The palace of Sultan Suleiman in Istanbul. Excursions in Istanbul. Sights of Istanbul

On a high hill, washed by the waters of the Marmara Sea and the Bosporus Strait, stands the amazing Topkapi complex, enclosed by a massive fortress wall with towers of the original form. For centuries, there was the residence of Ottoman sultans.

In the popular TV series "The Magnificent Age", the scenario unfolds in this palace. Here, according to the idea of the authors, Sultan Suleiman lived surrounded by his harem. However, the shooting takes place not in the palace itself, but in the largest pavilion with an area of 5 thousand square meters. M, built specifically for this series.

Where is Sultan Suleiman's palace

This question is probably of interest to many fans of the famous TV series. The palace is located on the picturesque Cape Saraiburnu. In this place the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus are connected with the Sea of Marmara. This is the famous historical center of the capital.

Topkapi - city in the city

This unprecedented in size monument of architecture covers an area of 700 thousand square meters. M. To realize these dimensions, you can take advantage of such examples: the Topkapi Palace is only half the size of the state of Monaco and twice as large as the Vatican.

The construction of the palace began in 1462 under the sultan Mehmet the Second. It lasted for several centuries. Each successive ruler added something to his complex. The magnificence of these buildings still affects everyone who has seen them. The palace of Sultan Suleiman in Istanbul is often called a city in the city. Once upon a time there lived about fifty thousand people. The palace had its own mosques, baths and even a zoo.

How Topkapi was used

In the early years of its existence, the functions of the palace were comparable with the functions of European parliaments - Ottoman officials conferred with the sultan, political and economic issues were resolved.

In the 16th century Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent moved his numerous harem here. At the same time, numerous changes were made. During the entire period when the famous palace was the permanent residence of the Sultans, 24 rulers were replaced in it. In the 19th century, the ruling Sultan built a new castle overlooking the Bosphorus, which later moved from Topkapi.

Palace today

Today the palace of Sultan Suleiman in Istanbul is the world's most famous museum, in which the number of exhibited exhibits reaches 65,000 copies. It should be noted that this is only a tenth of the existing collection.

Palace-Museum

Today Topkapi is a unique open-air museum. Many historical monuments are famous for Istanbul. Sultan Suleiman's palace, the photo of which you see in our article, takes a worthy place in this list.

The palace complex has four courtyards that separate the monumental gates. For example, the sultan drove to the palace on horseback through the Imperial gates, his subjects had the right to walk under the arch only on foot. The second courtyard could be accessed through the Welcome Gate. This name they received because of the low arches, passing through which, everyone had to bow their head.

Through the Blessed Gate you could go to the third courtyard. They were named that way, because it was believed that any approach to the Sultan would grant an unearthly grace to man.

The first yard was intended for service buildings and the barracks of the Janissaries - the Sultan's troops. In the beginning of the 19th century, the Janissaries were a military class, which was pride and intimidation for the enemies of the Sultan. They possessed enormous power and could influence the officials of the empire.

A Journey Through Ancient Istanbul

A magnificent city, which has survived many events in its history, has a lot of sights and monuments. The palace of Sultan Suleiman in Istanbul is not the only object worthy of attention of tourists. There are many such masterpieces here. The palaces of Istanbul, one more beautiful than the other, in the old days glorified their owners. Today they tell about the most interesting events in the history of this city. If you come to the ancient city on your own, then you will need a map of Istanbul with sights and an indication of their addresses.

Byzantine Empire

This period in the life of the city, unfortunately, did not leave the present generation of palaces in their original form. In some parts of the city you can see the ruins, but from past pomposity and greatness, alas, there is no trace.

Ottoman period

Palaces of this period, too, are not all preserved. The most valuable monument of the era is Sultan Suleiman's palace in Istanbul. A vivid example of the architecture of that period is the Beylerbey Palace. It is built of white marble and stone. The magnificent building is made in the Baroque style. The palace was the summer residence of the Sultans' families, and was also used to accommodate high-ranking people who visited Istanbul. In comparison with Topkapi, the building is small - 26 spacious rooms and six huge ceremonial halls. The interior uses a combination of European and oriental styles. The palace is surrounded by magnolia gardens, decorated with sculptural compositions brought from Europe.

It is worth remembering the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, which is located in the Sutanahmet district, not far from the Topkapi Palace. It differs from other architectural designs of that era in that it is made of ashlar. I must say that in the time of its construction (6th century), the tree was mainly used. Today, the museum houses the Museum of Islamic-Turkish Art.

Small palaces

I would like to advise everyone who came to this ancient city to visit for the first time excursions in Istanbul with a professional guide. You will get unforgettable vivid impressions, learn a lot of interesting from the history of the city. It is not so exciting to visit Istanbul's sights on your own.

In addition to temporary and permanent Sultan residences, small palaces were preserved in Istanbul, which were intended for hunting and entertainment of their owners.

Ainaly Kavak (Mirror Poplar)

The building, located in the Kasimpasha area, began to be built in the beginning of the 12th century, by the decree of Khalil Pasha. The palace is on a hill, surrounded by an unusually beautiful garden. A huge hall was used for receptions. It is richly decorated, its main value - the Venetian mirrors. Today it is a museum. Many national musical instruments are exhibited here. Probably because the last sultan was a composer. Nowadays musical nights are often held here.

Restored palaces

A huge number of luxurious palaces belonging to the Istanbul nobility, suffered from fires or were simply abandoned. Some of them were restored and became public buildings of modern Istanbul - hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, etc.

For example, the palace Chiragan. It was almost completely destroyed in one of the fires, but thanks to the firm "Kempinski" was restored. Currently, there is one of the best hotels in the capital. As public buildings, the palaces of Adil Sultan and Saita Halima Pasha are used. Here solemn meetings are held. The Town Hall of Kaithane district is located in the palace of Atiye Sultan.

Today we have made a small online tour of the capital of Turkey. Now you know where the palace of Sultan Suleiman is in Istanbul, what other palaces can be seen in this wonderful city.