Topkapi Palace

The Topkapı-Palace is a you-must-see in Istanbul and it has so much to offer that you can spend a whole day in it. It was built shortly after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Mehmet II. Constantinople became the capital of the empire and all what was missing was a representative palace. The Topkapı-Palace (Tokapı Sarayı) originally was used as residence and seat of government by the sultans.

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Additionally it was the administration centre of the Ottoman empire. However, it was more like a separated city with more than 40 000 people living there. Besides this the palace was surrounded by a wall with more than 20 towers. In 1856 Abdülmeçit I introduced the Dolmabahçe Sarayı as the new political residence and the Topkapı-Palace since 1923 was changed into a museum.

For the construction structures of another palace, the former mangana palace, were integrated in the Topkapi complex. The construction and rebuilding last as long as until the 18 th century. The complex is embedde d in a wonderful garden and consists of four courts. By the way the name Topkapi Palace comes from the canon foundry which was a part of the complex, and means “Canon Palace”. The Topkapı-Palace is a you-must-see in Istanbul and it has so much to offer that you can spend a whole day in it. It was built shortly after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Mehmet II. The Topkapı-Palace (Tokapı Sarayı) originally was used as residence and seat of government by the sultans. Additionally it was the administration center of the Ottoman empire. In 1856 Abdülmeçit I introduced the Dolmabahçe Sarayı as new political residence and the Topkapı-Palace than was changed in a museum. For the construction structures of another palace, the former Mangana Palace, were integrated in the Topkapi complex. The construction and rebuilding last until the 18th century. The complex is embedded in a wonderful garden and consists of four courts. By the way the name Topkapi Palace comes from the canon foundry which was a part of the complex, and means canon place. The interior of the palace represented the power of the Ottoman empire, and one was willing to spent a lot of money on it. Precious marble, furniture and carpets for over the whole world have found there ways into the Topkapi Palace. The entrance to the palace was the Bab-ı hümayun- gate leading to a type of atrium, better known as the first court.

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The first court was the location of the service sector and at the square in front of the building parades were organized. The second court represented the political centre and housed all governmental and administrative institutions. Additionally there was a large canteen and the housings of the Sultan’s stuff.

The entrance to the second court was via "Bab-ı salam"- gate or the "Orta kapı" . This was also the place were the Sultan´s security was stationed. Also well-known is the conference room of the Diwan which was housed under the dome-structure of the second court. In the "Kubbe altı" decisions about peace and war had been made. Next to it was the tower of justices, from where public execution could be watched.

The "Bab-ı saadet", better known as the gate Gate of Felicity, or "Arz kapısı" leads to the third gate.

The third court was reserved to selected persons. Besides the Sultan`s family members only male castrates, so-called eunuchs were allowed to enter the secret place of happiness. The reason was the perhaps most interesting section of the third court, the harem. Here the women of the Sultan lived under the guidance of the Sultan’s mother. The throne room was also located there and was used for receives of high politicians. A school for administrative occupation was attached. The fourth court was made of several large terraces and enriched by pavilions. Especially breath-taking by his style is the Bagdat Pavilion. Between this pavilion and the Revan pavilion there is even a pool. In one of the pavilions nowadays a restaurant is housed.

Nowadays you can visit the museum in the former Palace which exhibits china, portraits, clothes, paintings, guns and other remaining from the Ottoman era. Also religious relics as the Prophet Mohammed` s weapon and one of the oldest Qurans can be admired there. The museum complex includes the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of the Ancient Orient. Here you can also admire the Çinili Kösk, a building made of white titles dated back to 1472 presenting the greatest collection of Turkish ceramics.