Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace in Istanbul served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. It was commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, situated on the Sarayburnu promontory overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The palace is a sprawling complex rather than a single building, organized around four expansive courtyards connected by monumental gates. At its height, it housed up to 4,000 people and included government offices, a mint, a hospital, and the imperial treasury. The most famous section is the Harem, the private living quarters of the Sultan's family, featuring over 400 rooms adorned with exquisite Iznik tiles. Today, it is a premier museum displaying priceless treasures like the Topkapı Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, alongside the most sacred relics of the Islamic world.

Nearby cities

Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, spanning across two continents, Europe and Asia.

Arnavutköy

A vast district in northwest Istanbul, famous for its Black Sea coastline and the new international airport.

Yalova

Yalova is a green coastal city famous for its healing thermal springs, lush arboretums, and beautiful botanical gardens.

Princes' Islands (Büyükada)

The largest of the Princes' Islands, a car-free sanctuary featuring grand Ottoman-era wooden mansions and lush pine forests.

History & landmarks

Hagia Sophia

An architectural masterpiece in Istanbul that served as both a church and a mosque throughout its long history.

Basilica Cistern

A massive subterranean water reservoir from the Byzantine era, known for its atmospheric lighting and Medusa heads.

Blue Mosque

A historic mosque known for its striking blue İznik tiles that decorate the interior.

Grand Bazaar

One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in the heart of Istanbul's old city.

Galata Tower

A historic stone tower in the Beyoğlu district, offering sweeping panoramic views of Istanbul's Golden Horn.

Maiden's Tower

An elegant tower on a small island in the Bosphorus, boasting a long history of legends and myths.

Dolmabahçe Palace

An opulent palace on the shores of the Bosphorus, which replaced Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans.

Bosphorus Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge that connects the European and Asian parts of Istanbul.

More places

Gülhane Park

A historical urban park in Istanbul that was once part of the Topkapı Palace gardens, now offering a green oasis.

Yıldız Park

Once the royal hunting grounds of the Ottoman sultans, this huge park now offers picturesque walkways and old pavilions.

Miniatürk

An impressive miniature park in Istanbul featuring detailed replicas of the most famous buildings from Turkey and Ottoman history.

Isfanbul Theme Park

A large amusement park in Istanbul offering roller coasters, shopping centers, and entertainment for the whole family.

Emirgan Park

A historical park on the Bosphorus, world-famous especially for its annual tulip festival in spring.

Belgrad Forest

An extensive mixed forest in the northwest of Istanbul, serving as an important source of fresh air and recreation area for the city.

Port of Ambarlı

The Port of Ambarlı in Istanbul is the most important hub for Turkey's maritime trade.