Topkapi Palace Museum

The construction of the Palace started at the year 1460 and finished at 1478 with the order of Mehmet the Conqueror. It comprises 700,000 square meters area and located at Peninsula. Topkapi Palace was the administrative, educational and art center of the Empire for 380 years. Then Ottoman Dynasty moved to the Dolmabahce Palace in the middle of 19th century.

Topkapi Palace was converted into a museum 1924 after establishment of Republic of Turkey. The walls of Palace are 5 km long and there are 26 towers for protection. It has 3 courtyards.

Topkapi Palace

Hagia-Irene Church was located in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace. Besides, there are the outer service buildings, Oven and Hospital.

Second courtyard has administrative buildings for the Empire. These are Square of Justice, Imperial Council and Treasury of the Divan-ı Hümayun. The entrance of Harem, Palace Kitchens and additional service buildings are here as well.

Third courtyard was used for education of palace aghas and assigned to high ranks of the state. There were dormitories and the structures belongs to the Sultan. Ottoman Sultans used to meet with viziers and ambassadors here. Enderun Library which was used for education aghas, is located in this courtyard.

Topkapi Palace has passages to the Imperial Sofa courtyard which has the kiosks and gardens. The Terrace courtyard has Revan and Baghdat Kiosks, Circumsision Room and Iftaree Canony.

Information:
You can avoid lines when you have an offcial tour guide. It is only museum and close every Tuesday. They accept only cash in Turkish Lira and credit card.
Visit Hours:
Summer 9 am – 18:00 / Winter 9 am – 17:00
Entrance Fee: 500 Lira.
Harem Fee: 150 Lira

Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace

Contact Information