Topkapı Palace museum – Largest Museum in Turkey Facts

Topkapı Palace museum located in the Faith District of Istanbul is the largest museum in Turkey. In Turkish, the meaning for the palace is “Cannon Gate Palace”. Topkapı Palace served as the official residence and administrative headquarters for Ottoman sultans during the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1856, Sultans were decided to move to Dolmabahce Palace. After their transformation, Topkapı Palace lost all of its official functions. Topkapı Palace Museum was one of the historical sites in Istanbul it was regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Imperial Gate serves as the main passway for the First Courtyard. This gate was located south of the palace, through this gate sultan enter the palace. First Courtyard is the largest of all the courtyards and its large open space is used as a park. The Middle Gate will take you to the Second Courtyard and is bounded by the former palace bakery, Janissary quarters, the Imperial Harem, and kitchens. The third Courtyard lies behind the Gate of Felicity which was surrounded by treasury, Harem, and library.Topkapı Palace’s built-in 1465, consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. Harem is a separate place for women of sultan families. The Palace was converted into a museum, in 1924. Now, The Palace Museum was administrated by the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This palace complex comprises several rooms and halls, but some parts that are not allowed for the public to get inside are Ottoman Imperial Harem and Treasury. 

This museum has a collection of traditional clothes, jewels used during the Ottoman period. It also contains weapons, documents, manuscripts, and religious relics of the Ottoman Empire. Topkapı Palace museum was guarded by armed guards of the Turkish Military. 

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