For hundreds of years the Topkapi palace was the seat for the government of the sultans; the harem was located here, as well as the treasure chamber. The palace was built in 1453 by the conqueror of Constantinople, sultan Mehmet II. It consists of many singular buildings, set around four yards. Ottoman art and decoration is shown everywhere inside the palace, displaying the wealth of the Ottoman leaders. It is definitely worthwhile to make a visit to the legendary harem, where the sultans had hundreds of women living. The harem is a palace within the real palace with luxurious private chambers. A museum was opened in the Topkapi palace in 1923. It displays porcelain, garments, jewels and weapon collections of the Ottoman empire, as well as relics such as the oldest example of the Koran.
Istanbul
Istanbul- Sultanahmet - Eminönü
phone: +90 212 5120480
sun - mon 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
tue closed
