Topkapi Sarayi (Topkapi Palace) was built by Mehmet the Conqueror and dates from 15th century. It served as the primary royal palace for the Sultans and royal families of the Ottoman Empire until the mid-19th century.
Topkapi Palace, sits on the edge of the old city overlooking both the Bosporus and the Golden Horn. Although Topkapi was extended and rebuilt several times during the Ottoman reign, the architectural styles make for a pleasant blend. This is the one site in Istanbul that seems to capture the imagination of all visitors to the City. It is, also, the most popular attraction in Istanbul.
The Palace complex, which is surrounded by over five kilometers of walls, was established when the capital of the Ottoman Empire was moved here following the conquest of the city in 1453. The Palace was abandoned in 1853 when the Dolmabahce Palace was constructed. Topkapi was converted to a public museum in the 1920s, shortly after the War of Turkish Independence.
View of one of the rooms in the Harem at Topkapi Palace. Entry is limited and the interior of the Harem can be seen only if you take the Harem tour. ©ThereArePlaces or Its Suppliers
The palace was used for state occasions but also served as the private residence of the sultans and their harems (their wives, families and various staff). Because of this relationship, Topkapi offers the visitor a number of distinct views of the lives of the Ottoman sultans.
Topkapi houses fine collections of Ottoman artifacts including imperial jewels, porcelain, armor and weapons (although some are so jewel encrusted (for example to famous and gorgeous Topkapi Dagger) that it is doubtful they were used for fighting. In addition, the Topkapi museum includes holy relics of the Prophet Mohammed that are revered throughout the Islamic world.
Note that there is a great interest in the Harem and, if you intend on visiting the areas once shared by the royal family, you must buy a ticket for the Harem tour. Entry to the Harem is limited and you should attempt to make a reservation to visit as soon as you arrive in Istanbul.
Topkapi is open from 19:00 to 17:00 every day except Tuesday with the ticket boots closing an hour earlier. Note that the hours can vary by season so check locally. As noted above, the Harem is a separate tour and ticket. See theofficial website for detailed information on visiting.
Everywhere you look in Topkapi Palace you will see signs of luxury and the immense wealth of the Ottoman Empire. The decorative detail is astonishing .
If you need information about another travel destination, try ourDestination Guide Index or Googling ThereArePlaces.
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder