Topkapi Palace: Explore the Ottoman Sultan's grand residence

Once you’re inside Topkapi Palace Museum, you cannot miss the royal and extravagant European porcelain and glassware collection comprising plates, pitcher sets, basin sets, candy bowls, sherbet glasses, coffee cups and holders, carafes, chandeliers, and candelabra. You can also find a stunning collection of Bohemian glass and crystalware.

Having in its possession more than 20,000 manuscripts, the Topkapi Palace Library is a bank of rich history pertaining to the region. It contains some of the rarest books of history and literature, including fine examples of calligraphy, thousands of copies of the Quran, and much more.

Made in the mid-18th century, this beautiful, curved dagger is sheathed in a 35 cm gold scabbard. Decked with three large Columbian emeralds on its handle, it is one of the biggest highlights of the Topkapi Palace Museum. The dagger, along with other valuable items, was meant to be a gift to Nadir Shah, the Shah of Iran at the time, from the embassy of Sultan Mahmud I. However, he was assassinated in 1747 before the gifts could reach him, after which the dagger was returned to Topkapi Palace.

This 86-karat diamond has a beautiful pear shape. It is quite large and weighs 17.2 g. Set in silver, the Spoonmaker’s Diamond is a sight to behold. But how it ended up in the Imperial Treasury of Topkapi Palace is still a mystery. While there is some evidence that Sultan Mehmet IV had a Spoonmaker’s Diamond in his possession, it was actually set in gold and much smaller in size (10-12g). There are many stories and theories that circulate around the diamond's origins, which have, over time, become a part of Turkish culture.

The Sword of Osman was a ceremonial weapon used in Ottoman enthronement ceremonies, symbolizing the authority of the Ottoman sultans. It was named after Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman dynasty. Adorned with intricate detailing, gold decorations, and precious stones, it reflects the skill of Ottoman craftsmen. It played a central role in the rituals associated with the transfer of power to new Ottoman rulers. Today, it is housed in the Imperial Treasury.

Housed in the Sacred Relics Chamber of Topkapi Palace, Prophet Mohammad's Cloak is a revered Islamic artifact. Traditionally, the cloak was visited by the Sultan, his family, and the court during a ceremony on the fifteenth day of Ramadan each year. This annual event signifies the deep spiritual connection the Ottoman rulers maintained with the relic, emphasizing its significance in the religious and cultural practices of the empire.

The largest of the royal courtyards at Topkapi Palace is the first courtyard. With structures like the Imperial Mint and the Byzantine church Hagia Irene, this courtyard is an area of rich interest. The ‘Gate of Salutation’ leads from the first to the second courtyard and showcases some of the best influences of Byzantine architecture.

The Second Courtyard is among the most significant ones at Topkapi Palace. The Imperial Treasury, Imperial Council, and the Gate of Felicity are located here, exuding the grandeur of the Ottoman lifestyle and their legacy. One can also see the high walls of the palace kitchen, which is a structure of great significance.

The inner Third Courtyard was a little more privy with Agas who were taught different arts living in the area. It has the audience chamber which was the place where the king sat on a highly placed throne to address his audience. It is home to many libraries, mosques of the Agas, and miniature galleries among other beauties of the courtyard.