Throughout the 600-year tenure of the Ottoman Empire, which started with Mehmed II, almost 30 sultans, beginning with him, ruled from the Topkapi Palace for about four centuries. After taking control of Constantinople (Istanbul), the seat of the Byzantine Empire, in 1453, he commissioned the palace's construction in the late 1450s. After Mehmed moved in in 1478, subsequent sultans frequently renovated and expanded the building after his death three years later. As a result, the palace now features a fusion of shifting Islamic, Ottoman, and European architectural and decorative styles. Between 1,000 and 4,000 people lived in the enormous Topkapi Palace, including up to 300 in the harem. 

The First Courtyard

Ceremonies and processions were held in the First Courtyard, the only area of the palace that was accessible to the general public throughout the Ottoman era. Even without a ticket, you are welcome to access this courtyard. You may get there by walking through the lovely Sultan Ahmet III Fountain from 1729 and going through the Imperial Gate, which is Topkapi Palace's main entrance.

Garden: The lovely palace grounds welcome you as you enter the First Courtyard. An excellent location for a walk while taking in the city's history.

Hagia Irene: The city's earliest church was constructed in the Byzantine era in the fourth century. It was used as a storage and an armory throughout the Ottoman era.

There are various fountains, but the Executioner's Fountain is the most captivating. Its name comes from the rumored custom of executioners washing their hands here following a death sentence.

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The Second Courthouse

You enter Topkapi Palace through the Middle Entrance, which is the second gate, where the state's administrative hubs once stood. In this courtyard is also the Harem, which is of great interest to many visitors, as well as the following outstanding buildings: 

Imperial Treasury: Explore the old treasury to be amazed by the incredible collection of armor and weaponry, one of the most significant of its kind in the whole globe. There are 52,000 articles total, spanning around 1300 years. In addition to weaponry from Turkish, Arab, Indian, Japanese, and European civilizations, there are also weapons designed specifically for the sultans on exhibit. On the second courtyard's border is a three-story structure known as the Imperial Council Chamber.

The Ottoman Empire was ruled here for most of its existence by the imperial council, which met here four times every week. The palace's clock collection is exhibited in the chamber to the right. 

Tower of Justice: The towering Tower of Justice is visible on the left. The Sultan entered a tiny chamber from which he could covertly listen in on the deliberations of the imperial council, which is interesting given that the Tower of Justice is connected to the Harem.

The imperial kitchens, which served the Ottoman royal family as well as the hundreds of palace staff, are located on the right side of the courtyard.

You may view Ottoman kitchen utensils, the outstanding collection of Chinese porcelain, which includes more than 10,000 items, and other kitchen-related items.

Harem: The enigmatic Harem, the Topkapi Palace's most exclusive and secret area, is one of its greatest highlights. The entrance is located below the Tower of Justice on the western side of the Second Courtyard.

The sultans, the royal family, including the Queen Mother, the sultan's wives, the concubines, and the sultan's young children all resided in the fabled Harem. The harem included around 300 apartments, dorms, nine bathhouses, two mosques, a hospital, and a laundry when it was at its largest in the 18th century. A portion of this mysterious environment is accessible to tourists. The tourist path through the Harem may alter as a result of restoration work.

Take your time and explore this enigmatic universe. You may wander around the maze of passageways, courtyards, and rooms containing various mysteries and interesting tales. Imagine what life in the Harem could have been like by following in the footsteps of attractive concubines, cunning favorites, obedient Eunuchs, and the formidable Queen Mother. Admire the magnificent building that displays varied 16th- to early 19th-century styles.

The Third Courthouse

You can enter the Sultan's private palace, the Third Courtyard, through the Gate of Felicity. You may find the following attractions here:

Audience Chamber: The Sultan met with his viziers, key officials, and foreign diplomats in this 16th-century pavilion with a lovely facade to discuss state concerns. It's interesting to note that all of the faucets inside were left open to avoid eavesdropping.

Expeditionary Force Dormitory: This two-chamber 18th-century structure houses the extensive collection of Sultan's clothes on exhibit in the palace today. You may see silver and gold-threaded caftans, uniforms, and robes of the imperial court.

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