Topkapi Palace History | Timeline & Key Events

Topkapi Palace is an architectural marvel that celebrates the rich culture and history of the Ottoman Empire. Did you know that the palace kitchen comprises a collection of almost 12,000 porcelain pieces, including a celadon bowl from China that would, apparently, change color if the food within contained poison? If you’re in Istanbul, a visit to Topkapi Palace is a must-do if you want to indulge in the city’s rich history and culture.

What is Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace is one of the world’s largest surviving palaces and was built between 1460 and 1478 under the orders of Sultan Mehmed II a few years after he conquered Constantinople. The palace served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries. It was also the state’s administrative and educational headquarters.

After Mehmed’s death, about 30 sultans ruled from the palace renovating and expanding it to its current appearance - a unique mix of Islamic, European, and Ottoman architecture styles. Comprising four courtyards and over 400 rooms, the palace was home to an estimated 4,000 people, including 300 concubines in the Harem.

About Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace timeline

1453: Sultan Mehmed II conquers Constantinople, then known as Istanbul.
1459 Sultan Mehmed II orders the construction of the ‘New Palace’, which is today the Topkapi Palace.
1465: Construction of the palace is completed.
1509: Major renovations and expansions take place owing to damage from earthquakes.
1529: The second gate is completed under the reign of Suleyman I.
1665: A big fire destroys major parts of the palace; renovations are commissioned.
1853: This year marks the end of the palace as a royal residence; it becomes the accommodation for ranked officers.
1924: Topkapi Palace is turned into a museum that attracts more than 3 million visitors today.

History of Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is a celebration of the rich history, culture, and glorious past of the Ottoman Empire. Here are some of the most significant events in its history.

The Conquest of Constantinople

The Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Mehmed II, captured Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) from the Byzantine Empire in 1453 after which the Great Palace of Constantinople was left in ruins. Mehmed set up the Ottoman Court in the Old Palace and, eventually, gave orders for the construction of the Topkapi Palace in 1459.

The Palace Layout

Sultan Mehmed II appointed only the best laborers, stonecutters, carpenters, and masons to build the Topkapi Palace. The layout designed by him included four courtyards surrounded by high walls, a Harem, several buildings, gardens, and various pavilions. He ordered his private quarters to be built at the highest point of the promontory. Successive Sultans made many expansions and renovations to the Topkapi Palace but Sultan Mehmed II’s layout was preserved.

Inside Topkapi Palace

A Unique Palace

The unique layout and appearance of the palace are an important part of Topkapi Palace’s history. Sultan Mehmed II’s designs were different and stood apart from not only European but also Islamic architecture. You’ll find elements of the Byzantine Empire as well as influences of Ottoman architecture and the Edirne Palace in Turkey, the former home of the sultans.

The Palace of Felicity

The Ottomans referred to Topkapi Palace as the Palace of Felicity because Sultan Mehmed II was quite strict about maintaining a private life despite the grounds being open to the public. He passed the *Kanunname *Code in 1481 to ensure that the principle of Imperial Seclusion – the act of observing complete silence – was followed in the inner courtyards of Topkapi Palace. Grilled windows and secret passageways were also built to further enforce this law.

The Palace Expansion

Between 1520 and 1560, Suleyman the Magnificent significantly expanded the Topkapi Palace because he wanted his residence to reflect the growing power of the Ottoman Empire. Acem Ali was the chief architect responsible for the expansion. However, after a massive fire destroyed parts of the palace in 1574, Sultan Selim II was given the charge of rebuilding and expanding not only the incinerated parts but also the baths, Privy Chamber, Harem, and shoreline pavilions.

Topkapi Palace Harem

Built at the end of the 16th century, the Harem was home to over 1000 harem women, children, and eunuchs. The Valide Sultan or the Queen Mother was the head of the Harem and oversaw its organization and functioning. Islam forbade the enslavement of Muslim women, so most of the concubines in the Harem were Jews or Christians. Many of them were received as gifts, especially from Circassia, what is known as Armenia or Georgia today. Once they entered the Harem, they were converted to Islam and schooled to get proper palace training.

Topkapi Palace Harem

Gulhane Park & Fifth Courtyard

The layout of Topkapi Palace also includes Gulhane Park – an imperial flower park situated in the west and south of the palace grounds. There’s also an area called the Fifth Courtyard, which was once home to several shoreline structures like the summer palaces, kiosks, pavilions, and other buildings for royal functions. However, they ceased to exist after the shoreline railroad was constructed in the 19th century. The only structure that still exists is the Basketmakers’ Kiosk which was built in 1592.

Inside Topkapi Palace >

Construction of Topkapi Palace

Constructed under Sultan Mehmed II's decree in 1459, the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul exemplifies Ottoman architectural magnificence. Influenced by Ottoman, Persian, and Islamic styles, its construction was completed in 1465.

The architects, chosen for their expertise, skillfully integrated pointed arches, domes, and intricate tilework into the palace's design. Notable architects involved in its design and construction include Alaüddin, Davud Ağa, Mimar Sinan, and Sarkis Balyan.

Renowned for its harmonious fusion of diverse influences, the palace stands as a testament to Turkey's cultural and historical richness.

Over the centuries, subsequent rulers contributed to its expansion and renovation, solidifying Topkapi Palace as an enduring symbol of Ottoman grandeur and architectural finesse.

Topkapi Palace today

The Topkapi Palace acquired its current appearance in the 16th century after having gone through several renovations and modifications. It is now a complex that includes four main courtyards interconnected to galleries and passages, a Harem, and several small courtyards, pavilions, and gardens.

Topkapi Palace was turned into a museum in 1924 after the abolishment of the Ottoman monarchy. It comprises an imperial collection of rare books, manuscripts, illustrated volumes, the Holy Relics of the Prophet Muhammad, initial copies of The Quran, Ottoman robes, royal treasury, weapons, portraits, as well as the Topkapi Dagger and Spoonmaker’s Diamond.

Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism is responsible for maintaining Topkapi Palace. Ministry officials and armed guards from the military patrol the complex. The palace is a part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Close to 3 million tourists visit Topkapi Palace annually, making it one of the most frequently visited museums in Europe.

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Frequently asked questions about Topkapi Palace history

When was Topkapi Palace constructed?

Topkapi Palace was first constructed between 1460 and 1478.

Who built the Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace was built by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople.

Which Ottoman rulers ruled from the Topkapi Palace?

About 30 Ottoman rulers ruled from Topkapi Palace for about 400 years. It started with Sultan Mehmed II followed by other Sultans including Sultan Suleiman I, Selim II, and Murad III, to name a few.

Why was Topkapi Palace built?

Topkapi Palace was built to serve as the royal residence of the Ottoman Empire. It was also the administrative and educational center of the state.

Why was Topkapi Palace called the Palace of Felicity?

Topkapi Palace was called the Palace of Felicity because of the principle of Imperial Seclusion codified by Sultan Mehmed II in the *Kanunname *Code, which ensured that the protocol of observing silence in the inner courtyards was followed. The tradition ensured the seclusion of the Sultan and his family from the rest of the world to maintain their privacy.

Is Topkapi Palace a World Heritage Site?

Yes. Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When was Topkapi Palace named a World Heritage Site?

Topkapi Palace was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.