The construction of the Topkapi Palace was started in 1460 by order of Sultan Fatih after the conquest of Constantinople. The construction site was located next to the Hagia Sophia mosque. The construction was completed in 1478, after which the palace was used as the administrative, educational and artistic center of the Ottoman Empire for the next four to four centuries. Topkapi Palace was surrounded by Gulhane Park, hiding it from city structures. The total area of the Topkapi Palace is small - only 30 hectares. On this territory, four Topkapi courtyards were sequentially located, protected by fortress walls. In the middle of the 19th century, the sultan dynasty moved to the more modern Dolmabahce Palace. The old Topkapi Palace loses its functions on April 3, 1924 and turns into the first museum of the Republic of Turkey. The collection of 300,000 items of the museum has unique cultural values, there are porcelain, silver and gold, portraits, weapons, jewelry and gifts, as well as the imperial treasury.
First courtyard at Topkapi Palace
Bab-i-Humayun is the main monumental gateway to former palace Topkapi in Istanbul. Now admission is free, but on schedule. On the left is the Church of St. Irene (the prototype of the Cathedral of St. Sophia). Alai Square, located in the first courtyard, is the largest in the palace and is surrounded by external service buildings, in the past - bakery, workshops, hospital, etc. All ceremonies took place on Alai Square, for example, the return of the Sultan from a military campaign. The Church of St. Irene was converted into a weapons storage and a military museum. Also on the right in the first courtyard there are ticket offices where entrance tickets to Topkapi Palace are sold.
Second courtyard in Topkapi Palace
The Gate of Greetings (Babüsselam) is the second monumental door leading to Topkapi Palace. At the moment, you can enter it only with an entrance ticket or a MuseumPass card. The inner part of the courtyard (Divan Square) served as a ceremonial center in the life of the Eastern Empire for many centuries. State decisions were made in a special building - Divan-Hyumayun. The Tower of Justice rises nearby. Attention should be paid to the exhibition of weapons. Finally, in this courtyard there is an entrance to such an important structure as a harem, with its own cash stall (be sure to take an audio guide in Russian with you).
Third courtyard at Topkapi Palace
The Gate of Happiness (Babüssaade) led to the third courtyard of the palace. Behind them was the courtyard, the personal territory of the Sultan in the Topkapi Palace. There was the personal Agalar mosque, the Ahmed library and the treasury of the empire. The entrance was strictly limited, however, VIPs and guests were honored to be received in the audience hall. In addition, the courtyard had its own observatory and a school for training the nobility. Today the most interesting museum expositions are located here. Experienced tourists immediately go to the third courtyard in the morning to avoid the tedious hour-long queues.
The museum's reserves are the most interesting expositions. Attracting attention diamond Kashikchi, incredible big size; a box filled to the brim with large emeralds; Topkapi dagger that has no price from quantity precious stones; various orders and decorations of the sultans; the real throne of Sultan Suleiman Qanuni. It is difficult to make a high-quality photo because of the fast movement and the menacing shouts of the museum staff. However, we have found some interesting photographs for you.
Photos of the things of the sultans (artifacts) in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
Fourth courtyard at Topkapi Palace
The fourth courtyard of the palace was the place where the Sultan's recreation and walking areas were concentrated. From each of the three sides, picturesque views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and Khalich were opened. On the territory there were small private green recreation - the Fig Garden and the Elephant Garden. In addition, from here it was possible to go to Gulhane Park (in the area of the Got Column). The fourth courtyard was decorated with two marble fountains. But the real decoration is the pavilions in which the ruler of the empire could rest with his retinue without fear of being seen. The strict beauty of the tea kiosk is still striking. Hungry visitors can dine in a small restaurant with a wonderful view of the Sea of Marmara and the ships sailing along it.
How to get to Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, buy a 40TL Turkish Lira ticket. If you want to visit Harem, you'll have to fork out another 25TL. The entrance to the cathedral is located within the boundaries of the Fatih district, on the historical peninsula of the Turkish metropolis. You can use the metro, tram and Marmaraya lines to get to the museum from anywhere in the city. After getting off at the Sultanahmet tram T1 stop, follow to the Hagia Sophia Museum, skirting around it on the right, walk to the first, the Imperial Gate. For those who use Marmarai, to come to the museum from the Asian part of the city, get off at the Sirkeci train station and follow the Cağaloğlu-Vilayet exit. Next, take the T1 tram. If you are arriving by private transport, leave it at the numerous parking lots in the Sultanahmet area or right in front of the first gate to the palace.
Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace?
To enter Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, buy a 40TL Turkish Lira ticket. If you want to visit Harem, you'll have to fork out another 25TL. The entrance to the Cathedral of St. Irene costs another 20TL. In other words, the total costs per person fly away for 1000 rubles. Tickets can be purchased in cash if you wish using a credit card. Children under the age of 18, adults over 65 and disabled people can visit Topkapi Palace Museum free of charge. you can find detailed information about who can visit the museum for free on the official website of the museum. If you do not want to waste time standing in line (sometimes up to 30-40 minutes), especially on holidays and weekends, purchase a MuseumPass card, which entitles you to free entrance to the museum and other special discounts. However, the card does not work for entering the Harem!
Photo of a number of structures in Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
Istanbul (Topkapi Sarayi) is one of the main attractions of the city. For 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the main residence of the sultans. From it, 25 sultans of the Ottoman Empire ruled the country.
In one of the courtyards of the Topkapi Palace
A bit of history
It was built after the conquest of Constantinople in 1475-1478 by order of Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror). At first, the Sultan himself lived in the palace, official meetings and meetings, receptions were also held here, and in the middle of the 16th century, at the request of Roksolana, Sultan Suleiman I built a Harem in the palace, where women and children settled.
How to get there
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is located in the center of the old city in the Sultanahmet district.
- Travel by tram T1 to the Gulhane stop and go up a little, as if going back. By the way, there is a beautiful one nearby. Or get off at the Sultanahmet stop and walk down past Hagia Sophia.
- If you are traveling with Asian side Istanbul, it is convenient to take Marmaray and get off at Sirkeci station
Topkapi Palace opening hours
Opening hours of Topkapi Palace:
- from 9:00 to 16:45 from October 2 to April 1, ticket offices close at 16:00
- from 9:00 to 18:45 from April 1 to October 2, ticket offices close at 18:00
- 1st place —
One of the main attractions that tourists will see during this sightseeing tour of Istanbul will be the Topkany Palace. In it, with the help of a Russian guide, it is easy to find out how and how the rulers of the Ottoman Empire lived. The chronicle of the palace has 400-year chronicles, which mention the names of 25 sultans. The guide will tell only about the most outstanding ones, as well as offer to admire the interiors of the palace and its authentic treasures. The program will be complemented by the majestic Sultanahmet Mosque, the Hippodrome Square, where the history of Istanbul was born, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral - a mute witness to the "golden age" of the Byzantine Empire and the mystery of the Basilica cistern.
Excursion cost - 140 € for 1-4 persons.
- 2nd place —
While exploring the Topkany Palace, you will find yourself inside the "magnificent age" of the Ottoman Empire. You will stroll through the intimate chambers and examine the exquisite interiors of the interior decoration of the palace chambers, as well as look into the holy of holies - the harem to find out what the concubines of the sultans dreamed of. Before visiting the Topkany Palace, visit the Hippodrome Square to trace the history of the fall of the Byzantine Empire and learn about the popular entertainment of the inhabitants of Constantinople. And after visiting the palace, you will find out who saved the Cathedral of St. Sophia from destruction, why the Blue Mosque became the symbol of the city, what made Suleiman the Magnificent and what is immured in the minaret of the Sulaimaniyah mosque.
Excursion cost - 120 € for 1-5 persons.
- 3rd place —
Once in the treasury of the Turkish padishahs - the Topkany Palace - you will find out what made Mehmed II order the construction magnificent palace on the shores of the Sea of Marmara. You will visit the armory, the harem, the jewelry storage room, the library with ancient manuscripts. The guide will help to introduce the events that took place within the walls of the palace during its 400-year history. At the exhibition of handicrafts made of precious stones, porcelain, gold and silver, talk about techniques for creating wonderful masterpieces, and then you will have time to stroll through the wonderful gardens and parks of the palace complex. Supplement sightseeing tour in Istanbul visiting the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Cathedral, Hippodrome Square with its Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and German Fountain.
Excursion cost - 90 € per person.
Address: Sultanahmet, Topkapi Sarayi, Binbirdirek Mh., Terzihane Sk 7.
Opening hours: from May to September from 09:00 to 19:00;
from October to April from 09:00 to 16:00.
Tuesday is a day off.
Entrance fee: 10 EUR; entrance to the harem is paid separately - 7.5 EUR $
Russian audio guide - 5 EUR.
Topkapi Palace - the seat of the Ottoman Empire
Istanbul - "City of World Desire", as he was christened, looks like a wondrous oriental tale, in which the mighty Jin, released by someone from Aladdin's magic lamp, united two continents in a love kiss. Made available by walking the largest on earth suspension bridge connecting the shores of the Bosphorus, get from Asia to Europe. The city magnetically attracts a myriad of tourists, capturing with the cries of restless seagulls, enchanting music sea, dazzling with the grandeur of palaces, the grandeur of mosques, managing to appear different every time.
An unforgivable mistake, having visited a magnificent city, not to take advantage of a unique opportunity: to look at a real miracle - Topkapi Palace- pride Of Istanbul, which is associated with many amazing stories, incredible secrets. Here lived the lives of many sultans and the incomparable Roksolana, who won the heart of Suleiman, becoming a beloved wife from a powerless concubine, to whom the great padishah was faithful until his death. Their graves are located nearby in the Suleymaniyah Mosque. Her tombstone, like that of her husband, is crowned with a large turban in recognition of the sultana.
A bit of history
The residence is located in a picturesque corner of Cape Sarayburnu, where the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus flow into the waters of the Sea of Marmara. From a strategic point of view, the area has been chosen extremely well: both continents are visible from here in full view. Saying the word "palace", the imagination draws a magnificent building, but this structure consists of a whole complex of buildings, connected by terraces and courtyards.
In the 15th century, when the Turks succeeded in capturing Constantinople, Mehmed the Conqueror ordered in this area to build the residence of the padishahs, which turned into the great Ottoman Empire, where her heart beat. From here 25 rulers ruled in turn. Here they were born, grew up, indulged in entertainment, ascended to the throne, overthrew many, mercilessly threw them into prison, brutally killed.
For almost 4 centuries, the palace managed to remain the Sultan's residence. In 1853, this mission was transferred to the Dolmbahce castle, built according to European canons, and Topkapi lost its former importance. Only the widows or wives of the deposed rulers remained to live there. In 1924 the building was transferred to the disposal of the museum. The Istanbul monument preserves about 65 thousand exhibits of the rarest collection of the Muslim world.
A journey through the palace complex
On the territory of 700 thousand m, 2 protected from outside life by a high wall, there are numerous buildings with courtyards, separated by walls. It turned out, as it were, a city within a city with a mosque, a prison, various pavilions, baths, a hostel and a school where employees and soldiers were trained. It was the cultural, administrative and educational center of the empire.
In front of the entrance there is a closed building with a a beautiful fountain built by Ahmed III. However, its purpose is terrifying. After the execution in its waters, the executioners washed the blood from the guns and their own hands. And anyone who fell out of favor with the sultan, even the heir to the throne, could be executed. Since the blood of the heirs was not supposed to be shed, the pretenders to the throne were strangled.
They treated the executioners in a special way: they were forbidden to have a family, they were buried in a separate place. In most cases, these people were deaf and dumb. In order not to betray the secret, their tongues were cut off. Opposite the ominous fountain, there is a gate leading into the buildings.
First courtyard of the Ottoman state
Passing through these gates, it is breathtaking, representing the distant times when the ruler himself flew in a whirlwind on his horse through them, returning home in triumph. The heads of the executed people were exhibited here. Having passed Bab-i-Humayun, one can get acquainted with everything that is hidden from prying eyes.
The vast area accommodates a hospital, a bakery, office and utility rooms with the Arsenal and the Mint are intertwined here. The main attraction is the church of St. Irina with wonderful acoustics, where they cried out to Allah in prayers. Nearby, in large garden, - flower kingdom, exotic plants, fountains, gazebos, well-groomed alleys. In the shade of the overgrown trees, peacocks once walked, fluffing their tails importantly, gazelles and fallow deer proudly and calmly walked. A heady aroma emanated from the most beautiful roses, love itself was poured in the air, as passionate as that of Suleiman and Roksolana, who loved to rest in Gulkhan among the blooming magnolias. Now it is a magnificent park accessible to all. Then you should go to the Gate of Greetings.
Appointment of the second courtyard
Only the ruler and his mother were allowed to cross the bab-us-selam (as the gate was called) on horseback, the rest of the inhabitants had to go on foot, but they too rarely left the palace space. Before the walls, foreign ambassadors languished in anticipation of an audience with the head of state.
Tracks run in different directions. On the right side was a huge kitchen. We had to feed a huge number of people, so over 800 people were engaged in cooking: cooks and cooks, pastry chefs who knew how to feed in holidays up to 10 thousand people. Here you can get acquainted with kitchen utensils, a rare collection of porcelain, glass, silver dishes made in China and Japan. Among the enormous variety, of particular interest is the sea-green table set, which changes color if the food was poisoned. He was a gift from God, since many of the sultans were sent to the other world in this way.
But the most significant place was considered the imperial council - the Divan, where statesmen gathered several times during the week to decide and make important issues. In an exquisitely furnished domed room, a gilded lattice was installed over the place where the Grand Vizier sat. From the next hall through it, the Vladyka himself was vigilantly watching what was happening. No one knew when he overheard the conversation. The Sultan's invisible eye served as a tremendous incentive for the conscientious performance of the subordinates' assigned duties. Islamic architecture is distinguished by the incredible splendor of the ceiling, which cannot be overlooked. Everywhere the ceilings are painted with the brush of a brilliant master with amazing various ornaments with a dominant red tint, decorated with stucco molding, filled with meaning: the dome is a symbol of friendliness, and the descending sphere in the form of a lantern means knowledge.
Above the Divan, the snow-white Tower of Justice rushes into the sky, speaking of the vigilant vigilance of the Sultan, the formidable judgment that overtakes everyone without exception. Nearby - the apartments of the Treasury. From here you find yourself in the female part assigned to the concubines.
Secrets of the Sultan's Harem
What was he like? Beautiful women, ready to indulge the sexual fantasies of their master, catering to all whims or bitter tears, lawlessness, arbitrariness and unbearable suffering? Both. In the Islamic world, this harem was the richest; only one sovereign could afford this luxury. Beautiful captives of various ages and nationalities lived here, captured during the hostilities. They were presented as a living gift. About 700 beauties occupied 3 thousand rooms for various purposes. There were no Turkish women, but there were Armenians, many Croats, Georgians, Slavic girls, there is a mention of a French woman who was Josephine Beauharnais's cousin. “And the virgins there are fresh fragrant roses, scattered in their wavy curls,” Byron wrote about them.
They were given new names, taught the language, palace etiquette, oriental dancing, singing, playing the musical instruments, helped to master needlework. Many showed talent: they wrote their own poems like Roksolana, wrote music. Each was given a small amount of money for personal needs, artists were invited for their entertainment.
The art of love was taught here. Odalisque, who enjoyed success, this gave the opportunity to become the mother of the Sultan's children and even a wife. If their master did not show interest in her for several years, having given a good dowry, she was successfully married. Such brides were highly regarded.
However, you shouldn't paint harem life overly sweet. Each beauty had its own responsibilities, there was strict discipline and a kind of hierarchy. The obstinate and rebellious representatives of the fair sex, sewn up in a sack, were thrown through a stone chute into the bay. Ibrahim I distinguished himself with particular cruelty, who drowned 280 women, receiving the nickname Mad. For the most part, the rulers were not cruel and despotic with concubines, sometimes guilty girls were sent to the walls of the Old Palace. They were looked after by eunuchs. These walls were not known for orgies. Even the sultan did not have the right to visit the female half without warning, he was obliged to inform about his visit. A cage with gilding does not cease to be a cage, getting here, any one became the property of the ruler and freedom was only in the waters of the Bosphorus, where it was allowed to die.
After the prohibition of the slave trade in the 19th century. girls came here at the behest of their parents (for the family it was considered prestigious) or they were brought there by fraudulent means. With a different character and temperament, it was almost impossible to create peaceful conditions for coexistence. The atmosphere was overflowing with envy, squabbles, intrigues, all kinds of conflicts, because each was seeking not only the right to give birth to a son, but also to see him on the throne.
Constant supervision was both for the odalisques and for the heirs, because only one of them could take the throne, so the others were often ruthlessly destroyed. The case of such a murder, based on true facts, is well revealed in the TV series "The Magnificent Age". Suleiman gave the order to kill Mustafa, who was born by the concubine Mahidevran, who was suspected of treason. As an elder, he was supposed to inherit power, but Roksolana wanted her son to take the throne. It is said that the conspiracy was organized by her. Residents were outraged by the ruler's deed, seeing in Mustafa the best, most worthy of all brothers, more educated and wise.
Third courtyard
He was named Inner palace, you can get into it through the Gate of Happiness (Bab-us-saadet). This area, surrounded by a lush garden with trimmed lawns, many flowers and fountains, was intended for the accountability of civil servants. Foreign guests were received in the Audience Hall. The Sultan sat on a golden throne inlaid with emeralds, listening to the Grand Vizier's speech about the work done. Those present sat directly on the floor. The hands of the visited ambassadors were held by eunuchs to prevent unwanted actions.
The library storage of Akhmet III was located nearby. Soft sofas beckoned to sit down and enjoy reading, but there was something to read. The library consisted of over 3,500 different handwritten editions written in Turkish, Arabic and Persian. The manuscripts were transferred to another building, but the opportunity was given to look at the Sultan's dress, ceremonial and everyday, consisting of 2500 items.
There is also a real treasury of jewelry made of gold, silver, rubies and emeralds, pearls. The abundance of jewelry is mesmerizing to the eye. In reality, not in the picture, you can look at the armor of Murat IV, see his throne. The next room contains an extraordinary dagger. Gold handle decorated big amount diamonds, among them three large emeralds sparkle, one of them hides a clock. The third room is famous for its phenomenal value - the Kashikchi Diamond weighing 86 carats, the gilded setting contains 49 diamonds. It has the shape of a drop, resembling a spoon.
It is the fifth largest in the world, referring to the cursed diamonds, possibly due to a strange dishonest appearance. According to legend, a poor fisherman accidentally found him in a pile of rubbish. How could the beggar know what kind of jewel he had found? Why did the poor man have a stone? He, of course, wanted to sell it. The crafty buyer easily convinced the poor man that it was just glass, the gullible man exchanged the find for three simple spoons made of wood. This was followed by a whole string of resales, exchanges, traces of it were found on French soil. It was rumored that Napoleon's mother owned it. Once the stone returned to Turkey, where he was noticed by the Sultan's entourage. But during this time he managed to acquire evil fame: its owners died a violent death. Perhaps this is the price of the injustice that began with deceiving the poor man. Who knows.
Pavilion with sacred relics
There is a room here that is allowed to look in - it is forbidden to enter. She carefully keeps a tooth belonging to the Prophet Muhammad, hair from his beard, a sword and a banner, the keys to the Kaaba, located in Mecca, but the prophet's mantle is attributed to the greatest value. Paying tribute to the saint, the Koran is read here day and night. Even members of the sovereign's family were allowed to visit the premises only once a year, on the 15th day of Ramadan.
A large pool adjoins it, with a carved fountain in its center. Using your imagination, it is easy to imagine how merrily splashing in clear water well-groomed seducers, inhabitants of a harem, stirring up the blood of their master with watery playful games.
The fourth courtyard - the sultan's refuge
A cozy corner is reserved for the ruler. Here you can retire in a gazebo with a gilded roof, supported by four graceful columns, temporarily forget about troubles, enjoying peace and quiet, take a break from vain worries, disturbing thoughts and surging problems. The sofa pavilion beckoned to lie down, relaxing over a hookah. Statues of wild animals were installed behind it. From the height of the marble terrace, framed by carved railings, where a light breeze is playing, gently pulling at the hair, a wonderful view of the bay with ships sailing by opens up.
They say that this was the favorite place of Ibrahim I. At sunset, he stood here for a long time, gazing at the quiet blue of the water surface, but even in moments of peace, being alone with himself, he did not lose his inherent vigilance and composure.
Being in this amazing palace, you feel like a spectator of one of the wonderful fairy tales of Scheherazade, and so you want to delay a little time between your palms, not allowing it to slip away to watch this fabulous picture again and again ...
Istanbul travel guide on our website.
The majestic, monumental and luxurious Sultan's Palace "Topkapi" (Top Kapy) in Turkey, like a magnet, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Having entered there, you will plunge into the world where twenty-five Turkish sultans once lived and ruled. It is better to set aside a whole day for a trip around the palace. It will not be possible to look at it in a “swoop” manner.
Therefore, before going to an amusing trip around the palace, we advise you to read our article so as not to miss anything.
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History of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
For four decades, the heart of the Ottoman Empire was Top Kapy, Turkey, the palace (photo of the harem in our article below) was ordered to be built by Sultan Mehmed. It happened in the 70s of the 15th century, but after that, the Topkapi Sultan's Palace was constantly "growing" and changing. Several mosques, a mint, hospitals and a bakery were originally built.
For the first fifty years, Top Kapa was only a working residence. The Sultan's wives lived in a harem outside the Topkapi Palace. The harem on the territory was built only during the reign of Sultan Suleiman I. One of his concubines, Roksolana, wishing to be closer to her husband, "pushed" the Sultan to a large-scale reconstruction of the palace.
Almost until the end of the 19th century, Turkish sultans lived in the palace. And only Abdul-Majid I, in 1854, decided to move to the new Dolmabahce palace. With the coming to power of the first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in 1923 Topkapi became a museum, which is now visited by hundreds of tourists every day.
WITH Turkish language the name Topkapi is translated as "cannon gate". This name of the sultans' residence was not given by chance. The first thing that falls on the eye of all visitors is the majestic gate that gives access to the heart of the castle. When the sultan entered or left the palace, a cannon shot rang out. There are also Turkey that are worthy of your attention.
As if small city in Turkey, the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, a photo of which amazes with its wealth and beauty, was equipped with everything necessary for life. It is so huge (its area is more than 170 hectares) that everything from mosques and offices of the sultans to hospitals and janissary barracks was here.
The population of Istanbul is increasing several times every day, so that soon the country may become the leader in terms of numbers. Click here and find out how it all started.
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The territory is divided into four courtyards. You can also get into each of them through the monumental gate. After passing through the main gate, you will see a huge fountain, which was built by order of the padishah Ahmed III, in 1728.
Further, through the "Shining Gate" you will find yourself in the first courtyard. Here you can see the gendarme office, various living quarters, as well as the ruins of a bakery. You should definitely visit “ Archaeological Museum»Istanbul and the mint building. There is a church on the territory of the first courtyard.
To get to the second courtyard, you will need to go through another gate, called "Bab-i Selam". There is also a magnificent garden with cypress trees and a tower that once served as a prison for convicted dignitaries.
Of particular interest for tourists are the "Palace Kitchens". Here food was prepared for the sultans, and almost a quarter of the entire palace staff worked. Today in the halls of kitchens you can see the rarest collection of porcelain. The oldest exhibits date back to the seventh century, these are dishes from the Tang dynasty. The most valuable are white porcelain items.
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul houses one of the world's largest weapon collections. For those who are interested, we advise you to take a look at the collection of Islamic frescoes and manuscripts.
The exposition of jewelry and jewelry is truly unique. Gold candlesticks, hookahs, luxurious ivory boxes, as well as the famous "Kashikchi Diamond" are just a small part of what you can see in the inner treasury complex.
It will not be superfluous to look at the collection of the Sultan's caftans. Clothes and silk prayer rugs are truly true works of art.
Harem deserves special attention. The high wall with which it is surrounded used to hide the concubines from the views of strangers. There was everything for a comfortable life for the Sultan's wives: two mosques, Turkish baths, kitchens and even a pool. Visitors will be able to see collections of luxurious jewelry and clothing, and stroll around the fountains. Istanbul amazes with its magnificent numerous,. I would like to see all the sights, it will help you with this.
We have collected the most interesting and significant places in the Topkapi Palace, you will find photos of all the rooms of the Istanbul Palace in our selection. 
Contacts
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul: guided tours in Russian, ticket price 2020
Another of the key sights of Constantinople, and there are really many of them, such key ones, is the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. In this article, we will gladly tell you its centuries-old history and share various practical information. For example, we will tell you about excursions to Topkapi, their prices and schedule, and if you want to visit the palace on your own, then about the cost of entrance tickets, as well as where you can buy them cheaply in advance, so as not to wait in a potentially impressive line! Make yourself comfortable and let's get started. 😉
History of Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is the former residence of 25 Ottoman sultans, who ruled the country from here for 400 years, from 1465 to 1853. Currently a popular attraction.
The construction of the palace was started by order of Mehmed the Conqueror and was formally completed in 1479, although in fact the construction continued for a long time, and the number of annexes to the palace grew and grew. The total area of the palace grounds was ultimately 700,000 square meters.
The palace consists of several buildings with four courtyards connected by a gate. The main entrance is the Imperial Gate located on the side. The first courtyard includes the imperial mint of the 18th century, the Church of St. Irene, with the armory and the wailing fountain housed in its building. Opposite the Imperial Gate is the Greetings Gate leading to the second courtyard and palace. From the Gate of Greetings, one can go to the Gate of Happiness, through which visitors to the palace enter the third courtyard, which houses the harem, inner chambers, the Hall of Audiences, the library of Sultan Ahmed III and the school of the Palace, where government officials were trained. Then you can go to the fourth courtyard, which is the personal garden of the Turkish Sultan, where the Bashlal tower, the Sofa Mosque, the circumcision room and the room of the chief palace doctor are also located. From here open beautiful views to the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
In 1854, Sultan Abdul-Majid I changed his residence to a new one, just built. Well, Topkapi Palace since 1923, by order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, has been opening its doors as a museum. The number of exhibits presented to the public is 65,000 units, and this is only a tenth of the museum's collection.
Opening hours, entrance fees, Topkapi official website
Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00 from November 1 to April 15; from 9:00 to 19:00 from April 16 to October 31. The day off at the palace is Tuesday.
Visit cost in 2020: the palace itself - 72TL (Turkish lira), the harem in the palace - 42TL. How to book tickets online so as not to stand in queues at the box office, read below.
Topkapi official website: https://topkapisarayi.gov.tr/en
Topkapi Palace on Istanbul map
The palace is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, or more precisely, in the Sultanahmet quarter, where most of the key attractions of Istanbul are located.
The exact address of Topkapi Palace: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih / İstanbul, Turkey.
How to get to Topkapi Palace on your own
The palace is located in historic center Istanbul - Sultanahmet district. If you have rented a hotel nearby, which in the case of a short-term trip will be the best solution - you do not have to spend extra money on travel to the main attractions, then the easiest way to get to the palace will be on foot. By the way, look for a selection of inexpensive but high-quality hotels near Topkapi Palace in our article -. Well, to get to Sultanahmet from other parts of the city, you will need to take a tram to the Gülhane Parkı stop, from where the palace is just a stone's throw through the park of the same name.
If you don't want to deal with city logistics during your vacation with everything, then you can always take excursion tour around the city with a visit to the Topkapi Palace as well. This is very convenient and allows you to significantly save time.
Excursions to Topkapi Palace in Russian - prices 2020, where to buy
Topkapi Palace can be visited independently, by purchasing tickets online or at the box office, or as part of one of the excursions. The easiest way to book excursions to Topkapi Palace in Russian is by using the services of a popular tourist service. All the excursions you find there are conducted Russian speaking guides for small groups of tourists, which is very convenient.
TOP-3 excursions to Topkapi Palace
Other interesting excursions for Istanbul look in our special article -.
How to buy a ticket to Topkapi Palace online
Almost all the sights of Istanbul are characterized by high workload during the season from May to September, which can be an obstacle for those wishing to bypass as many places as possible in a short time, due to the permanent presence of queues at the ticket office. The situation can be saved if you buy tickets to Topkapi Palace online yourself. Or buy an Istanbul Welvome Card / Museum Pass, which includes tickets to several places at once - so you can save a lot! So let's sort out the existing proposals. 😉
Topkapi Palace is literally in the midst of all the most interesting in Istanbul, so after completing its inspection, you definitely won't have to think long about where to go next. And we, with your permission, will direct you a little. 🙂
1. If you are tired while visiting the palace, then good place for rest after it will be, where you can sit in a cafe or just take a walk in the shade of trees.
2. After relaxing in the park, you can head towards Sultanahmet Square, around which the most popular sights of Istanbul are located. For example, the most famous mosque in the city is. The big plus of Blue Mosque is that it is absolutely free to visit.
