Buy Now

History of Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Saray Palace is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is the largest palace in Istanbul's Old City, and it served as a major center of the Ottoman Empire and a center for the establishment of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for four decades, from 1465 to 1856, before Dolmabahce Palace took its place.

Ekim Erkan
Ekim Erkan
April 4, 2021 • 4 min
History of Topkapi Palace


 


The palace had four main courtyards and a number of structures, including apartments, kitchens, mosques, a hospital, and other structures. Nearly 4,000 people lived in the state at its height. The Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror ordered the building of Topkapi Palace in 1459 AD, and it was completed in 1478 AD. The Topkapi Palace covers an area of around 400,000 square meters, and it is considered one of the world's largest and oldest palaces.


 


It was originally known as "Yeni Saray," which meant "new palace," to differentiate it from the previous residence. In the nineteenth century, the palace was renamed "Topkapi. The building extends over the centuries, including after the earthquake of 1509 and the fire of 1665 AD. 


Due to the Ottomans' interest in the art of cooking, the Topkapi Palace also had a huge kitchen with around 10,000 and more porcelain and cooking utensils, including the "Longquan pot," which was rumored to be necessary for the palaces of the sultans and princes.


 


Construction of Topkapi Palace


Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is characterized by the appearance of its fountain, which immediately draws everyone's attention. The fountain is known as the Sultan Ahmed III Fountain because it was constructed during his rule, and it is situated outside the "Palace Entrance." The fountain was built in 1728 AD, and this year was known as the "Tulip Period" during Sultan Ahmed III's reign.


 


The palace is surrounded by high and broad walls known as the "Sultana Wall," which extends from the Sabbat "Gilar Palace" to "another entrance" and stretches from Hagia Sophia to the Gulhane district in Istanbul, as well as from and to the Sirkeci neighborhood. The palace is surrounded by high and wide walls known as the "Sultana Wall," which extends from the Sabbat "Gilar Palace" to "another street." The portion overlooking the bay with several compartments was destroyed due to the passing of a railway line from the aforementioned location, and there are 28 towers on these walls.


 


Topkapi Palace’s Gates


According to tradition, the palace once had thirteen gates, but only a few remain today, one of which is the "babı hümayun, the Gate of Peace." 


The first square of the palace is situated at the inner end of the door, and it was subjected to a great fire in the nineteenth century, which resulted in great damages in the palace. The square includes the prosecutor booth, which used to collect people's grievances, and to the right of it are the offices of the treasury staff, and behind the wall is the palace bakery. The Church of Ayah Erin is to the right of the square, and the Empire Square is to the left of the square.


 


Travel Topkapi Palace With Istanbul Tourist Pass!


 


Istanbul Tourist Pass grants access to more than 85 attractions, including the mesmerizing Topkapi Palace. With Istanbul Tourist Pass, you get more than what you pay for, as the Pass can let you save up to 75%! Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, and you can explore them today by booking your Istanbul trip from Istanbul Tourist Pass!


 

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Istanbul for Couples: What to Do in Istanbul as a Couple
calendar_today Nov 20, 2022 • 9 min

Istanbul for Couples: What to Do in Istanbul as a Couple

Istanbul is a romantic city if you are in love. With deep history, amazing views, and great attractions Istanbul can be a perfect place for a honeymoon! If you are lucky enough to be in ınstanbul with your loved one, then here are the 10 most romantic things to do in Istanbul, and a bonus.  
 […]

November in Istanbul
calendar_today Oct 31, 2023 • 16 min

November in Istanbul

Love is in the air in Istanbul in November! As the city's autumnal charm gives way to the crisp embrace of the upcoming winter, Istanbul takes on a romantic and alluring ambiance that's hard to resist. The city's charming streets, adorned with the golden hues of falling leaves, provide the perfect setting for couples seeking […]

Slow Travel in İstanbul: A Local’s Guide to Mindful Exploration
calendar_today Apr 1, 2026 • 5 min

Slow Travel in İstanbul: A Local’s Guide to Mindful Exploration

Cihangir: Istanbul’s Coolest Corner of Creative Buzz
calendar_today May 9, 2025 • 9 min

Cihangir: Istanbul’s Coolest Corner of Creative Buzz

Istanbul is a city that never sits still. Ferries criss-cross the Bosphorus, prayers drift from slender minarets, and side streets burst into sudden song. Yet behind all the movement, the city keeps pockets of calm where artists think, cats nap, and conversations spill out of tiny cafés. One of those pockets is Cihangir. 
 
 […]

Jennifer Lopez Live in Istanbul on July 4th: A Night to Remember
calendar_today Apr 15, 2025 • 5 min

Jennifer Lopez Live in Istanbul on July 4th: A Night to Remember

deneme

How to Use Your Istanbul Pass During Tulip Festival Season
calendar_today Apr 5, 2026 • 12 min

How to Use Your Istanbul Pass During Tulip Festival Season

Food Tours in Istanbul: Gastro Experiences Included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®
calendar_today May 23, 2026 • 14 min

Food Tours in Istanbul: Gastro Experiences Included with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®

The Perfect 3-Day Istanbul Plan: An Unforgettable Adventure
calendar_today Apr 25, 2025 • 6 min

The Perfect 3-Day Istanbul Plan: An Unforgettable Adventure

Explore Istanbul’s most iconic attractions with the Istanbul Tourist Pass! Skip the lines and enjoy a smooth, unforgettable adventure. Get your pass now and make the most of your time in the city!

Where to Shop in Istanbul: From Grand Bazaar to Local Designers
calendar_today Apr 23, 2025 • 6 min

Where to Shop in Istanbul: From Grand Bazaar to Local Designers

Shop the Best of Istanbul. Skip the lines and shop till you drop with the Istanbul Tourist Pass! Enjoy access to top attractions and shopping experiences in Istanbul. Get your pass today!

Best Italian Restaurants in Istanbul: A Visitor's Guide to Handmade Pasta and Artisan Pizza
calendar_today May 14, 2025 • 8 min

Best Italian Restaurants in Istanbul: A Visitor's Guide to Handmade Pasta and Artisan Pizza

Istanbul’s food scene is a living collage. Ottoman palace recipes mingle with Armenian meze, Greek seafood, Kurdish stews, and modern global bites. Into this colorful mix, Italian cooking slips in almost effortlessly because the two shores of the Mediterranean already share olive oil, tomatoes, and a love of lingering over the table. Today you will […]