Topkapi Palace

The home of the Sultans and their wifes and concubines was the centre of power, oriental decadence and intrigues for almost 400 years. If those walls could speak, their stories would become best-sellers.

The Palace with its four courtyards, gardens, kitchens, widespread-accommodations for the women, the ruling class and the staff stretches over 700 000 square meters, was home to over 4000 people and had the perfect location: the Sultans and their Viziers had a marvellous view over the Bosporus and the Golden Horn, they could watch the ships come and go and plot their next tactical moves in their yearn for more territory.
The Harem – the place where women and children of the Sultan lived under close supervision of the Eunuchs – was not exactly a never-ending raree show as one could imagine after watching Johnny Depp as Don Juan deMarco. This place was strictly organized and hierarchic, with the mother of the Sultan controlling everything and anything what was going on.

Unfortunately the ticket is rather expensive (20 YTL = 10 Euro) and it even costs extra if you want to have a look at the Harem (additional 15 YTL, purchased in the Palace, in front of the entrance to the Harem). But it is worth it! Within the courtyards there are also many museums showing off precious treasure like jewels and other gifts to the Sultan, like porcelain, weapons, shields, armour and even remains of the prophets such as Moses stick and David’s sword…

Why should I Go
At the Topkapi Palace you have the Ottoman Empire in a nutshell, can stroll through the gardens, take a little nap under one of the trees and enjoy one of the greenest spots of the city.

Where
The easiest way to get there is by Tram. Get out at the Gülhane station, walk up the street until you come to the big gate and then take the right lane after passing through it. 20 YTL entrance + 15 YTL for the Harem
www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr

 

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