The Ottoman Empire, which controlled Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and most of North Africa during the height of its power in the 16th and 17th centuries, was governed from the Topkapı Palace and its grand courtyard which almost symbolizes this expansion, for 380 of its 600 years.
Used as the government headquarters and the dynasty’s residence, the Topkapı Palace was built shortly after Mehmed the Conqueror conquered Istanbul, on what was believed to be where the city was founded, above the Byzantine acropolis on the tip of the Historical Peninsula which lies between the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. While the palace grounds covered 700.000 m2 during its first years, currently it covers a total of 80.000 m2.
It was separated from the rest of the city by Sur-i Sultani, built by Mehmed II (the Conqueror) on the land side, and the Byzantine walls on the shore. Because the palace was used for governing, education, and as the Sultan’s residence, it is divided into two sections which reflect this usage. The first of these sections is Birun, which housed the service buildings in the first and second atriums; the second is Enderun, which includes sections related to internal organization.
The Harem section was built between the years 1574 and 1595, and the Harem residents moved here from the Old Palace in Beyazıt. Directly inside the Harem lied the Chief Eunuch’s quarters, and one floor above was the school for princes. In time, the Enderun School, the Chief Physician’s quarters, the Enderun Drugstore, the mansions in the inner atriums and the summer mansions on the shores of Sarayburnu (Seraglio Point) were built, kitchens and stables were expanded, and new libraries and mosques were added.
The palace’s population which was approximately 750 during Mehmed II’s reign gradually increased to a point where it was around 5000 during normal times, and 10.000 during holidays and other extraordinary events, during the 19th century. As the Topkapı Palace gained increased size and function, it began reflecting the institutionalization of the Ottoman government. The dramatic events that took place in this rich history make the Topkapı Palace a rare example among world museums which has survived to current times with all its historical wealth.
The effects of the grandeur and protocol details which took place in the palace, and the practical plainness required by the government point of view begin from the palace’s monumental entrance behind Hagia Sophia, Bab-ı Humayun. This entrance suits the appearance of the palace as a castle-palace and its 15th century characteristics.
The Topkapı Palace, which was used by the Ottoman dynasty until they moved to the Boğaziçi palaces during the 19th century never lost its importance. It was repaired from time to time, and the holy relics section which was visited by the sultan and his family during Ramadan underwent regular maintenance.
The Topkapı Palace was first opened to visit like a museum during the reign of Abdülmecid (1839-1861). In time, the display of the Topkapı Palace Treasury to foreigners became a tradition. Abdülaziz (1861-1876) built display cases for this purpose, and the treasury began to be displayed to foreigners with these display cases.
After the founding of the republic, the Topkapı Palace was converted into a museum by order of Atatürk, in 1924. While only a few sections were open to visit at first, nearly all of the palace can be visited today. For example, weapons from between the 7th and 20th centuries which are a part of the palace collection are displayed in the treasury building, horse harnesses and royal carriages belonging to the palace are displayed in Imperial Stables. The ceramic, porcelain, glass and metal kitchenware used in the palace can be visited in the palace kitchens. Holy relics belonging to the prophet Muhammed and some of the Caliphs are displayed in the Hırka-i Saadet section. The Fatih Pavilion houses items such as the Spoonmaker’s Diamond and the Topkapı Dagger which have been the subjects of many novels and movies. Daily and ceremonial gowns worn by sultans are displayed in the Seferli Barracks. The Harem and mansions owned by sultans are also among the sections of the palace which must be seen.
Topkapı Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays. On other days, the museum is open between 9.00-17.00 hours. The museum is open to visitors after 1 o'clock on the first days of religious festivals.
Adress: Sultanahmet, Eminönü
http://www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr/eng/indexalt.html
