Topkapı Palace
The Ottoman seat of power for 400 years
Image credit: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0
About
Built at Seraglio Point where the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara meet, Topkapı Palace was for nearly four centuries both the home of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative heart of the empire. Arranged around four great courtyards, it feels less like a palace than a small city. In the Treasury, legendary works such as the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapı Dagger are displayed, while the Sacred Relics section holds some of the Islamic world's most precious spiritual objects. With its tiled pavilions, panoramic terraces and rose gardens, each courtyard offers a different atmosphere. Visited with a separate ticket, the Harem is a spellbinding doorway into the private life of the sultan and the mysterious world where thousands once lived.
History
Built in the 1460s by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror shortly after the conquest of Istanbul, it served as the centre of the empire until the court moved to Dolmabahçe Palace in the 19th century; in 1924, by Atatürk's directive, it was turned into a museum.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Allow extra ticket/time for the Treasury and Harem
- ✓Arrive at opening to beat the crowds
- ✓Plan at least half a day to explore
- ✓Skip the queue with a Museum Pass
- ✓Enjoy the Bosphorus view from the terrace café in the 4th courtyard
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Topkapı Palace?
Topkapı Palace is located at Cankurtaran, Fatih, İstanbul in Istanbul.
When is the best time to visit Topkapı Palace?
Recommended time: April – June, early morning.
