Being one of the most popular sites in Istanbul, Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı in Turkish) had been used as a home of many sultans and their wives throughout years. The palace will impress you with its historical courtyards, museum, galleries, staterooms, and famous Harem. Topkapi Palace was built in 1460 and served as an administrative, cultural and state center for Ottoman Empire till the middle of 19th Century. It was known as a center of intrigue, strategy and politics. Although it was named as Saray-i Cedid once that means New Palace, today it is called Topkapi Palace. You can see imperial collections of Ottoman sultans such as treasures, costumes, armory and artifacts which are exhibited in Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi in Turkish).

You can see four main courts in the palace served for different purposes. The first courtyard, known as Bab-ı Humayun, served as an imperial gate which sultans would enter through. The second courtyard, known as Bab-as Salam, Middle Gate or Gate of Salutations leads into the palace and it is surrendered by a large beautiful garden. The gate has two towers with a great architecture influence. Today, this area serves as a visitor entrance to the museum.

While passing through the third courtyard, you will see a huge Divan, entrance to the Harem, Inner Treasury, and Bab-us Saadet. The third courtyard was known as the center of education where top soldiers, administrators, artisans and scholars were trained or educated. The most interested parts of the court can be Throne Room and Ahmet III Library. You can see many rooms full of Ottoman antiquities such as artifacts, jewels, costumes in this court.

The fourth courtyard of Topkapi Palace had several pavilions, also known as pleasure pavilions, with waterfront panorama. Today, the palace still has few pavilions. You can discover Konyali Café Restaurant occupying one of the pavilions, and enjoy a beautiful view from its terrace looking across Marmara Sea.

If you have a museum card, entering Topkapi Palace is free of charge, however if you would like to see the private Harem section, then you should pay additional fee.

There are some points you should not miss: You will be impressed by the 86 carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması in Turkish) exhibited in treasure section which is known as the 5th biggest diamond of the world. In Harem section of Topkapi Palace, you can see the finest quality of handmade Iznik Tiles and be impressed by the harmony.

Transportation to Topkapi Palace is easy. From Eminonu you can get the tram and get off in Sultan Ahmed station, you can see the magnificent palace there. You can also visit the famous Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) located in the same region.