Travel Highlights - Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

In 1453, after the fall of Constantinople, the Byzantine "Constantinople" was conquered by Mehmed II the Conqueror. The Eastern Roman Empire was destroyed and the palace became Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Construction of the Topkapi Palace began in 1460 under the orders of the Ottoman Sultan and took 18 years to complete until 1478. Several expansion projects followed, and the palace was divided into the Outer Palace, the Inner Palace, and the Harem. The Inner Palace and the Harem primarily served as living quarters for the royal family. The palace covers a total area of 700,000 square meters and is located between the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn, in what we now call the Old City. The Turkish name for Topkapi Palace is "Topkapı Sarayı," where "top" means cannonball, "kapı" means gate, and "saray" means palace. However, before the 18th century, it was known as the "New Imperial Palace" (Saray-i Cedid-i Amire), and it was renamed to its current name during the reign of Mahmud I. Topkapi Palace remained the center of political power in the empire until the reign of the 31st Sultan, Abdülmecid I, who considered it no longer suitable for 19th-century needs and built the so-called "New Palace" (Dolmabahçe Sarayı).Topkapi Palace

In 1453, after the fall of Constantinople, the Byzantine "Constantinople" was conquered by Mehmed II the Conqueror. The Eastern Roman Empire was destroyed and the palace became Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Construction of the Topkapi Palace began in 1460 under the orders of the Ottoman Sultan and took 18 years to complete until 1478. Several expansion projects followed, and the palace was divided into the Outer Palace, the Inner Palace, and the Harem. The Inner Palace and the Harem primarily served as living quarters for the royal family. The palace covers a total area of 700,000 square meters and is located between the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn, in what we now call the Old City. The Turkish name for Topkapi Palace is "Topkapı Sarayı," where "top" means cannonball, "kapı" means gate, and "saray" means palace. However, before the 18th century, it was known as the "New Imperial Palace" (Saray-i Cedid-i Amire), and it was renamed to its current name during the reign of Mahmud I. Topkapi Palace remained the center of political power in the empire until the reign of the 31st Sultan, Abdülmecid I, who considered it no longer suitable for 19th-century needs and built the so-called "New Palace" (Dolmabahçe Saray

The palace gate, also known as the "King's Gate" (Bâb-ı Hümâyûn/Saltanat Kapısı), separates the city from the palace. Built in 1478 during the reign of Mehmed II, its exterior reveals its defensive importance. An inscription on the gate reads, "This was built with the consent and grace of God, and may God bless you to conquer the world and reign forever."

The Holy Peace Church (Aya İrini Kilisesi) was originally an Orthodox church, but was later used as an arsenal by the Ottoman Empire, which had different beliefs. Now, in addition to being a museum, it is also used as a music performance venue.

The Royal Palace Restaurant "Konyalı Lokantası" moved from the Fourth Courtyard to the First Courtyard in 2022. Next to the Holy Peace Church, this restaurant has been frequented by world-renowned politicians and businessmen.

At the end of the First Courtyard, you'll see the Gate of Reverence (Bâbüsselâm/Selam Kapısı), one of Topkapi's symbols. Built in 1468, its tower-like form mimics the entrances of European castles of the time. The side of the gate facing the First Courtyard bears the Sultan's monogram (signature); the side facing the Second Courtyard features an archway. Officials and envoys alike had to enter the palace through this gate; only the Sultan was allowed to pass directly through on horseback. Beyond the Gate of Reverence lies the Second Courtyard.

The Second Courtyard was a key administrative site for the Ottoman Empire, hosting ceremonies, funerals, festivals, and coronations. It extended to the Auspicious Gate leading to the Third Courtyard. This courtyard housed the empire's key institutions, resulting in strict regulations. Peacocks and gazelles were even kept within the courtyard. Below is a depiction of foreign envoys passing through the Second Courtyard.

The Imperial Council (Divan-ı Hümayun/Kubbealtı) was rebuilt during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (early 16th century). It comprises three meeting rooms: the main chamber and those for secretaries and record-keepers. The interior of the council is a highlight of the visit, featuring Rococo-style marble and granite porphyry columns, gilded ornamentation, and ornate tiles from Kütahya, Turkey's ceramic capital. Until the 18th century, this was the epicenter of power, hosting meetings of important officials of the empire, including the Grand Vizier (Vice Chancellor), military commanders, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance, and religious officials.

The display of high-end clocks from the Ottoman Empire is super luxurious and unique and worth seeing.

The most prominent spire within the palace, known as the "Tower of Justice," is the tallest structure within the palace and can be seen from the Bosphorus. According to previous scholars, it was named the "Tower of Justice" because it afforded a clear view of the seats of the officials in the council below, allowing for a clear view of all events. It also served as the entrance to the harem.

Another room, the "Outer Treasury," now displays weapons. Previously a storage location for state treasuries and the Sultan's precious offerings, it served as one of the palace's treasuries. Today, the collection is one of the richest in the world for Islamic weaponry, encompassing not only Ottoman-made pieces but also weapons donated by foreign nations. Over 400 pieces are on display.

At the end of the second courtyard is the Gate of Felicity, which separates the outer court from the inner palace. Banquets and ceremonies are held in front of the gate.

Third Courtyard: Inner Court Square (III. Avlu/Enderun Meydanı)

Through the "Gate of Auspicious Omens" you enter the inner palace, the royal private quarters. This is where the Sultan's servants were educated and lived. The first place you should visit is the "Appreciation Hall" (Arz Odası), the primary venue for the Sultan to conduct state affairs. Besides receiving foreign envoys, audiences were held every Sunday and Tuesday. This was also an important venue for private consultations between the Sultan and government officials (usually following discussions in the Imperial Diet). Before the expeditionary force departed, a grand ceremony was held here, where the Sultan handed the flag (Sancak-ı Şerif) to the commander.

The Audience Hall is located behind the Gate of Auspicious Omens. It is also known as the Audience Hall or the Petition Hall. The square building has a strong Turkish style. The outer colonnade consists of 22 columns supporting a large roof with overhanging eaves.

The Inner Court Library is located in the center of the Third Courtyard, directly behind the Audience Hall. Construction began in 1719, choosing a favorable date. The interior features many decorations from the Tulip Period (Lale Devri) and Iznik tiles. At the time, the library primarily housed theology and Ottoman Turkish texts. Most of the manuscripts are now housed in the adjacent Agalar Mosque.

The largest mosque in the palace, and one of its oldest buildings, was built during the time of the Sultan of the Conqueror. The Sultan, his servants, and his guards would come here to pray, with the imam standing facing Mecca.

The Fourth Courtyard is more private, serving as the area for the Sultan and his family. Originally part of the Third Courtyard, it was divided into separate areas by modern scholars. As the palace's innermost courtyard, the first thing you see upon entering is a central garden area displaying not only tulips but also fruit trees and a variety of flowers, including roses, tulips, and carnations that bloom seasonally. Nearby, a golden-roofed pavilion called the "Iftar Pavilion" (İftariye Köşkü/İftariye Kameriyesi) was built in its present form during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim I (1640-1648). From here, you can enjoy views of the Golden Horn.

There are several rooms on the left. You will first see the Yerevan Villa (Revan Köşkü) and the marble pool in front. The Yerevan Villa was built by a royal architect commissioned by Sultan Murad IV to celebrate the conquest of Yerevan (1635). It is an octagonal

The Circumcision Hall (Sünnet Odası), which is also a summer villa, has had the custom of circumcision since the Ottoman Empire. This is where the princes were circumcised. Later, the sultans used it as a place to drink coffee or read after the morning service.

[Fifth Courtyard] Some gardens outside the Fourth Courtyard that face the sea are considered the Fifth Courtyard. From the Fifth Courtyard, you can overlook the Bosphorus Strait.

The Imperial Kitchen. Turkish court cuisine is exquisite, and many restaurants in Istanbul specialize in recreating royal delicacies. The Imperial Kitchen you see today was designed and built by the empire's chief architect, Sinan. Its chimney is its most distinctive feature, and it is massive, as it had to feed thousands of mouths throughout the palace. Besides kitchen utensils, it also displays porcelain.