Topkapi Palace, Istanbul (must see)

For most tourists, the Topkapi Palace is usually the number one attraction in Istanbul. And if you don’t have it on your list, are you sure you're visiting Istanbul? Constructed soon after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II and was completed in the late 15th century. For nearly 400 years, it served as the political and ceremonial center of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the primary residence of its sultans.

Unlike many European royal residences, which typically consist of a single grand building, Topkapi was designed as a sprawling complex, covering about 700,000 square meters on the tip of the historic peninsula. It includes numerous pavilions, courtyards, gardens, mosques, and state rooms, each added and modified by different sultans over time. One of its most famous sections is the Harem, where the sultan’s family, including Valide Sultan (or the Queen Mother) and other influential women of the court, lived. This private space played an important role in politics, especially during a period often called the “Sultanate of Women,” when leading females inside the Harem influenced major state decisions.

Although Topkapi symbolized imperial authority for centuries, its role changed in the 19th century as the empire modernized. Sultan Abdulmejid I moved the royal court to the newly constructed Dolmabahçe Palace, which offered European-style luxury and modern conveniences. Even after the move, Topkapi retained great importance by housing sacred relics of Islam, including personal items (notably, the swords) of the Prophet Muhammad and his close companions.

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Topkapi Palace was turned into a museum the following year by the country's first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In 1985, it was recognized as part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

At Topkapi, every stone whispers a secret, every doorway leads to another chapter of history, and the views of the Bosphorus Strait are always throne-worthy. To take it all in, especially the Harem and Holy Relics that really steal the show, visitors are encouraged to allocate a whole day. Practical tips include arriving early to avoid crowds, renting an audio guide with a valid ID, and respecting photography restrictions in many exhibit areas.

So, get ready: enjoy the royal treatment—minus the sultan’s responsibilities...