Topkapi Palace

The history of Topkapi begins with Mehmed II, the sultan who ordered its construction in late 1450s. He took up the palace as residence in 1478 and after his death about 30 sultans ruled from there for nearly four centuries. These subsequent sultans expanded and renovated Topkapi Palace many times, and that is why the site has different architecture styles and decoration, mixing European, Ottoman and Islamic influences. During its years as government headquarters and sultan’s residence it housed from one to for thousand inhabitants. 

The original palace’s layout consisted of four courtyards, each separated by gates and with different purposes, the internal ones being the most private. The first courtyard or Outer Courtyard was a public space and anyone could enter it through the main gate. The second courtyard was where the administrative centre of the palace was located; in this space only official members and visitors were allowed to enter, and political meetings took place there with the presence of the grand vizier and the sultan, although the latest would not be seen by the council members. It was also in this courtyard where confectionaries and the kitchens were placed, but nowadays it is where the imperial weapons and porcelain collections are displayed. 

The third courtyard held a more private status because it was where the sultan’s residence and the inner palace school was. Only members of the royal family, personal servants and approved visitors could cross the gates that led to this courtyard. However this configuration changed in the XVI century with Murad III because he moved his residence to the harem. It is in this courtyard where visitors can find the sultan’s library and one of the most famous pavilions of the palace, which showcases the jewellery collection. 

Finally, the fourth courtyard is an extension to the third and it contains terraced gardens filled with flowers and offering a fantastic view to the Bosporus. 

The harem is one of the most intriguing parts of the palace. In those quarters lived the sultan and his family and it was constantly under renovation as it grew constantly and new rooms needed to be added. The harem was divided by sex and black eunuchs were the only ones allowed to make the security of it. These black eunuchs were made as slaves in foreign conquered lands and castrated. Once crossing the main gate of the harem, visitors will find the largest courtyard in the palace, called the Paved Courtyard of the Queen Mother. The sultan’s mother was the most power figure in the harem and had big influence over the sultan; no concubine or queen was chosen without her permission. Her apartment was connected to the sultan’s through a hammam (Turkish baths). 

Apart from the royal family, lived in the harem the sultan’s chief consorts, concubines, and female servants.

The Topkapi Palace is open every day except Tuesdays. It is open from 9am to 4pm in the winter and from 9am to 6pm during summer. Tickets cost around US$12 and are free for children under 8 years old. You can book a tour guide or purchase a guided audio, and since there is a lot to see and a lot of information we recommend it. 

There is also a lot to see in the nearby area, such as the Archaeological Museum, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, but of course all can’t be done in the same day. To enjoy a nice visit at Topkapi you should reserve at least 4h.

If you're planning a trip to Turkey, then a visit to the Topkapi Palace is an absolute must. This stunning palace is located in Istanbul and was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. With its rich history, intricate architecture, and beautiful gardens, the Topkapi Palace is a sight to behold, visit all that with Nile Cruise Vacation.