10 Reasons to Visit Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

Mehmed the Conqueror built the Topkapi Palace in 1478. It was built as an administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and then as a residence of the Sultans for 380 years.

There are 4 main courtyards and several other buildings. The palace was literally a city within a city, and had almost 5000-10000 residents at a time. In all the years, each Sultan made certain additions to the palace. They added a section or a hall, portraying his taste or as the need of the time.

In 1923, the palace was turned into a museum. Later in 1985, it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering an area of 4,00,000 square meters, it is the largest and oldest palace to survive till date. The Turkish word ‘Topkapi’ means ‘Gate of Cannons’ because of the huge cannons outside its gates.

The palace is definitely a must-visit in Istanbul, Turkey. The palace is located atop a hill. It has the Golden Horn to the north, the Sea of Marmara in the south, the Bosphorus strait in the north east, and amazing view of the Asian side.

The architecture and attention to details is just so magical here! It signified four centuries of the Ottoman reign and the designs in the motifs tell the story.

To Witness the Beauty of the Harem

Harem means ‘a place forbidden’. It’s the place where the women of the family stayed including the mother, wives, concubines, and children of the sultan. Only the Sultan, the Princes, the resident ladies, and the eunuchs who guarded the harem could enter this place.

The specialty of this Harem is its ceiling, which is filled with incredible gold-plated design. Don’t miss the private chamber of Sultan Murat III. The Apartments of the Queen Mother is located in the center of the Harem and is filled with royalty.

To See the Traditional Circumcision Room

This pavilion was built by Sultan Ibrahim in 1640. As the name suggests, it was used for the circumcision ceremonies of the Princes. The interior is so stunning! The walls are made of rare Ottoman Tiles and the blue and white panel dates back to 1529.

This peaceful library was built in 1719 by Sultan Ahmet III. The central space boasts of a beautiful domed rooftop. The library included books on theology and Islamic law; and a private collection of Sultan Ahmet III. The books that belonged here are kept in the Mosque of the Agas.

To Visit the Library of Ahmed III

To Check the Collection in The Sacred Relics Room

It’s located in the Privy Chamber and is also known as the ‘Chamber of the Holy Relics’. It was remodeled in 1517 and is a part of the third courtyard section. There’s a huge collection of Holy Relics of Prophet Muhammed and his followers.

The Holy Mantle of the Prophet and a container that has his footprints, bow, and sword; are among the most treasured. Others are the sword of David, robe of Joseph, and some belongings of Fatimah (Prophet Muhammad’s daughter).

To Visit the Enchanting World of Mosques

The palace boasts of numerous mosques built and used by different groups of people, living in the palace. The Beshir Aga Mosque is the largest here and was used by the Sultans and other Imperial officials.

To Witness the Extensive Museum Collections

All the museums here have different collections, which display the royal lives of the Sultans. Don’t miss the clothing collection which is a great example of the Ottoman textile art. It includes Sultan Caftans, Carpets, and Fabrics.

Another museum exhibits the copper and gold-plated copper utensils which were a part of the Topkapi Palace’s kitchenware. The items are in the Confectionery House in the kitchen.

There is a huge collection of Chinese, Japanese, and European porcelains. The Chinese collection consists of more than 10,000 pieces and is the largest porcelain collection outside China. The European collection boasts of Bohemian glass and crystal objects too.

The weapon collection here is exquisite! There are almost 52,000 weapons that are around 1,300 years old. The weapons are of varied origin like Arab, Abbasid, Persian, Turkish, Indian, European, Japanese, Mamluk, and Umayyad. These were specially made as gifts or ordered by the Sultans.

There are numerous portraits of Sultans all around the Palace. These are done in various styles like oil paintings, paintings on ivory, engravings, and watercolors.

To Witness the  Imperial Treasury Collection

It was Sultan Abdulmecid who had decided to put some treasury on display. Hence, the tradition has been kept alive till now. The stunning jewels and jeweled objects are on display here.

These treasures were received as gifts on the occasion of weddings, child births, and circumcision festivals. The pear-shaped Spoonmaker’s Diamond is the fourth largest diamond and is also the highlight of the treasury.

The majestic entrance to the Inner Court has gold and tile decorations on the walls. It was used while holding special ceremonies.

Check Out The Beautiful Gate of Felicity

The church is situated in the first Courtyard. It has had very few changes during the Ottoman rule. It was not converted into a mosque. It was then used to showcase weapons and artifacts like a military museum. There were music concerts happening until 2014.

To Visit the Hagia Irene Church