Topkapi Palace is the right place for you to start if you are interested even slightly, in the exotic world of the Ottoman Empire Era.
Riots of the soldiers in the outer courtyards.. Intrigues of the wives and mothers of the Sultans.. Struggles between the viziers..Being home to amazing celebrations and ceremonies..
All happened between the gorgeus walls of this palace...
One should not be surprised that this palace has been the subject of;
Topkapi Palace served as the administrative seat of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the Sultans for 400 years. It grew and expanded gradually in time, thus it represents different architectural styles.
There were the residence of the Sultan and a great number of buildings that served for government affairs behind the grand gates of this palace.
All of the affairs of the Ottoman Empire were dealt with between these walls.
And of course the “Harem”… These walls hid the “Harem” part of the palace which was as big as a neighbourhood.
Justice Tower in the 3rd Courtyard
Photo: By Sammytd / Flickr
Ottoman Empire grew enormously and the number of the palace buildings developed accordingly.
New buildings were added when they were needed, during different periods of time. That is why Topkapı Palace has a great number of parts and buildings.
You might get confused with the names of all the buildings and parts. Let's slice and dice it for you...
Topkapi Palace Courtyards, Satellite View
There are two main sections and 4 courtyards in these two sections. All buildings are around these 4 courtyards.
Important tip:
Be there to buy tickets before 9:30. It will save you time, because usually busloads of people arrive at 9:30 – 10:00.
Ticket booth: Just before you reach the gate, next to the Executioner's Fountain. Opens at 9:00.
Where exactly?: You can see it in Sultanahmet, behind the Hagia Sophia Museum. The main entrance, Imperial Gate is beyond the North-east corner of Hagia Sophia Church Museum. |
Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:00 (closed on Tuesdays) Entrance fee: for the Palace: 20 TL, for the Harem: 15 TL Adress: Sultanahmet Info: |
Six hundred years of Ottoman Empire history is here, waiting to be discovered.
Now let’s go to the amazing parts of the Topkapi Palace:
and
You need at least half a day
to explore the palace properly...
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