of Felicity marks the end of the second courtyard and directs you to the third courtyard.
Third Courtyard
The Sultan's page boys, who were young men who studied calligraphy, music, and art to amuse the emperor, lived in this area. They soared in rank and gained popularity as their performance improved.
The mosque of the Agas, the most significant mosque in the palace, is located in the third courtyard. Additionally, it holds the holy Privy Chamber, where Muhammad's cloak and the hair from his beard are kept.
Forth Courtyard
The most secluded area of the palace is the fourth courtyard, often known as the "Inner Sofa," where the Sultan and his entire family lived. Gardens and kiosks are dispersed throughout the whole region. The circumcision room, where the male members of the royal family were all circumcised, is the main building in this area.
Interesting Facts about Topkapi Palace
- It is located in Istanbul's Fatih District's elevated area.
- In the fourteenth century, the first palace was built.
- The main entrance to the palace is called the "Imperial Gate."
- Suleyman the Magnificent, Former Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, considerably increased the size of the palace.
- An unaltered Byzantine church still stands there.
- One of the unique architectural elements of the Topkapi Palace is the "Gate of Salutation," often referred to as the "Middle Gate."
- The palace housed the largest kitchen in the Ottoman Empire.
- The "Tower of Justice," the tallest building in the complex, carries its name.
- In 1924, the palace was transformed into a museum.
- The Imperial Harem has a sizable building with more than 400 rooms.
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FAQS About Topkapi Palace
Ans: Topkapi Palace charges 200 Turkish Lira per person for admission. Each participant must pay an additional 100 Turkish Lira to enter the Topkapi Palace Harem. Children under 12 can join for free, and those under six can also enter the harem.
Ans: The Ottoman sultans' official residence, Topkapi Palace, also served as the nation's administrative and educational hub.
Ans: One of Istanbul's most important and historic sites, Topkapi Palace, is where the Ottoman Sultans spent nearly 400 years of their existence. Visit Topkapi Palace to explore the affluent areas of the building, view antiquities from the Sultanate era, and discover the history and culture of the region.
Ans: The opening hours of Topkapi Palace are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and it is closed on Tuesday.