Topkapi Palace: An Inside Look at Ottoman Luxury and Power in Turkey

The Palace contains four sections or courtyards surrounded by walls of great height. Each courtyard remains incrementally restricted. Every layer has its Protocols. These are the measures for the Sultan’s security and safety.

• First Courtyard
  • This first section is the Outer Palace.
  • This section consists of buildings for service and security guard posts.
  • It is the largest of all courtyards.
  • During the Sultan’s reign, the public could visit these courtyards.
• Second Courtyard
  • This section is also known as Divan Square or State Council.
  • This section served as the administrative centre.
  • Only official visitors and the members of the court can visit this courtyard.
  • This section also has a storeroom for all kitchen utensils and war weapons.
• Third Courtyard
  • The Palace School is the third and innermost section.
  • This is more private to only Sultans, members of the family and the servants.
  • This courtyard contains dorms for the servants.
  • Precious and rare portraits of Sultans are there in this section.
  • This section had the locker room for all priceless Jewels, diamonds and many more.
  • This section contains the Worldclass Library of Sultan Ahmed III.
• Fourth Courtyard
  • This section includes Harem. It was the living quarters of the Sultans.
  • This section comprises a lot of lush green pavilions and picturesque gardens.
  • Generally, this courtyard appears to be a Maze structure.
• Gulhane Park
  • The palace’s layout includes Gulhane Park, which is located on the western and southern part of the Palace grounds. This park is home to several structures, such as the summer Palaces, kiosks, and pavilions.
  • This park contains many kiosks like Yerevan, Iftar, Baghdad, Terrace and Grand.
  • Out of all those Kiosks, the Basketmakers’ Kiosk, constructed in 1592, is the only one open to the public.
• Audience Chamber
  • It is one of the most elegant and the largest rooms in the Palace.
  • The Turkish and Western fusion interior design is the key highlight of this chamber.
  • During the Sultan’s reign, this chamber space served as a venue for meeting ambassadors from different countries and empires, military leaders, governors of various governments, and other notable people Worldwide.

Presently, all Courtyards and the entire Palace are attached to the Directorate of National Palaces Administration, which is maintained by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism Affairs.

• In the year 1453, Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople.
• The Palace construction was completed in the year 1465.
• During 1509, one of the substantial renovations and expansions took place.
• Around 1665, an unexpected fire accident damaged and destroyed such a massive Palace.
• The royal residence and the Ottoman Empire’s tenure in the Palace came to an end in the year 1853. Post this year, such a picturesque Palace became the residence of ranked officers.
• In 1924, the Republic of Turkey converted the elegant Topkapi Palace into a museum.
• In 1985, UNESCO recognized this venue as one of the heritage sites.

The Palace contains beautiful treasures within itself.

• Palace Treasury

This treasury contains precious Artwork and miniatures, Jewellery, a Topkapi Dagger, a Spoonmaker’s Diamond (86 karat diamond), Prophet Mohamed’s cloak, European porcelain, and Luxury glasses from the best glass-making industry.

• Armoury

The armory contains weapons from the 7th century, such as Osman swords, Persian armour suits, and helmets.

• Palace Library
  • This Palace library possesses more than 20000 manuscripts.
  • The library contains the rarest books of History, multiple copies of the Quran and many more.

• Topkapi Palace is in the ancient Istanbul region.
• The Museum attracts approximately 3 million visitors every year.
• The Palace is open on all days except Tuesday, from 09.00 in the morning till 05.00 in the evening for the public to visit.
• There are two ways to book a ticket.
  • Online [E-Ticketing]
    • The Palace remains packed throughout the year. Almost 3 Million visitors visit this destination every year.
    • E-tickets are available for booking to skip the long offline queue line.
    • Booking of this “Skip the line” online ticket offers an additional option to reschedule or cancel the booking.
    • We can also book the “Skip the line guided group tour” option, which helps travellers and visitors to visit every area in a group and listen to the expert’s explanations and audio guides in their comfortable and understandable language.
    • Only a guided group tour ticket takes you inside the Harem. General tickets do not include this option.
  • Offline [By visiting the Museum directly]
    • Visitors can go to the Palace and buy their entry tickets offline at any time. However, the waiting time depends on the crowd on that particular day. On average, during crowded days, it may take up to 4 hours to get the entrance ticket.

We are here to help you book the best slot to visit this beautiful place at a competitive price. Children aged seven years and below enjoy reduced or discounted pricing when accompanied by an adult with a valid photo ID.

Here are a few tips from Thrillark for all the visitors.

• Best time to Visit: Plan either during the first half of the year [March, April and May] or the second half [September, October and November]. These seasons will be the best visual treat for visitors.
• Days to choose: Monday to Thursday for a relaxed visit. The weekends are usually crowded. TThrillark’srecommendation is to prefer a weekday slot.
• Dress Code: The majestic royal Palace has its protocols. Any comfortable full cover from shoulders and knees attire for both Males and Females is allowed.
• Things to carry: A Valid Photo ID card for all visitors, a Topkapi Palace Museum map, and drinking water for convenience.
• Gate to visit: The Cannon Gate
• Must see things inside Palace: The SSpoonmaker’sDiamond and the Topkapi Dagger.
• Photography: Visitors can carry a good camera to capture the beauty of the Palace. However, there are certain restrictions on a few layouts. Proper signboards are available for where to click and where not to click. Professional photography may require extra permission from the authorities.
• Closest Landmark and Nearby Attractions: The famous Hagia Sophia is just 1 km from the Palace. The Blue Mosque [Approx. 1 to 1.5 kms] and the Basilica Cistern [Approx. 2.5 to 3 kms].
• Mode of Transport: Trams are the preferred and most convenient transport option. “Culhane Istasyonu” or “Sultanahmet Square” is the nearest tram station. There are other modes of transport like Metro, Bus and Train as well.

Thrillark has a comprehensive package to take care of your travel needs.

The UNESCO-recognized World’s Best Luxurious Heritage Topkapi Palace is a must-go destination. Reach Thrillark to book your slot to view the stunning architecture and the grand Imperial Harem. We are here to customize your itinerary.

What is Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace is a historic palace complex in Istanbul, Turkey. For nearly 400 years, it served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.

When was Topkapi Palace built?

Construction of Topkapi Palace began in 1459, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul). It was continuously expanded and renovated over the centuries.

What is the significance of Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace holds immense historical and cultural significance as the centre of Ottoman power for centuries. It was not only the residence of the sultans but also the seat of government and a symbol of imperial grandeur.

What can visitors see at Topkapi Palace?

Visitors to Topkapi Palace can explore various sections, including the Imperial Harem, the Treasury, the Imperial Council Chamber, and numerous pavilions and courtyards. The palace houses many artefacts, including manuscripts, weapons, ceramics, and jewellery.

How long does it take to visit Topkapi Palace?

A thorough visit to Topkapi Palace typically takes at least 2-3 hours. However, visitors interested in delving deeper into its history and exhibits may explore the complex for half a day or more.