Other than the 19th century waterside palaces, this magnificent complex reflecting the
splendour of the once mighty empire is the only palace remaining from the Ottomans. Open today as a museum, Topkapi Palace was constructed just after the conquest of Constantinople between the years 1459-68 by Sultan Mehmed the conqueror, as his main residence on the acropol hill
where the housing of Haghia Sophia priests was located. The new palace was used both as the formal residence of the sultans and the administrative center of the state until the construction of Dolmabahge
Palace. The government moved into the Sublime Porte in the 16'"
century and Abdulmecid moved into Dolmabahge Palace, whereby the palace was opened to the public as a museum at
the start of the Republic period in 1924. All the fascinating treasure collected by the Ottoman sultans throughout the almost five centuries and all the spoils captured during military campaigns began to be exhibited here.
Just after the conquest as the Conqueror temporarily used the Old Palace built on top of Tauri Forum as his residence, Topkapi Palace was only used as his work place. |
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In the history Topkapi Palace, surrounded by the Sultan's Walls was a city
where thousands of people lived. This city-like palace consisted of two parts; Enderun, the place where daily life of the palace was spent and Birun, the place where all administrative work under Sultan's absolute authority and more general services were carried out. Beyond this is an exterior courtyard surrounded by the city walls providing a great security whereas there are also gardens.
The big square named Procession Square was an urban square where ordinary people met the palace nobility. Topkapi Palace was like a sultanate city within Istanbul completely separated from the public.
The main entrance of the Palace is through the monumental gate called the Imperial Gate. The palace's external service buildings existed In the largest courtyard called Procession Square. Among these structures, only the Haghia Eirene Church, which was used as an armory and the Mint structures are still intact. The most famous pavilions still standing in the Privy Gardens, which surround the whole palace, are Qinili and Alay.
One enters the front courtyard called Divan Square through the second entrance of the palace called 'Babiisselam.' This is a ceremonial area where the state conducted its affairs and the state was represented.
In this section in the
domed treasury building, Turkish and Islamic weapons dating from 7th-20tl1 centuries; in the Privy Stables, the sets of horse harnessing equipment and the sultanate coaches whereas the palace archives and ceramic and porcelain dating between 13"1-20'" centuries and used in the palace are currently exhibited in the kitchen buildings.
The palace school, the harem and the sultan's pavilions are all in the Enderun, which is where sultans spent their daily lives. A goldleaf throne from the la-te-16"1 century can be seen in the Audience Chamber within the Enderun courtyard, whereas the Ottoman treasure is displayed in the Fatih Pavilion. The most famous pieces of the exhibition are the Topkapi Dagger' and 'Spoonma-ker's Diamond.' Just like in the old days, the Sacred Relics are exhibited in the Privy Chamber, the most important structure belonging to the sultans in this courtyard
The palace embroidery is exhibited in the section in the first courtyard where Ward of the Small Chamber is located, whereas the sultans' garments are exhibited in the Ward of the Campaign Pages. The Treasury Ward, samples of Islamic and Ottoman miniatures, ma-
nuscript and calligraphy are exhibited with their related implements.
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