Topkapi Palace is located in the historical center of Istanbul in Turkey. This palace complex of extraordinary beauty was built in 1467 at the behest of the ruler Mehmet II.
The Topkapi Palace is notable for the fact that the rulers of the Ottoman Empire lived here for 4 centuries. The palace has 4 courtyards, each with its own decoration.
First courtyard
In front of the entrance to the first courtyard, there is a delightful fountain with 5 domes and niches. The fountain was created in 1728. In the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace there was a Sultan military regiment, it was elite. There used to be rooms for storing coal and hay, as well as a woodshed, a mint, a bakery and much more.
First courtyard.
One of the attractions here is the oldest Orthodox Church of St. Irene. The rulers of the Ottoman Empire converted almost all Orthodox churches in Turkey into mosques. But the temple of St. Irene in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul was not touched. However, now this church is not active, now there is a Museum of weapons.
Promotional video:
Second courtyard
This courtyard is very popular with tourists and guests visiting Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Probably more because here, at the far end of the courtyard, is the Harem. In the Harem there were about 300 rooms, a hammam, a mosque and a separate hospital for women. There were also playgrounds and splendid fragrant gardens.
Walking area.
The sultan had 4 wives, each of whom had their own premises. But the Sultan's mother was in charge of an entire floor!
Sultan's wives statues.
The harem was guarded by black eunuchs. Their little quarters were located near the entrance to the Harem. It was the eunuchs who decided which of the concubines to take to the Sultan's chambers.
Palace harem.
It is noteworthy that the ruler Murad III had 1200 charming concubines, among whom there was not a single Turkish woman. The refined beauty of the Georgian, Armenian and fair-skinned women enjoyed the love of the ruler. It is known that the Sultan had 103 children.
Third courtyard
On the territory of the third courtyard were the chambers of the Sultan and the audience hall. Here the Sultan went about his business and met with the nobles. There were several fountains in the third courtyard. During meetings with the noble nobility, the Sultan ordered to turn on all the fountains so that no one could overhear their conversations.
Palace audience hall.
Also in the third courtyard there were Muslim shrines: hairs from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad himself and the fossilized sacred trace of his foot.
The palace kitchen.
Of particular interest are the palace kitchens, which occupy a separate building here. There were 10 kitchens, each of which served only its own contingent. Now in these rooms is a very valuable collection of china, ceramics and silverware.
Diamond and inlaid dagger.
Well, the most important and interesting room is, of course, the Treasury. In addition to the Throne of the Sultan, embroidered with 25 thousand pearls, there is the Sultan's jewelry, an amazing dagger with emeralds, the largest diamond of 20 carats, and much more!
The furniture is also distinguished by oriental elegance.
Fourth courtyard
The fourth courtyard features magnificent and fragrant gardens and ornate terraces. Now there are cafes and restaurants. Anyone can visit them and enjoy the extraordinary beauty of this courtyard over a cup, or rather a glass, of delicious Turkish tea.
Gardens at the palace.
All this luxury was guarded by the janissaries - the Sultan's warriors, famous for their fearlessness, iron discipline and special cruelty.
