Topkapı Palace

The Topkapı Palace, in Istanbul

The Topkapı Palace was the heart of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries, residence of thirty sultans at the tip of the Seraglio. The Istanbul audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this true city within the city, standing above the Golden Horn, at once princely palace and centre of the government, whose Divan hall and mysterious Harem tell the splendours and the secrets of the Ottoman dynasty.

History

For four hundred years, from the fifteenth to the beginning of the nineteenth century, the heart of the Ottoman Empire beat here, at the Topkapi Palace. Built above the Golden Horn, at the tip of the Seraglio, it was the residence of thirty sultans of the dynasty, each transforming it to his taste. The entry is paying, but the visit figures among the essentials of Istanbul. A true city within the city, the palace sheltered, besides the family of the sultan, his servants and his soldiers. It was not only a princely dwelling, but also the centre of the government, with the Divan hall where the ministers met with the Grand Vizier: the immense Ottoman Empire was led from this hall for centuries. The sultan attended the meetings from a secret room, of which a latticed opening allowed him to listen without being seen; never knowing if he was present, his subjects had to remain loyal. The most mysterious part remains the Harem: only the eunuchs, there to serve the women and the sultan, were authorised to enter. A fascinating place, witness of all the splendour of the Ottoman Empire.

What to see

Here you visit the heart of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries, residence of thirty sultans at the tip of the Seraglio, dominating the Golden Horn; a true city within the city, the palace combines princely dwelling, Divan hall from which the empire was governed, and the mysterious Harem. The Topkapı Palace is an essential of Istanbul. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Topkapı Palace stands at the tip of the Seraglio, dominating the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, in the Sultanahmet district, in Istanbul, reachable on foot. The entry is paying, the Harem is the object of a distinct access, and the hours vary (often closed on Tuesday). It is best to enquire before coming.

What was the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul?

It was the heart of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries, from the fifteenth to the beginning of the nineteenth: a true city within the city at the tip of the Seraglio, it was the residence of thirty sultans and the centre of the government, with the Divan hall from which the empire was led and the famous Harem, accessible only to the eunuchs, which makes it one of the most fascinating places of Istanbul.

Where is the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul?

At the tip of the Seraglio, dominating the Golden Horn, in the Sultanahmet district, in Istanbul, in Turkey.