Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the former seat of the Ottoman sultans

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is one of the city’s top attractions. It is located near landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Like many others, I believe it’s a must-visit site when in Istanbul. The Topkapi Palace served as the residence of sultans for nearly 400 years and boasts an incredibly rich history.

In the article below, I’ve gathered practical information to help you plan a visit to the palace in a way that’s enjoyable, comfortable, and pleasant. I’ve also compiled a wealth of facts and interesting titbits about the palace itself, its history, and the people who lived there.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul information to help you prepare for visiting the monument

The Topkapi Palace is located in the old district of Istanbul, known as Fatih, right next to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It’s a good idea to visit these landmarks together. A combined ticket for these attractions can save you both time and money.

If you’re planning to stay in Istanbul for a few days and want to see as much as possible, I recommend purchasing the Istanbul TouristPass. This pass grants access to over 100 attractions across the city and beyond. It’s incredibly useful; we always use it during our visits. Plus, it offers discounted public transportation tickets and provides eSIM access to the internet.

Exploring the palace takes about three hours, though I spent over five hours there and only left because we had a tight schedule. You could easily spend an entire day at the palace to fully appreciate its richness and beauty, though even then, you wouldn’t see everything. However, time is limited for most visitors, and Istanbul is full of attractions worth seeing, so plan your trip carefully.

Since Topkapi Palace is in the heart of Istanbul and surrounded by other popular landmarks, getting there is effortless. The most convenient option is to take the T1 tram line or a bus heading to the city centre. The closest stops are Sultanahmet and Gulhane.

Before entering the palace, you’ll go through a security screening, and your belongings will be scanned, similar to an airport. Avoid bringing items that could be considered dangerous.

Ticket prices can change daily, so I recommend checking the official website for the latest information. There are often promotions and deals that can save you money.

I hope that the above information will help you organize a trip to the most famous sultan’s palace in Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, its history and the history of a beautiful monument

As mentioned earlier, the Topkapi Palace likely has a more colourful history than many other landmarks combined. For nearly 400 years, it was home to indulgent, and sometimes even mad, sultans, their families, concubines, and hundreds of ambitious and scheming courtiers. In the imperial harem, clever eunuchs plotted intrigues, and the sultan’s lovers competed not only to please their master but also to eliminate their rivals.

The first structures of the palace were built in Istanbul shortly after the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. Successive sultans expanded the palace itself, added surrounding parks, and constructed new buildings. Each ruler aimed to leave the imperial residence more beautiful and opulent than it was before.

The palace ceased to be the sultans’ residence in the 19th century, when it was relocated to a new palace built in a European style on the banks of the Bosphorus—but that is a story for another time.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul sightseeing

The Topkapi Palace is one of those landmarks that should absolutely be on your itinerary when visiting the city. Not only is it a place of immense historical significance, but it is also an architectural masterpiece crafted by Ottoman architects. With a bit of imagination, touring the palace can feel like a journey back in time.

Ottoman engineers adopted the Byzantine tradition of separating rulers from the rest of the populace. As a result, the Topkapi Palace features four courtyards, each successively restricting access to areas reserved exclusively for the sultan. The final inner courtyard, home to the sultan’s palace and the harem, was accessible only to the most trusted members of the household staff.

The Imperial Gate separating the palace grounds from the city and the Janissary Courtyard

The main entrance to the palace grounds was the Imperial Gate, located on the outer wall that separated the palace complex from the city. It was built during the reign of Mehmed II the Conqueror, who made Istanbul the capital of the Ottoman Empire after the conquest of Constantinople.

The Imperial Gate, also known as the Gate of the Sultan, leads to the First Courtyard, known as the Courtyard of the Janissaries or the Outer Courtyard. This area features several noteworthy landmarks, including the Hagia Irene, the oldest Byzantine church in Istanbul. Unlike many others, this church was never converted into a mosque. Instead, it served as an armoury until the 19th century, eventually becoming a valuable museum.

Not far from the church stands another fascinating building, which once functioned as the Imperial Mint. After the conquest of Constantinople, Ottoman coins were minted here. Interestingly, in the 19th century, the minting process was modernized with the help of British specialists, effectively curbing widespread counterfeiting, which had almost led to the collapse of the dynasty. After the fall of the sultanate and the establishment of a new mint in Ankara, the old mint was transformed into a museum, which visitors can explore today.

The Courtyard of the Janissaries was part of the palace complex but remained open to all residents of Istanbul. The courtyard spans an irregular area, with a wide avenue stretching nearly 300 meters across its length. This space hosted processions, state celebrations, and public ceremonies. It was also where the Janissaries, the mounted guards of the Sultan’s personal army, would train. Additionally, the courtyard housed various institutions, including the Treasury, a hospital, and bakeries.

• The Imperial Gate was built in the 15th century.
• It is the oldest building in the entire palace complex.
• The Imperial Gate owes its current, elegant appearance to renovations it underwent in the 19th century.
• The gate is decorated with golden inscriptions that are verses from the Koran and sultan seals and phrases praising successive rulers.

The Middle Gate and the Second Courtyard

The next gate leading to the Second Courtyard is the Middle Gate, also known as the Gate of Salutations. Its architecture may seem improper, as the tall towers and battlements give it the appearance of a medieval European castle rather than an Ottoman structure.

This gate, situated between the First and Second Courtyards, was constructed in 1524 under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, who brought in renowned builders from recently conquered Hungary. Access to the Second Courtyard was strictly controlled. Only those serving the Sultan, administrators, and members of the Sultan’s advisory council, the Imperial Council, were allowed entry. Others required special permission, and no one except the Sultan’s trusted guards could carry weapons beyond the gate.

The Second Courtyard is sometimes referred to as the Divan Square, as it was home to the Imperial Council, which served as the Sultan’s advisory body. The council met in the Chamber of the Dome, where matters of state and court were discussed. The Sultan typically did not participate in these meetings, but had the final say on whether the council’s decisions would be enacted. Through cleverly concealed passageways and curtains, the Sultan or his spies could secretly listen to the discussions.

During the golden age of the Topkapi Palace, particularly under Suleiman the Magnificent, the Second Courtyard was a bustling centre of activity. Suleiman was not only a skilled ruler and brave warrior, but also a patron of culture and the arts. The palace gardens were filled with animals and hosted artistic performances and poetry readings. Beneath the courtyard were stables, technical facilities for storing carriages, and a special cistern to ensure a water supply in case of a siege.

The Second Courtyard functioned as a grand park dotted with buildings, including kiosks, barracks, the harem, audience halls, and living quarters for the palace’s more important staff. The area exuded both elegance and practicality, embodying the heart of the palace’s administrative and cultural life.

• The Gate of Greetings is decorated with religious inscriptions and the sultan’s monograms.
• This is the actual gate leading to the Topkapi Palace.
• Only the sultan and his mother could enter the second courtyard on horseback.
• Everyone who crossed the gate was obliged to greet the sultan, hence its name.
• An important part of the second courtyard is the sultan’s kitchens. Today, they house a museum, where you can see over 10,000 valuable exhibits such as silver and gold tableware, porcelain from China and Europe.
• What is displayed in the display cases is only a small part of all the collections lying in the palace’s vast warehouses.
• An important part of this part of the palace was the sultan’s harem.

Topkapi and Royal Kitchens

On the right side of the courtyard are the palace kitchens, which are now a museum full of extraordinary ceramics, ornaments, and kitchen equipment from all periods. The kitchens in the palace were one of the most important places, which is why they occupied a large part of the inner courtyard. In the best years of the palace, almost a thousand cooks and kitchen assistants were employed in the kitchens. They had to prepare several meals a day for the entire court, which numbered almost 4 thousand people.

One of the rooms was once the royal confectionery called Helvahane, where confectioners from all over the world worked, delivering to the sultan’s tables the most exquisite desserts and delicacies that could be obtained in conquered countries.

Topkapi and the Sultan’s Harem

The royal harem in the Topkapi Palace was a significant part of the Sultan’s daily life. Its entrance is located under the Tower of Justice on the left side of the Second Courtyard. To visit the harem, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket, unless it was included in your initial admission.

Contrary to the common belief, which I also held at one point, the harem was not solely a place of debauchery where the Sultan exercised control over captive women. In reality, it was more of a private residence for the Sultan and his family. The Sultan lived there with his mother, wife, and children. The word “harem” itself means a private, secluded area inaccessible to outsiders.

Of course, the harem also housed the Sultan’s concubines, numbering over three hundred during its prime. All the harem’s residents underwent a rigorous education at the palace school. They were taught languages, Islamic culture, makeup artistry, court etiquette, and artistic skills such as singing, painting, or dancing, depending on their talents. Upon completing their training, the women became ladies-in-waiting for the senior harem residents, such as the Sultan’s mother or wife. Those who demonstrated exceptional beauty or talent might find themselves under the Sultan’s direct patronage—or in his chambers.

The hierarchy and power dynamics within the harem were quite complex. Islamic law permitted the Sultan to have four legitimate wives, whose influence depended on whether they bore daughters or sons. The most influential wife was the one with her own landed estate, managed with the help of her personal eunuchs. She could issue orders to everyone at court, including the Grand Vizier, though never in opposition to the Sultan’s commands. Her sway over the palace—and often the entire empire—was immense.

The harem is enormous, with five floors and over 300 rooms, functioning as a “palace within a palace.” Only one floor is open for visitors. Before entering the building, note the beautifully decorated quarters of the palace guards. Just past the entrance, you’ll find the harem treasury, followed by the Fountain Room, adorned with exquisite ceramic tiles, and a special stone to assist the Sultan in mounting his horse. Further inside is the Eunuchs’ Mosque. Initially, eunuchs were white men, but over time, Black eunuchs from Egypt became more common. Over 200 eunuchs served in the harem, guarding doors, restricting access to certain rooms, and attending to the women.

One notable area is the Audience Hall, where concubines awaited their summons to the Imperial Chamber, where the Sultan received them. Another fascinating room is the secret chamber built by Sultan Murad II in 1578. Remarkably, it has preserved its original design and decorations. The room features a specially designed fountain, whose cascading water muffled conversations to prevent eavesdropping. This is not the only secret room; almost every Sultan commissioned a personal space where he could feel secure and relaxed.

The harem was both a private sanctuary and a hub of intricate politics, reflecting the complexities of life within the Ottoman court.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul and the Third Courtyard

The Third Courtyard of the Topkapi Palace, located beyond the Gate of Felicity, was a highly secure area accessible only to a select few privileged individuals. Each person allowed in this part of the palace had to possess special permission. It was home to the Sultan’s most trusted guards and the white eunuchs who served the Sultan’s family.

This courtyard housed the Palace School buildings, where promising young men were educated to become statesmen, scholars, or military leaders. It also featured the exquisite Library of Ahmed III, a structure with ornate decorations and an impressive collection of manuscripts. Additionally, the Third Courtyard contained the Treasury, where priceless artefacts, imperial garments, and a collection of ornate clocks were displayed. The walls were adorned with portraits of Ottoman rulers and paintings inscribed with verses from the Quran.

One of the highlights of this area is the Throne Room, where sacred Islamic relics are preserved and displayed. These include items of profound spiritual and historical significance, such as the cloak of Prophet Muhammad, which the Sultan would don during Ramadan as a symbol of spiritual connection. Among the relics, visitors can see the swords of the Prophet and the early caliphs, the seal of the Prophet Muhammad, and even what are said to be his teeth and beard hairs.

While the authenticity of all these relics may be a matter of debate, they hold immense reverence for Turks and the Islamic world, with many considering them sacred. The devotion shown to these items underscores their importance as both religious artefacts and symbols of the Ottoman Empire’s legacy as a protector of the Islamic faith.

The Imperial Treasury at Topkapi

I was deeply impressed by the Imperial Treasury. It houses true wonders that once belonged to the Ottoman rulers. According to the guide, the Imperial Treasury at Topkapi Palace is one of the richest in the world, and its most precious treasures include the ceremonial Topkapi Dagger encrusted with massive emeralds and the Sultan’s Diamond, a massive 86-carat tear-shaped diamond. The stone is surrounded by 48 smaller diamonds, and I must admit, it looks incredible. It is also known as the Spoonmaker’s Diamond because, according to one legend, it was discovered by a spoon maker.

In addition to the famous diamond, there is an enormous collection of gold vessels, decorations, jade sculptures, emeralds, pearls, and rubies. Be sure to pay attention to the gem-encrusted Sword of Suleiman the Magnificent and the Throne of Ahmed I. The exhibition contains only a small portion of the total collection, which is periodically changed.

As I mentioned earlier, photography is not allowed inside the palace rooms. However, I managed to get permission to take a few photos, including inside the Imperial Treasury. You can see them in the gallery below.

• The Imperial Treasury is considered one of the most valuable collections of Muslim gold smithing in the world.
• The treasury contains one of the largest diamonds, the Sultans’ Diamond.
• It is not entirely clear how the diamond ended up in the hands of the sultans. Court documents mention a large diamond, but it was one third smaller than the one you can see in the exhibition and weighed only 60 carats.
• One story, quite popular, says that a captain of Napoleon’s army was captured by the Turks and the emperor’s mother, who was in love with him, agreed to exchange him for the Imperial Diamond. There are many such stories and none can be confirmed.
• In 1995, Michael Jackson wanted to borrow the diamond for his music video, but the museum refused. The reason was the safety of the stone.

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul and the Fourth Courtyard

The Fourth Courtyard in the palace is called the Sultan’s Courtyard, as it was the area designated for the private life of the Ottoman rulers. It is a beautiful and perfectly designed space, created to serve the sultan. Although there is no visible wall or gate separating the Fourth Courtyard from the Third, unlike the previous parts of the palace, here there was a sense of peace and tranquillity. The entire area resembles a beautiful park or garden, with functional buildings scattered throughout.

Here, you will find a beautiful marble terrace with a fountain. From this spot, you can enjoy an incredible view of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. While visiting the private quarters of the sultans, also pay attention to the private toilets and baths that the ruler used. Everything is thoughtfully designed, and the decorations are intricate and stunning.

In one of the pavilions, there is now a restaurant that serves excellent coffee, offering a chance to sit and relax. Interestingly, they also serve dishes prepared according to ancient recipes, so you have the opportunity to try what people ate centuries ago.

At the end of the tour of Palace in Istanbul

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is a place that should be at the top of your list of attractions to visit. Here, you’ll find treasures collected over seven centuries, when the Ottoman dynasty ruled nearly a third of the world, including the Middle East, parts of Africa, and large parts of Europe.

My visit to the palace changed my perception of the Ottoman sultans, who were once associated with brutality, wildness, and the thirst for conquest. Of course, many were indeed like that, but most also had another, more human side focused on art, architecture, poetry, and the broader concept of beauty.

Remember, no words or even the most beautiful photographs can fully capture this place as it truly is. Therefore, I highly encourage you to visit Istanbul and the magnificent Topkapi Palace.

Topkapi Palace Istanbul facts, information, and curiosities

• The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is called Topkapi Sarayi by the Turks.
• The monument was built by Mehmed II the Conqueror immediately after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
• The palace was the seat of the sultans for almost 400 years.
• The last sultan to live in the palace was Mahmud II.
• In 1839, Sultan Abdulmecid I moved the seat of the rulers to the new Dolmabahce Palace.
• The palace was rebuilt many times, and today there are few places left from the original.
• The palace consists of four courtyards, each of which restricted access to outsiders. The last courtyard was accessible only to the sultan and his closest relatives.
• The palace is separated from the city by a high wall with a large Imperial Gate.
• The palace treasury contains giant treasures, including one of the largest diamonds in the world.
• In addition to valuables, the most important Islamic relics rest in the vast palace basements.
• An interesting place in the palace is the harem.
• The palace is huge, which is why I recommend visiting it with a guide.
• Many rooms in the palace are decorated with valuable Iznik ceramics, which are the equivalent of Chinese porcelain.
• The oldest pudding in the palace is the Agas Mosque.
• An interesting room is the Hasoda Kogusu, where there is a collection of imperial portraits.
• The palace has many secret chambers. Apparently, many of them have not yet been found.
• Initially, the palace was staffed by white eunuchs, who were later replaced by black people from Egypt and Africa.
• There was an aviary in the palace, where birds were bred for the Sultan’s table. At that time, not only poultry, which is popular today, was served, but also roasted birds of prey stuffed with pigeons, for example.
• Walking through the palace gardens, you will notice that the trees have been hollowed out. These are ancient plants that have fallen victim to a fungus that has been eating away at their interior for centuries. Interestingly, despite the damage, these trees are still standing and alive.
• Because many of the walls in the palace are almost three meters thick, it has avoided damage in numerous earthquakes. The last one took place in 1999 and was a real disaster for the entire city.
• The Topkapi Palace was robbed in 1999. During the raid, many valuable items were stolen, including an eight-hundred-year-old Koran.
• In 2011, a former Turkish policeman tried to repeat the massacre committed by Behring Breivik. Fortunately, he was detained and, after an exchange of fire, shot dead by the police.
• In Antalya, there is a luxury hotel World Of Wonders Topkapi Palace, which is a copy of some buildings of the original palace.

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