Topkapi Palace

Istanbul, Türkiye

The primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, housing the imperial court, the Harem, and the Sacred Relics collection including the Prophet Muhammad's mantle and sword.

Historical Context

Mehmed II built the palace shortly after opening Constantinople. Unlike the monolithic palaces of European monarchs, Topkapi was designed as a series of pavilions, courtyards, and gardens — reflecting Ottoman (and Central Asian) traditions of court architecture.