Istanbul Guide

TOPKAPI PALACE

SAIKO3P/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

DON’T MISS  Imperial Council Chamber  Outer Treasury  Harem  Audience Chamber  Imperial Treasury  Marble Terrace  Palace Kitchens PRACTICALITIES  Map p238, C3  % 0212-512 0480  www.topkapisarayi. gov.tr/en  Bab ı hümayun Caddesi  palace adult/child under 12yr ₺ 40/free, Harem adult/child under 6yr ₺ 25/free  h 9am-6.45pm Wed Mon mid-Apr–Oct, to 4.45pm Nov–mid-Apr, last entry 1hr before closing  j Sultanahmet

Topkap ı Palace (Topkap ı Saray ı ) is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world’s museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman Empire. Visiting its opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives. First Court Before you enter the Imperial Gate of Topkap ı , take a look at the ornate structure in the cobbled square just outside. This is the rococo-style Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III , built in 1728 by the sultan who so favoured tulips. As you pass through the Imperial Gate, you enter the First Court, known as the Court of the Janissaries or the Parade Court. On your left is the Byzantine church of Hagia Eirene, more commonly known as Aya İ rini (p79). Mehmet the Conqueror had built the first stage of the palace shortly after the Conquest in 1453, and lived in the compound behind the Imperial Gate until his death in 1481. The Ottoman sultans continued to live in Topkap ı ’s rarefied environment until the 19th century, when they moved to ostentatious European-style palaces such as Dol mabahçe, Ç ı ra ğ an and Y ı ld ı z that were built on the shores

of the Bosphorus. Second Court

The Middle Gate (Ortakap ı or Bab-üs Selâm) led to the pal ace’s Second Court, used for the business of running the