TOPKAPI PALACE
TOPKAPI PALACE
Topkapı palace has been the home for Ottoman emperor, their families and many others along four hundred centuries. It is not just a palace. Also, it has been used as a school for children and prince, a court where state affairs were discussed and a hospital where the best doctor of that period were worked. On every corner of Topkapı Palace, it is possible to find traces of emperors and the period that they lived.
WHERE IS TOPKAPI PALACE?
It is located at Fatih district of İstanbul.
HISTORY OF TOPKAPI PALACE
It was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet between 1460-1478, after the conquest of İstanbul. Until the construction of Palace II. Mehmet first stayed in Old Palace then in the Tiled Pavilion. Topkapı Palace has been the heart of Ottoman Empire for a long time. After construction of Dolmabahçe Palace, the emperor and his family members left the Topkapı Palace while other state administrators stayed. It has been turned into the museum by Atatürk on April 3,1924. Today, ıt still waits visitors as a museum.
PARTS OF TOPKAPI PALACE
The palace located on an area of 700 thousand sqare meters. The borders of the palace are the Byzantine Walls on the sea and Sur-i Sultani Walls on the land. The gate that enters the Palace from Sur-i Sultani is called Bab-ı Hümayun. It is also called Sultanate Gate. After entering the gate you will reach the Alay Square. This Square also called I. Courtyard. Hagia Irene Church and Tiled Pavilion are located in Alay Square. The Middle Gate that is called “ Babüsselam” is the place where the emperor and his mother could pass on horseback. There are large kitchens, sugar kitchen that is called Halvahane and the Divan-ı Hümayun where state affairs are discussed. Other square is called “Divan Square”. This place is referred to as the II. Courtyard. There are palace hospital, kitchens and harem around it. The museum card is not valid for the harem part. You should buy another ticket for this part. To reach the III. Courtyard you should pass the Bab-ı Saadet which means Happiness Gate. The most important structure of this part is Treasury Room. Bağdat Pavilion, Revan Pavilion, Mecidiye Pavilion, and Esvab Room are located in IV. Square. Besides these, you can visit the Privy Chamber, Sacred Relics Department, Enderun Library, Sofa Pavilion,Sultan’s Flat, Prince’s Flat, Turkish baths, Has Barn and many other places.
WHAT IS EXHIBITED IN TOPKAPI PALACE?
There are many precious and blessed objects in Topkapı Palace where the best porcelain is displayed. Many jewels, watches, treasures, seals, sacred objects and clothes that are worn by emperors are displayed. Also the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond is located in there. Especially, the Sacred Relics Department is one of the most visited parts of the palace.
ENTRANCE FEE OF TOPKAPI PALACE
Topkapı Palace is open from 9 am until 6 pm every day of the week except Tuesdays. Museum card is not valid for Hagia Irene Church and Harem. If you want to visit the Topkapı Palace and Aya Irini Church you will pay 60 TL. If you want to visit only Harem part the fee is 40 TL. To visit all parts you will pay 90 TL.
