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Topkapı Palace
The Topkapı Palace in Istanbul served as the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign. The Imperial Harem, part of the sultan's private apartments, contained over 400 rooms and housed the sultan's mother, the Valide Sultan, his concubines and wives, his family, and their servants. The harem consisted of interconnected buildings and structures with hallways and courtyards, offering specific living spaces for each service team and hierarchical group. Although the exact number of rooms is unknown, it likely exceeds 100, only a few of which are open to the public. These apartments were assigned to the harem eunuchs, the Chief Harem Eunuch, the concubines, the queen mother, the sultan's consorts, the princes, and the favorites. Entry beyond the harem gates was restricted to the sultan, the queen mother, the sultan's consorts and favorites, the princes, the concubines, and the eunuchs guarding the harem. The harem wing was added at the end of the 16th century, with many rooms and features designed by Mimar Sinan. The harem section opens into the Second Courtyard, also accessed by the Gate of Carriages. Over time, the structures expanded towards the Golden Horn side, forming a complex that reflects the stylistic evolution of palace design from the 15th century to the early 19th century. Parts of the harem were redecorated in an Italian-inspired Ottoman Baroque style under sultans Mahmud I and Osman III, contrasting with the classical Ottoman decor.
Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
The exterior of the Imperial Council in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
On focus is the famous Tower of Justice (Adalet Kulesi in Turkish) located in the second courtyard of Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi in Turkish) in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated between the Harem and the kitchen of the palace.
Imperial Gate (Topkapi Palace, Istanbul).
Eunuchs' Courtyard in the Harem of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Topkapı Palace is a large museum in Istanbul, Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
Bağdat Köşkü, or Kiosk of Baghdad, located in Topkapı Palace.
Istanbul. Hagia Irene.
Istanbul. Topkapı Palace. Royal Mint of the Ottoman Empire.
Salutation Gate of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
One of the hollow trees in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
The Imperial Sofa Mosque (Sofa-i Hümâyûn Camii) in the fourth court of the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
View of the Bosphorus, as seen from the terrace of the fourth court of the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul. Visible on the other side is Asia.
The Grand Pavilion (Mecidiye Köşkü) in the fourth court of the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul. This panoramic image was created with Autostitch, and stitched images may differ from reality.
Yerevan Kiosk (Revan Köşkü) in the Fourth Courtyard of the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
Revan Kiosk (Topkapi Palace, Istanbul).
Circumcision Pavilion of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
Circumcision Pavilion of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey
The "Golden Road" (Altınyol) in the Topkapi Palace.
Topkapi Palace, located in Istanbul, Turkey
View of stained glass and walls in the Twin Kiosk in the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul.
2013-12-04 in Istanbul.
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace - Harem. The "Fruit Hall", built between 1718 and 1730, takes its name from the decoration painted with fruits and flowers. Picture by: Giovanni Dall'Orto, May 27, 2006.
The fountain of the privy chamber of Murat III (III. Murad Has Odası) in the harem of Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
Dome of the Imperial Hall in the Harem of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
Dome of the Imperial Hall in the Harem of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
Imperial Hall in the Harem of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
The gilded cage door of the private bath of the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother) in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul. Only she would hold the key and lock herself in during her bath to ensure her safety from any potential threats.
The Topkapı Palace in Istanbul served as the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign. The Imperial Harem, part of the sultan's private apartments, contained over 400 rooms and housed the sultan's mother, the Valide Sultan, his concubines and wives, his family, and their servants. The harem consisted of interconnected buildings and structures with hallways and courtyards, offering specific living spaces for each service team and hierarchical group. Although the exact number of rooms is unknown, it likely exceeds 100, only a few of which are open to the public. These apartments were assigned to the harem eunuchs, the Chief Harem Eunuch, the concubines, the queen mother, the sultan's consorts, the princes, and the favorites. Entry beyond the harem gates was restricted to the sultan, the queen mother, the sultan's consorts and favorites, the princes, the concubines, and the eunuchs guarding the harem. The harem wing was added at the end of the 16th century, with many rooms and features designed by Mimar Sinan. The harem section opens into the Second Courtyard, also accessed by the Gate of Carriages. Over time, the structures expanded towards the Golden Horn side, forming a complex that reflects the stylistic evolution of palace design from the 15th century to the early 19th century. Parts of the harem were redecorated in an Italian-inspired Ottoman Baroque style under sultans Mahmud I and Osman III, contrasting with the classical Ottoman decor.
Countyard in Apartments of the Queen Mother in Harem of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
Reconstruction of an Ottoman-style library in the Topkapı Palace museum, Istanbul, Turkey.
Another room in the harem in Topkapi Palace.
Third Courtyard of the Topkapı Palace
Library of Ahmed III on the left, the Audience Chamber on the right. Located in the Third Court, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
One of the doors leading into the Conqueror’s Pavilion, also called the Conqueror's Kiosk (Fatih Köşkü), and the arcade of the pavilion in front is one of the finest pavilions built under Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and one of the oldest buildings inside the palace. It was built circa 1460 when the palace was first constructed and was also used to store works of art and treasure. To this day, it houses the Imperial Treasury.
Tokpabi Palace
Arz Odasi seen in the third court of Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Turkey.
2013-12-04 in Istanbul.
This image likely refers to a photograph taken at the Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul, Topkapi: the Gate of Felicity.
A ceremonial armor of Mustafa III displayed at the Topkapı Palace Museum.
Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
The kitchens of Topkapı Palace.
Turkey, Istanbul, Topkapi Palace.
An overview of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

Topkapı Palace

Istanbul, Turkey

Topkapı Palace served as the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years. This grand complex is known for its rich decorations, stunning architecture, and fascinating exhibitions that highlight the artistry and lifestyle of a powerful empire.

The Four Courts of Topkapı Palace

The palace is divided into four main courtyards, each more impressive than the last. The journey begins with the first and second courts, where visitors can explore the famous Harem and the State Treasury. Inside the treasury, a remarkable weaponry collection is on display, showcasing arms and armor from centuries past.

Moving into the third court, the focus shifts to the Imperial Treasury. This area holds some of the palace’s most prized possessions, including sacred relics from both Islamic and Christian traditions. Intricate jewelry, ornate artifacts, and meaningful religious items offer a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of the sultans.

Spectacular Views and Practical Tips

The fourth court provides breathtaking views across the Bosphorus, offering a serene contrast to the opulence found within the palace walls. Visitors can spend several hours exploring the grounds, discovering hidden gardens, and admiring the panoramic scenery.

For those planning a visit, it’s helpful to bring water, as refreshments from the museum kiosk can be quite expensive.

Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topkap%C4%B1_Palace
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