Choose your pass

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.

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
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!


 

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

First-Time Istanbul Layover? 5-Hour Itinerary Using the Istanbul Tourist Pass®
calendar_today Nov 24, 2025 6 min

First-Time Istanbul Layover? 5-Hour Itinerary Using the Istanbul Tourist Pass®

If your flight gives you a short window in Istanbul, you can still get a real taste of the city. This istanbul layover itinerary is built for first timers who want an easy route, quick transfers, and zero stress. Follow the steps, keep a safe buffer for airport security, and you will be surprised how […]

6 Best Towers And Fortresses To Visit In Istanbul
calendar_today Nov 19, 2021 6 min

6 Best Towers And Fortresses To Visit In Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of various historical textures. From countless Ottoman palaces and mansions to historical sites like museums, this city has thousands of years of history behind it, and the best part is, a great portion of that history can still be experienced today. Some of the more underrated historical attractions of the city […]

Discover the Kucuksu Pavilion: An Ottoman Gem in Istanbul
calendar_today Jun 20, 2024 7 min

Discover the Kucuksu Pavilion: An Ottoman Gem in Istanbul

Istanbul's history extends from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire. It is almost an open-air museum with traces from each period. The magnificence of Hagia Sophia from the Byzantine period and the riches of Topkapi Palace architecture of Suleymaniye Mosque are just a few examples of the city's historical and cultural heritage. 
 
 […]

A Day Dedicated to Youth: What to Do in Istanbul on May 19th
calendar_today May 10, 2024 9 min

A Day Dedicated to Youth: What to Do in Istanbul on May 19th

Turkey is a land of breathtaking beauty, where every corner tells a story of its rich history and diverse culture. Istanbul, in particular, stands out as a city of surprises, where ancient mosques stand alongside bustling bazaars and modern skyscrapers. Its unique blend of East and West creates an enchanting atmosphere that captivates visitors from […]

10 Fascinating Facts About Hagia Sophia You Never Knew
calendar_today Apr 21, 2025 5 min

10 Fascinating Facts About Hagia Sophia You Never Knew

Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history, is a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Originally built as a church, then converted into a mosque, and later a museum, it stands as a testament to the city’s cultural and religious evolution. Explore its stunning mosaics, impressive dome, and fascinating history with the Istanbul Tourist Pass!

Marilyn Manson Istanbul Concert
calendar_today May 13, 2025 7 min

Marilyn Manson Istanbul Concert

Istanbul never sleeps and 2025 proves it once again. Festivals light up the Bosphorus, small clubs echo with new sounds, and huge open-air shows pull global stars into the city every month. Travelers mix with locals on warm summer nights and share the same rhythm. Music is part of daily life here, as essential as […]

Istanbul Airport Arrival Hack: Compare Private Transfer vs. Public Transport
calendar_today May 23, 2024 8 min

Istanbul Airport Arrival Hack: Compare Private Transfer vs. Public Transport

Ah, Istanbul! A city that straddles two continents, bursting with history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Its vibrant energy and enchanting allure make it a must-visit destination. However, arriving in this bustling metropolis can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenge of navigating a complex public transport system during rush hour. After a long flight, […]

Tipping Culture in Istanbul: A Helpful Guide for Travelers
calendar_today Dec 8, 2023 10 min

Tipping Culture in Istanbul: A Helpful Guide for Travelers

Istanbul, the vibrant heart of Turkey, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. While exploring this fascinating city, understanding the local tipping culture is crucial for ensuring a smooth and respectful experience. For this article, we have prepared a guide to navigating Istanbul's tipping culture for you. But before we dig into […]

From Vine to Bosphorus: Discovering Turkish Wine in Istanbul’s Cozy Wine Houses
calendar_today Dec 6, 2025 9 min

From Vine to Bosphorus: Discovering Turkish Wine in Istanbul’s Cozy Wine Houses

Turkey is one of the birthplaces of wine. Ancient grapevines still cling to volcanic slopes and sun-drenched valleys from Thrace to Anatolia. Yet Istanbul, this vast, vibrant metropolis spread across two continents, has no vineyards of its own. Instead, it has something just as inviting: a network of character-packed wine bars, shops, and “şarap evi” […]

Street Bazaars in Istanbul
calendar_today Sep 7, 2020 4 min

Street Bazaars in Istanbul

If you consider shopping, there is no alternative within the borders of Turkey but Istanbul.