Topkapi
Palace: An Artistic Masterpiece in the Heart of Istanbul

Istanbul, 28
Jul (ONA) — Topkapi Palace
stands as one of Istanbul’s most iconic historical landmarks, having served as
the residence of Ottoman sultans who ruled vast territories for centuries.
Today, it operates as a museum preserving memories of bygone eras.

Turkish
historian Ismail Yagci told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the palace’s
construction was conceived following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople
(Istanbul) in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, necessitating a new administrative
center for the Ottoman Empire. Construction began in 1460.

“Topkapi
Palace functioned as the Ottoman Empire’s administrative, educational, and
artistic hub, in addition to serving as the residence for sultans from Mehmed
the Conqueror to the 31st Ottoman ruler, Abdulmejid I,” Yagci explained.
The palace was converted into a museum on 3 April 1924, becoming the first
museum of modern Turkey.

The palace
derives its name from its location near a cannon depot during the Ottoman era,
with “Top” meaning cannon and “kapi” meaning gate –
collectively translating to “Cannon Gate.” For 400 years, it served
as the royal residence and administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire until the
mid-19th century when it became unsuitable for state protocols, prompting the
sultans’ relocation to Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus.

Visitors enter
through the monumental Imperial Gate leading to the First Courtyard. This
defensive structure, featuring towering walls and observation towers,
historically controlled access to the Harem and state administration areas.

The palace
complex comprises four main courtyards with numerous buildings including
residences, kitchens, mosques, and a hospital, once housing approximately 4,000
residents. Among its most significant artifacts are relics attributed to the
Prophet Mohammed, including his sword, footprint, bow, strands of beard hair,
and personal belongings, along with swords of the Rashidun caliphs and the
turban of Prophet Joseph. These sacred items were brought to Istanbul after
Sultan Selim I’s conquest of Egypt in 1517.

The palace
also preserves historical instruments used to safeguard these relics, alongside
rare artifacts from Mecca and Medina, all housed in a chamber where Quran
recitation continues uninterrupted throughout the day.

As one of Istanbul’s foremost Islamic
historical sites alongside the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace
remains a testament to Ottoman architectural brilliance and the empire’s zenith
of power. Its enduring legacy continues to captivate visitors with tangible
connections to a pivotal era in world history.

— Ends/Khalid