Topkapi Palace was built by Mehmed the Conqueror after the conquest of Istanbul, and it took its present form with the additions made by the sultans who came afterwards. The administration of the Ottoman Empire was carried on from this palace for about 400 years and approximately 4,500 people lived in it for a while.
The First Museum of the Republic
Topkapi Palace, which can be visited as a museum today with all its splendor in Sarayburnu in the Fatih district, on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, was the center of administration, trade and art in the Ottoman Empire until the dynasty moved to the newly built Dolmabahce Palace. Although the first attempts to open the palace as a museum were made by Sultan Abdulmecid, these attempts remained inconclusive during his reign. The palace, which was converted into a museum by Ataturk about a year after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, has the distinction of being the first museum of the republic in Turkiye.
Parts of Topkapi Palace Among the Greenery
Topkapi Palace, located between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, is undoubtedly among the landmarks of Istanbul, both due to its historical importance and visually. The holy relics, belongings of the sultans, clothes, and the famous Spoonmaker's Diamond, which is a touristic value in itself, are in this palace museum. Winking at those who see it through the lush trees, the Palace is one of the places that local and foreign tourists do not return without visiting. Let's talk about the parts of Topkapi Palace, which is very close to Hagia Sophia.
The palace has three main gates and four courtyards. Located behind Hagia Sophia, the door known as the Bab-i Humayun or the Saltanat Gate, is the largest main gate built by Fatih. Through this gate, the entrance to the first courtyard, the Alay Square, is made. This square was the only square where state officials could enter by horse and the public could only enter on certain days. Hagia Irene Church, where various art activities are held today and used as a museum during the Ottoman period, is one of the rare Byzantine churches that was not converted into a mosque. In the square where this church is located, structures such as the mint and the oven that have survived to this day have undergone some changes.
Babusselam, also known as the Middle Door, opens to Divan Square, the second courtyard. Divan Square is actually the place where the state was administered and the Divan-i Humayun was established in Kubbealti. Right next to the Divan-i Humayun is the Divan-i Humayun Treasury. Next to Kubbealti is the entrance to the Harem. Pristine stables were also located in this courtyard.
The third courtyard in the palace is known as the Enderun Courtyard. Among the most important structures in the courtyard, which includes the sultan's supply room, wards and hearths, is the Has Room. The Has Room is more commonly known as the Hirka-i Saadet Department after the holy relics were brought.
In the fourth and last courtyard, there are the Sultan's hanging gardens and the Baghdad, Revan and Mecidiye Mansions. Ambassadors and state officials were rarely accepted in this courtyard. This place is the perfect place to examine the Ottoman classical mansion architecture in lush nature!
Days Closed to Visitors
Topkapi Palace Museum; It is closed to visitors on Tuesdays, New Year's Day and the first days of Ramadan and Sacrifice Holidays.
Topkapi Palace Contact Information:
Phone: 0 (212) 512 04 80
E-Mail: [email protected]
Adress: Cankurtaran Mah. Babi Humayun Cad. No: 1 Sultanahmet/Fatih