General Information

  • Location: Sultanahmet area, Istanbul, on the Historical Peninsula.

  • Construction Date: Built between 1460–1478 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.

  • Purpose: Served as the official residence of the Ottoman sultans, the administrative center of the empire, and the hub of palace life.

  • Significance: Functioned as the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire for approximately 400 years.

Architecture and Structure

  • Area: Covers approximately 700,000 m².

  • Sections: The palace is organized into four main courtyards and various annex buildings:

    1. First Courtyard (Alay Meydanı): Public area; military parades and ceremonies were held here.

    2. Second Courtyard: Administrative center of the palace; houses the Divan-ı Hümayun (Imperial Council) building and offices.

    3. Third Courtyard: Private residence of the sultan; connects to the Enderun (palace school) and Harem.

    4. Fourth Courtyard: The most private section, including Harem chambers; heavily protected and restricted.

  • Architectural Style: A prime example of classical Ottoman architecture with noticeable Mimar Sinan influences. Features include domes, courtyards, arcades, and rich decorations.

Harem

  • Definition: Private living quarters of the sultan and his family.

  • Features: Includes rooms for the sultan’s wives, concubines, and the valide sultan (queen mother).

  • Importance: Played a critical role in both the social and political life of the palace.

Museums and Collections

  • Sacred Relics: Items belonging to Prophet Muhammad, including clothing, swords, and other religious artifacts.

  • Palace Treasury: Contains Ottoman sultans’ jewelry, crowns, and precious objects.

  • Enderun Museum: Displays items from the palace school, manuscripts, calligraphy, and paintings.

Touristic Significance

  • Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Offers comprehensive insight into Ottoman palace life, administration, and architecture.

  • Due to its vast size and multiple sections, visitors are recommended to spend several hours or even a full day exploring.

Topkapı Palace is the most comprehensive historical monument showcasing Ottoman culture, architecture, art, and governance.

🕒 Visiting Hours

Summer Season (April 1 – October 31):

  • Opening: 09:00 AM

  • Closing: 06:00 PM (Last entry: 05:00 PM)

  • Closed Days: Tuesdays

Winter Season (November 1 – March 31):

  • Opening: 09:00 AM

  • Closing: 06:00 PM (Last entry: 05:30 PM)

  • Closed Days: Tuesdays

Important Notes:

  • The ticket office closes 1 hour before the palace closing time.

  • Topkapı Palace is also closed on May 1 (Labor Day), the first day of Ramadan, and the first day of Eid al-Adha.

💰 Entrance Fees (2025)

Topkapı Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapı Palace + Ayasofya-i İriné + Harem):

  • Domestic Visitors: 400 TL

  • International Visitors: 2,400 TL

  • Discounted Ticket: 180 TL

Harem Section (Separate Ticket):

  • Domestic Visitors: 250 TL

  • International Visitors: 900 TL

  • Discounted Ticket: 120 TL

Ayasofya-i İriné (Separate Ticket):

  • Domestic Visitors: 200 TL

  • International Visitors: 900 TL

  • Discounted Ticket: 90 TL

Free Entry:

  • Children under 6 years old

  • Disabled visitors (must present a valid disability card)

🧭 Visitor Tips

  • Recommended Visiting Duration: 2–3 hours due to the palace’s large area and rich collections.

  • Peak Times: Weekends and public holidays are crowded; visiting on weekday mornings is calmer.

  • Ticket Purchase: To avoid long lines, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance.

  • Photography: Some areas may restrict photography; flash-free photography is recommended.

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