The Topkapi Palace is one of the most significant tourist attractions of Istanbul and one of the most visited museums of Turkey. For over 400 years this palace served as government headquarters of the Ottoman Empire, one of the three largest empires in the world's history.
In 1453, after Istanbul was conquered by the Turks, the Ottoman Padişhah Sultan Mehmed, settled in a small palace near contemporary Kapali Çarsi, and ordered (1457-1478) the construction of the most important buildings of the Topkapi Palace on top of the ruins of a ancient Roman city. During the following centuries , and all the way to the 19th century the palace was constantly being built, modernized, and enriched. The original name of the palace was Sarayi Djedid- i Amire.
In 1856, when the construction of the Dolmabahçe Palace was finished, the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul became the residence for the wives of the lowered rank Padişhahs, or deceased Padişhahs. In 1923, once the Republic was inaugurated, the Topkapi Palace, much like the other palaces, was given the status of a museum following the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The collection of the Topkapi museum, together with the collections of the Austrian Habsburg, and the Russian royal dynasty heritage is considered one of the three most valuable and rare historical collections in the world. The number of exhibits pushes the 65 000 mark, nevertheless the expositions only feature a small fraction of these riches due to the insufficiency of maintenance staff and exhibition space. After the big fires which happened at the palace in the 16th Century, and the earthquakes that followed destroyed a large portion of the palace's buildings. The complex was restored many times, and particularly because of the restorations of the period between the 15th and 19th Centuries Topkapi Palace shows versatility in architecture of the complex as well as displays certain eclectic particularities.
The main entrance to the Topkapi Palace, called Bâb-i Hümâyûn (The Imperial Gate), features the monumental building fountain, built by Padişhah Ahmed III in 1728. The Brilliant (or Tall) Gate was built at the order o Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror (Fatih) in 1478. After passing through this Gate you will see the big and rather spacious "First Court" of the palace. The right side of the court features the police department, service buildings, as well as a living quarters area, the palace mosque, and the ruins of a bakery. Behind these buildings you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the Marmara Sea. On the left you will see the church of Hagia Irene. This church is an old building located in the former Imperial Mint courtyard of the Ottoman period. Today it serves as the Archeological Museum of Istanbul.
After passing through the First courtyard you will find yourself near the entrance to the second main gate called Bâb-üs Selâm (The Gate of Salutation). This is the beginning of the museum exposition. The gate, which was built during the rule of Sultan Mehmed II, had a second name, and was known as Orta Kapi (The Middle Gate). The left wing tower served as a prison building for the royal grade prisoners. Following through the Bâb-üs Selâm Gate you will find yourself in a courtyard decorated by century old evergreen cypress and sycamore trees. In the Second courtyard of the palace complex you can see lots of one story buildings. This court was accessible only to foreign visitors and the divan (the royal ministers body). The garden of the second court had gazelles, peacocks, and other exotic animals to create an atmosphere of a heavenly corner, as well as dozens of gardeners taking care of the landscape. The right wing of the second court of the palace complex is occupied by the royal kitchens.
Topkapi Palace entrance fee
Topkapi Palace Museum is open every day except Tuesdays from 09:00 to 17:00
Topklapi Palace Museum entrance fee is 20 Turkish Lira for all visitors. Tickets to Harem are obtained separately. Ticket price to Harem is 15 Turkish Lira.
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