TOPKAPI PALACE

Description

Essentials about Topkapi Palace in brief

Topkapi Palace (Canongate Palace) is one of the most impressive sights in Istanbul and an absolute tourist highlight. Located in the historic heart of the city, the palace complex was for centuries the residence and seat of government of the sultans and the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. More than 5,000 people once lived here, from members of the ruling family to administrators, soldiers and servants. A visit to Istanbul is not complete without a tour of this impressive palace complex.

The history of Topkapi Palace

Construction began soon after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II. Initially, he had a palace built on what is now Beyazit Square. A little later, however, the Sultan decided to build on the prominent hill on the headland between the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. From here, the palace offered a wide view over the waters and was also best protected from enemies. High walls separated the palace from the water and from the rest of the city.

Since 1459 a new palace was built, initially consisting of two courtyards (today 2nd and 3rd courtyard), which was completed in 1468. In the process, parts of the Byzantine Mangana Palace were built over. In 1478, a defensive wall was completed around the palace, which, among other things, formed the space for today’s first courtyard. Thus, the basic structure of the palace was already established in its essential features in the 15th century. Thus, even after the later alterations, the building is one of the most important architectural testimonies of the Renaissance period in Europe.

The complex acquired its present appearance through extensive renovations and extensions until the beginning of the 18th century. The last major addition was the Great Pavilion, built in 1840. Since Mehmed II, all Ottoman rulers resided in the Topkapi Palace until Sultan Abdülmecid I moved into the new Dolmabahçe Palace on the other side of the Golden Horn on the shore of the Bosphorus in 1856.

The Topkapi Palace complex

General information

Topkapi Palace consists not of a single, but true to Turkish tradition, several buildings in a large garden. The footprint of the palace is about 70 hectares. This makes Topkapi Palace twice as large as the Vatican. The area is divided into four courtyards and separates individual parts from each other. It consists of small pavilions, studios, reception rooms, mosques, baths, gardens, kitchens, libraries and – not to forget – the harem. All Ottoman rulers tried to expand and enrich the complex over the centuries. It was initially called “New Palace” before the name “Topkapi” prevailed in the 18th century, derived from the palace’s own cannon foundry.

The Four Courtyards

The palace is divided into four courtyards, each accessed through its own gates. With its location on a headland, it offers an unparalleled panoramic view of Istanbul, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

The First Courtyard

The main entrance to the palace grounds is the “Imperial Gate”. To the left and right of the gate are rooms that were intended for the guards. Above the archway is a calligraphic inscription of Ali bin Yahya Sofî, which bears the date 1478, and thus was created during the reign of Mehmed II. The first courtyard mainly housed premises for services. Parades used to be held in the park-like square.

The Second Courtyard

The second courtyard was the political center of the empire and housed state and administrative offices. On the east side, the palace kitchen was located along the entire length. Furthermore, the quarters of the lance bearers, the bodyguard of the sultan, were also located in this courtyard.

The Third Courtyard

The third courtyard is entered through the “Gate of Bliss”. The courtyard could be entered only after explicit permission. Here was the throne room for receptions of the highest state officials, the viziers, and foreign guests. On both sides of the gate was the palace school Enderun, where the next generation was trained for the state and administrative professions. Furthermore, the harem, i.e. the private chambers of the sultan and his harem ladies, was located here.

The Forth Courtyard

In the fourth courtyard there were other parks and gardens on various terraces, preserved are several important pavilions or kiosks.

The Palace Rooms

The furnishings of the palace’s rooms bear witness to the immense wealth of the Ottoman rulers. Only the finest building materials such as marble and tropical woods, the most precious carpets and the most expensive furniture were used; in addition, tons of gold were used for decoration and ornamentation.

The Museum

Since 1923, Topkapi Palace has housed a museum. It houses collections of porcelain, manuscripts, portraits, robes, jewels, the famous sea chart of Admiral Piri Reis and weapons from the Ottoman Empire, as well as Islamic relics, such as weapons of Mohammed and the first caliphs, one of the oldest copies of the Koran and also hair of the beard of the Prophet Mohammed. Conservative Muslims are therefore calling for the palace to be closed to tourism.