The Topkapı Palace, once the residence of the mighty Ottoman sultans, now stands as a museum preserving the grandiose memories of that era. Constructed by Fatih Sultan Mehmet following the conquest of Istanbul, this palace has dominated the shores of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus since 1478.

Facts about Topkapı Palace: Welcome to the Center of Sovereignty

As the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, the Topkapı Palace has hosted over 4,000 distinguished individuals throughout its history. Emperors, kings, commanders, ambassadors, merchants, and religious leaders from all corners of the world have been welcomed within its walls. Comprising sections such as the Treasury, Harem, and Imperial Gate, the palace has been the heart of the Ottoman Empire since its inception, with the imperial light radiating from here to the rest of the world.

The Topkapı Palace is vast, mysterious, and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, it’s entertaining! Participate in events like Baklava Day, Sumbul Time, and Topkapı Palace Festivals to see for yourself.

Where is Topkapı Palace Located?

Topkapı Palace occupies a 700,000-square-meter area on the Eastern Roman Acropolis, situated at the tip of Istanbul’s historic peninsula between the Marmara Sea, Istanbul Strait, and the Golden Horn. Following the founding of the Republic, the palace was transformed into a museum, now located in the Fatih district’s Cankurtaran neighborhood, spanning 300,000 square meters.

How to Get to Topkapı Palace Museum?

To reach the Topkapı Palace Museum, you can use the T1-coded tramway, which operates regular services between Kabataş and Bağcılar. Alight at Gülhane or Sultanahmet stops and take a short walk to the museum. Don’t forget that there are many other sights to see in the vicinity of Sultanahmet, Gülhane, and Çemberlitaş after visiting the museum.

The History of Topkapı Palace

The history of Topkapı Palace dates back to 1460, with the museum’s history beginning on April 3, 1924. The palace was built after the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman army under Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s command in 1453. Completed in 1478, the palace served as the center of administration, treasury, education, and art for the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. It was home to the Ottoman sultans until the mid-19th century when it was replaced by Dolmabahçe Palace.

Today, the Topkapı Palace Museum, boasting an extraordinary collection of approximately 300,000 archive documents, weapons, and tools from that period, as well as invaluable treasures like the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, is among the world’s largest palace museums. Due to its structure, the palace requires ongoing maintenance and occasionally undergoes restoration work. For up-to-date information, consult the Topkapı Palace Museum’s official website.

Who is the Architect of Topkapı Palace?

The Topkapı Palace doesn’t have a single architect. This complex structure, conceived by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, was constructed under the supervision of the chief architect Alaüddin, and was later enhanced by the works of renowned architects such as Davud Ağa, Mimar Sinan, Sarkis Balyan, and Acem Ali.

The Topkapı Palace encompasses a variety of structures, including mansions, pavilions, mosques, council halls, state offices, kitchens, dormitories, harems, and gardens, enclosed by seven gates – three on the waterfront and four on land. The enchanting architecture of the Topkapı Palace combines all features of Ottoman architecture, as envisioned by Fatih Sultan Mehmet.

Embark on a Magical Journey Inside Topkapı Palace

To locate the entrance to the Topkapı Palace Museum, alight at the Sultanahmet tram stop, pass the Hagia Sophia and follow the signs. If you get off at the Gülhane stop, you can find the museum entrance by following the signs at the park entrance. The admission fee for the Topkapı Palace Museum varies depending on the sections you visit.

How Much is the Entrance Fee to the Topkapı Palace Museum?

Istanbul Topkapı Palace Combine Ticket I (Topkapı Palace + Hagia Irene)

• Ticket Price For Domestic Visitors: 110 TL
• Ticket Price For Foreign Visitors: 500 TL
• Discount Ticket Price: 35 TL

Istanbul Topkapı Palace Combine Ticket II (Topkapı Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem)

• Ticket Price For Domestic Visitors: 140 TL
• Ticket Price For Foreign Visitors: 650 TL
• Discount Ticket Price: 45 TL

Harem

• Ticket Price For Domestic Visitors: 60 TL
• Ticket Price For Foreign Visitors: 225 TL
• Discount Ticket Price: 20 TL

Hagia Irene

• Ticket Price For Domestic Visitors: 45 TL
• Ticket Price For Foreign Visitors: 180 TL
• Discount Ticket Price: 20 TL

Sections of the Topkapı Palace

The Topkapı Palace consists of four courtyards, a harem, and numerous structures. The palace is separated from the city by the Sur-ı Sultani on the land side and the Byzantine walls on the sea side, with the monumental entrance, Saltanat Gate (Bab-ı Hümayun), at its center. The palace is divided into two main sections: the Birun, which is the service area, and the Enderun, encompassing the internal organization structures. Exquisite examples of Ottoman architecture, art, and craftsmanship can be found in all sections, with the intricate craftsmanship particularly evident in the Topkapı Palace tiles.

First Courtyard

This area includes the Parade Square (Alay Meydanı), where sultans held processions, the religious structure Aya İrini dating back to the Eastern Roman period, the ceremonial entrance gate Babüsselam, which blends Ottoman and Western architecture, and another ceremonial gate called Bab-ı Hümayun, providing access to the first courtyard.

Second Courtyard

The Divan Square (Divan Meydanı), surrounded by colonnades and used for ceremonies such as flag presentations, holiday gatherings, and ulufe; the Divan-ı Hümayun (Kubbealtı), where state affairs were discussed; the Justice Pavilion (Adalet Kasrı), from which the sultan observed council meetings; the Outer Treasury, responsible for the official treasury; the Zülüflü Baltacı Barracks, housing those responsible for the sultan’s private affairs; the Royal Stables (Has Ahırlar), home to the sultan’s favorite horses; the Beşir Ağa Mosque and Bathhouse, where stable employees resided; the palace kitchens, where meals for palace staff were prepared; the Babüssade, which housed the palace school; and the Sohum Inscription, a memorial of the conquest of Sohum Castle, are all part of the second courtyard.

Third Courtyard

As you explore the Enderun Courtyard (Enderun Avlusu) within the third courtyard, you’ll come across the Audience Chamber, where foreign ambassadors met with the sultan; the III. Ahmet Library, utilized by palace staff in training; the Fatih Pavilion, used by Fatih Sultan Mehmet as a viewing platform; the Treasury Dormitory, managed by the chief treasurer; the Chamber of Holy Relics and the Holy Room, where sacred relics were stored; the Ağalar Mosque, used by palace nobility for worship; the Pantry Dormitory, where meals for the sultan were prepared and valuable kitchenware was stored; the Aviary, the Harem Gate, and the Has Oda Dormitory/Imperial Portrait Gallery, built for the staff of the Chamber of the Prophet’s Mantle (Hırka-i Saadet Dairesi).

Fourth Courtyard

The fourth courtyard consists of the Tulip Garden and the Sofa-i Hümayun terrace, as well as pavilions built toward the Golden Horn in the mid-17th century. The Circumcision Room, used by the sultan as a summer residence; the Revan Pavilion, built in memory of the conquest of Revan in the 17th century; the Baghdad Pavilion, constructed in honor of the conquest of Baghdad; the Iftariye Kiosk, where sultans broke their fast during Ramadan; the Sofa Pavilion, where meetings were held and palace staff watched sports competitions; the Sofa Mosque, used for worship; the Mecidiye Pavilion, the latest addition to the Topkapı Palace; the Physician-in-Chief’s Room, where doctors resided; and the Robe Room, where the sultans’ ceremonial clothes were stored, can all be explored during a visit to the fourth courtyard.

Topkapı Palace Harem Chamber / Hürrem Sultan Chamber

The Harem Chamber, one of the most popular sections of the Topkapı Palace today, was the residence of the sultan’s family and concubines. Commonly known as the Hürrem Sultan Chamber, this structure is among the most aesthetically pleasing parts of the palace. The harem, meaning “sacred place inaccessible to everyone,” was a tradition adopted by the Ottomans from Arab culture. The Harem Chamber also served as the area where educated concubines married high-ranking palace officials, contributing to the formation of the palace aristocracy – a testament to the influence of the harem in palace administration. Don’t miss the Harem Chamber during your Topkapı Palace tour!

If you’ve added the Topkapı Palace Museum tour to your travel itinerary, keep this in mind: you can rent an audio guide at the museum entrance.

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