Description of the attraction
This main palace, from where 25 sultans ruled the huge Ottoman Empire, spread over an area of more than 700 thousand square meters. meters, in 1923 it was turned into a museum. The palace consists of an outer palace - official and public buildings - birun, and an inner palace with the private chambers of the sultan - enderun.
First courtyard
The grand Imperial Gate of Bab-i-Humayun was built in 1478 under Mehmed II. They lead to the First Courtyard (Courtyard of the Janissaries). Previously, guards were located here, petitioners were received, servants worked. Here is the church of St. Irina is one of the oldest churches in Istanbul. The temple burned many times, was destroyed during earthquakes, was converted into a mosque, and then into an armory. In the same courtyard are the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient East and the Tiled 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 the executioners washed their hands after executions. The second courtyard is the main courtyard of the Sultan's palace, the so-called sofa and harem. The Sofa Tower rises to the left. Here the sultan communicated with the people, received visitors, consulted with the vizier. Nearby is the entrance to the Harem - a labyrinth of small rooms, graceful living rooms, living quarters for eunuchs. In the same courtyard, the Inner Treasury is located - a long hall with 8 domes, where a collection of armor and edged weapons is now on display, and the former Sultan's kitchens, where a collection of Chinese porcelain and silver dishes is now exhibited.
Third and fourth courtyards
The Bab-u-Saadet (Gate of Happiness) gate leads to the Third Courtyard - the Sultan's private chambers. Here is the Throne Room, built during the reign of Sultan Selim I. Behind it is the building of 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, hair, footprint and mantle of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as personal belongings of the first caliphs. In the far right corner of the courtyard there is a Treasury, where items made of gold and silver, precious stones, rosary, and caskets are exhibited for inspection.
In the Fourth Courtyard there are several parks, a swimming pool, tiled pavilions, and gazebos. A beautiful view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus opens up from here.
On a note
- Location: Topkapi Sarayi, Sultanahmet Fatih / İstanbul
- The nearest transport stops are "Sultanahmet", "Gulhane".
- Official website:
- Opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 19.00 from April 16 to October 31 and from 9.00 to 17.00 from November 1 to April 15, day off - Tuesday.
- Tickets: 40 Turkish Lira for all visitors. The entrance to the harem separately is 25 liras.
