If your next vacation brings you to Istanbul
and you want to learn more about the city’s diverse
history, the Topkapi Palace is one of the attractions
that you don’t want to miss. Topkapi Palace history
dates back to the year 1459, when the 23-year old sultan
Mehmed II captured the Roman City of Constantinople, changed
the name to Istanbul, and named it his new Ottoman empire.
The Topkapi Palace Turkey kept
growing through the years to include luxurious living
quarters, administrative offices, and interconnected courtyards.
Visitors to Istanbul can take Topkapi Palace tours and
learn more about the lifestyles of the leaders of the
Ottoman Empire and Topkapi Palace history. Besides the
Church of Hagia Sophia,
Topkapi Palace Turkey is one of the largest attractions
in Turkey.
Some of the main attractions are the harem and the main
palace, along with jewel crested daggers, portraits of
Turkey’s past sultans, information about Topkapi
Palace history, as well as old relics from the Ottoman
Empire. There is even a lock of hair and teeth that many
people believe belonged to the prophet, Mohammed. When
you’re done strolling the grounds of the palace,
be sure to take a walk through nearby Gülhane Park.
Its Cypress trees offer some welcomed relief from the
sweltering heat that Turkey can experience. The park is
safe for walking and picnicking.
You can access Topkapi Palace by flying into the Istanbul Ataturk Airport and then taking the bus, train, or a rental car to the site. Topkapi Palace Turkey is open from 9:00-6:30 every day of the week except for Tuesdays. Admission prices for admission to the palace grounds and Topkapi Palace tours vary between $10-$15 per person, depending on the current exchange rate. It’s best to avoid visiting on weekends when busloads of people from all over the world, including Turkey, Greece, and other parts of Europe, take Topkapi Palace Tours. Sometimes the crowds are less dense in the early evening hours, from 5:30-6:30. If you get thirsty, there are concessions available at the main gate.
There are a number of other great attractions in Istanbul
besides Topkapi Palace. Some of the most famous attractions
are the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Turkish
and Islamic Art Museum. Besides the main attractions,
the city of Istanbul features buildings that are 1500
years old. If you’re from an American city, such
as Los
Angeles or Las
Vegas, it’s hard to imagine a city being that
old.
