Discover sacred relics, a treasury, kitchens, and more with an expert
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Topkapi Palace Museum in the heart of Istanbul is one of the most iconic and historical landmarks in the city. Once the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans, it's now a museum with a fascinating collection of artefacts, architecture, and history that dates back centuries. The palace was built on top of a hill which also means it has great views of surrounding area.
The palace was commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II over 500 years ago in 1478, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Covering more than 700,000 sq. metres, it consists of courtyards, chambers, offices, living quarters and more. It was used as the administrative and ceremonial hub for the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years from the 15th to the 19th century. It housed 25 sultans, their families, and the imperial court. It was designed with privacy and security in mind. In 1924, following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, it was transformed into a museum.
Given the Ottoman Empires influence on history, its an incredibly important building. The Ottoman's helped shape various trade routes, religion and military strategy, so were very influential in their time.