Topkapi Palace (jan 1, 1457 – 22h 6min, jun 5, 2026 y)

Description:

Mehmed II ordered the construction of Topkapi palace in the late 1450s. He took up residence in 14778. After his death, successive Sultans renovated the place frequently, resulting in a medley of Islamic, Ottomans, and European architecture. Mehmed’s original layout, consisting of four consecutive courtyards surrounded by high walls, remains. The palace’s surviving buildings are generally low, either one or two stories tall. The first courtyard, the Outer Courtyard, is the largest and only public courtyard and was ideal for ceremonies and processions. The second courtyard, Divan Square, was the administrative centre of the palace. Official visitors and members of court were the only ones allowed in. It was also home to the palace kitchens. The third courtyard housed the private residence of the Sultan and the inner palace school. It also housed the dormitories of the royal pages, boys from conquered christian lands who were assigned specific roles and received an education while earning wages. The centre is occupied by the Library of Sultan. The fourth courtyard consists primarily of gardens and pavilions. Lastly, the harem was the living quarters of the sultan’s family that was divided by sex and guarded by black eunuchs. The queen mother was the centre of power in the harem and was the chief consort whose son had ascended to the throne. She had significant influence over the sultan and was involved in state affairs. The palace became a museum in 1924, when many of the buildings underwent renovation. Some sections of the complex are often closed off for this purpose.

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