This main palace, from where 25 sultans ruled the vast Ottoman Empire, spread over 700,000 square metres, was turned into a museum in 1923. The palace consists of an outer palace - the official and public buildings - the Birun, and an inner palace with the sultan's private quarters - the Enderun.
First Court
The Bab-i-Humayun Imperial Gate was built in 1478 under Mehmed II. They lead to the First Court (the Court of the Janissaries). In the past, guards were stationed here, petitioners were received and servants worked here. Here stands the Church of St Irene, one of the oldest churches in Istanbul. The church burned many times, was destroyed during earthquakes, was converted into a mosque and then into an armoury. In the same courtyard are the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient East and the Tile Pavilion, the oldest public building in the city.
Second Courtyard
The Bab-i Selam Gate leads to the Second Courtyard. To the right of the gate is the Executioner's Fountain, where executioners washed their hands after executions. The Second Court is the main courtyard of the Sultan's palace, the so-called Diwan and Harem. To the left rises the Divan Tower. Here the sultan used to communicate with the people, receive visitors, and consult with the vizier. Nearby is the entrance to the Harem - a labyrinth of small rooms, elegant drawing rooms, living quarters for eunuchs. In the same courtyard are the Inner Treasury - a long hall with 8 domes, where a collection of armour and cold weapons is now on display, and the former sultan's kitchens, where a collection of Chinese porcelain and silverware is now on display.
The Third and Fourth Courtyards
The Bab-u-Saadet Gate (Gate of Happiness) leads to the Third Courtyard - the sultan's private quarters. Here is the Throne Hall, built during the reign of Sultan Selim I. Behind it is the Library of Ahmed III. In the far left corner of the courtyard is the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle, which houses Islamic relics brought by Sultan Selim I in 1517 from Egypt and Mecca: a tooth, a hair, a footprint and the mantle of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as personal belongings of the first caliphs. In the far right corner of the courtyard is the Treasury, where gold and silverware, precious stones, rosary beads, and caskets are on display.
The Fourth Courtyard has several parks, a swimming pool, tiled pavilions, and gazebos. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.
On a side note
- Location: Topkapi Sarayi, Sultanahmet Fatih/İstanbul
- Nearest transport stops: "Sultanahmet", "Gulhane".
- Official website: http://www.topkapisarayi.gov
- Opening hours: daily from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. from 16 April to 31 October and from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from 1 November to 15 April, day off - Tuesday.
- Tickets: 40 Turkish Lira for all visitors. Entrance separately to the harem is 25 liras.
