Topkapi Palace - Ottoman Royal Residence & Museum in Istanbul

The Topkapi Palace is a complex of buildings where the sultan and his family lived and the upper ruling class of the Ottoman Empire worked. Topkapi Palace was built after the conquest of Constantinople that marks the end of Middle Ages.

Historical Background: The Conquest of Istanbul

The long awaited conquest of Constantinople was finally achieved by Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Due to this feat, Mehmed was later known as “the Conqueror”. The city used to be the capital of the Byzantine Empire. After a prolonged siege, the Ottomans breached the walls and established Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) as the new capital.

After the conquest, Sultan Mehmed II initiated large-scale urban transformation, including the construction of Topkapi Palace. The palace remained the administrative center of the empire until the mid-19th century, when the sultans moved to Dolmabahçe Palace (click to learn more about Dolmabahce Palace).

Exploring Topkapi Palace: Important Sections and Structures

You would need several hours to visit the Topkapi Palace at a nice pace. There is a lot to learn about how the palace functioned, the palace life of the Ottomans and of course to visit the famous Harem. We suggest you reserve a whole afternoon for the Topkapi Palace.

• The First Courtyard (Alay Meydani)

  The First Courtyard served as the public outer court of the palace.

  • Imperial Gate (Bab-ı Hümayun): The main entrance gate that has an Arabic inscription of Mehmed II's seal.

  • Hagia Irene Church: A former Byzantine church used as an arsenal during the Ottoman period.

  • Fountain of the Executioner: Located just outside the Gate of Salutation, where executioners were said to wash their hands and swords.

• The Second Courtyard (Divan Square or Middle Court)

  This courtyard was restricted to those with official business at the palace.

  • Palace Kitchens: A large kitchen that served up to four thousand people daily. Now houses collections of Chinese and Ottoman porcelain.

  • Imperial Council Chamber (Divan-ı Hümayun): The room where the Grand Vizier and ministers met to discuss state affairs.

  • Imperial Treasury: Contains early weapons, armor and valuable gifts.

  • Gate of Felicity (Babüssaade): A highly symbolic gate, marking the transition to the private and inner part of the palace. Only the sultan could pass through it without restriction.

• The Third Courtyard (Inner Court or Enderun)

  This area housed the sultan's private quarters and elite educational facilities.

  • Audience Chamber (Arz Odasi): This chamber was used for formal audiences between the sultan and foreign diplomats or high officials.

  • Imperial Treasury: Contains some of the most valuable artifacts in the palace, including the Topkapi Dagger, Kaşıkçı Diamond and sacred relics.

  • Miniature and Portrait Gallery: You can find an exhibition of Ottoman miniatures, calligraphy and portraits of sultans.

  • Enderun Library (Library of Ahmed III): Built in 1719, this library served the Enderun School, which was a school for the gifted.

  • Dormitory of the Royal Pages: The sultan's personal servants lived and trained here.

  • Privy Chamber (Has Oda): This chamber contains Islamic relics such as the Prophet Muhammad's mantle and sword. It is one of the most sacred sections of the palace.

• The Fourth Courtyard (Imperial Gardens and Pavilions)

  This was a quieter area used for relaxation and ceremonial purposes.

  • Circumcision Room (Sünnet Odası): This room decorated with Iznik tiles was used for the circumcision ceremonies of young princes.

  • Baghdad Kiosk (Bağdat Köşkü): This kiosk was built to commemorate the 1639 Baghdad Campaign by Sultan Murad IV. It features Ottoman tilework and mother-of-pearl inlay.

  • Iftar Kiosk (İftar Köşkü): This open pavilion that offers panoramic views of the city is where the sultan broke his fast during Ramadan.

• The Harem

  The Harem was the private family quarters of the sultan, located within the palace complex but with restricted access. It housed the sultan's mother (Valide Sultan), wives, concubines, children, and eunuchs. The Harem was not just a living space but a powerful political center managed by the Valide Sultan.

  To learn more about the Harem, click here.

In Popular Culture: Muhteşem Yüzyıl

The Turkish TV series “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” (The Magnificent Century) brought widespread attention to Topkapi Palace and Ottoman court life. The series dramatizes the life and reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, focusing on palace politics, the Harem, and imperial decisions. Although filmed mostly on studio sets, it helped generate renewed interest in the palace and its historical significance.

Is it worth going inside Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace is not a single building but a large complex that reflects the administrative, ceremonial, and personal aspects of the Ottoman Empire. Visitors can explore its courtyards, museums, and preserved chambers to gain a deeper understanding of how the empire was governed and how its rulers lived. Today, it operates as a museum and remains one of the most important historical landmarks in Turkey.