Let me share the details of my fascinating visit to the Topkapi Palace and its Harem during my Istanbul layover in Turkey.

  • This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Visiting Topkapi Palace Harem in Istanbul

About Topkapi Palace

The highlight of my recent layover in Istanbul was a visit to the Topkapi Palace, where I learned fascinating facts about the Harem and gained new historical insights into the Ottoman Empire. Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions, rivaling the famous Hagia Sophia in terms of visitor numbers. Any history enthusiast wouldn’t want to miss this iconic palace, which served as the main residence of Ottoman sultans until 1856, when the court moved to Dolmabahçe Palace.

Topkapi Palace houses an impressive collection of Ottoman relics, including weapons, porcelain, portraits, caftans, and other treasures that once belonged to the Ottoman dynasty. Some of the jewelry pieces were so unique that I wish I could have shared them here – unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the exhibition halls (at least, that was the rule during my visit).

The palace is arranged around four grand courtyards, each offering a unique glimpse into Ottoman life. The first courtyard, known as the Imperial Gate, leads to various smaller buildings, including the Hagia Irene Church. Moving deeper into the palace, you’ll find the Second Courtyard, which housed the administrative center, and the Third Courtyard, home to the Sultan’s private apartments and the Imperial Treasury – where the famous Topkapi Dagger (an emerald-studded curved dagger created in 1746 by Ottoman craftsmen as a gift for the Shah of Persia) and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond (an impressive 86-carat, pear-shaped gemstone) are displayed.

One of the most famous and intriguing parts of the palace is the Harem, where the sultan’s family, wives, and concubines lived in seclusion.

#Topkapi Palace is one of #Istanbul´s most popular sites. It served as the main residence to the Ottoman Sultanes till 1856. Therefore, the Halls of Topkapi house impressive collections of weapons, porcelain, portraits, caftans and other relics, which belonged to the Ottoman dynasty.
Gate of Salutation – leads into the palace and the Second Courtyard
Unique decorations of the Topkapi Palace
Unique decorations of the Topkapi Palace
The 3rd Courtyard Enderun School and Library
The 3rd Courtyard – Enderun School and Library
Inside the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
Inside the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
Throne Room Topkapi Palace Istanbul
Throne Room
Topkapi Palace Istanbul Turkey
Topkapi Palace beautiful decorations

Exploring the Harem of Topkapi

According to the Topkapi Museum website, the literal meaning of the word “harem” in Arabic is “a sacred place that not everyone is allowed to enter.” In Muslim societies, it refers to intimate family life. In Ottoman tradition, “Harem” had two meanings: first, the “Sultan’s harem,” which meant his family, and second, the physical space where the female members of his family lived.

Contrary to Western misconceptions of the word “harem,” it was a highly organized and hierarchical mini-city with over 400 rooms within the Topkapi Palace. The most influential figure in the Harem was the sultan’s mother, the Valide Sultan. No men, except the sultan and the eunuchs, were allowed to enter the Harem.

Life in the Harem was harsh for the concubines, who were never allowed to leave and lived in conditions resembling imprisonment. A concubine’s only way out of this life was to gain the sultan’s favor and become the mother of one of his sons (a ÅŸehzade), which would elevate her status in the Harem’s hierarchy, though still below the Valide Sultan. Only if a concubine’s son eventually became the sultan could she rise to become one of the most powerful women in the Ottoman Empire.

Women in the Ottoman Empire

The most famous success story in Harem history is that of Hurrem Sultan. Born around 1502 in Ukraine, she was captured by Crimean Tatars and sold into slavery in the Topkapi Palace Harem. Hurrem caught the attention of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the most powerful rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Breaking with tradition, she became Suleiman’s legal wife, whereas sultans’ concubines usually remained in the background for the rest of their lives.

Despite not being considered the most beautiful woman in the Harem (a common assumption based on her portraits), historians believe Hurrem was very intelligent and charming, which helped her become not only the sultan’s wife but also his closest advisor – an unprecedented role for a woman in the Ottoman court. One of her sons, Selim II, succeeded Suleiman on the throne, but Hurrem passed away before she could become Valide Sultan (the highest title held by the mother of a ruling sultan of the Ottoman Empire).

Unfortunately, despite a few women (like Hurrem Sultan, Kösem Sultan, and Turhan Sultan), who rose to high positions within the Ottoman hierarchy, history often forgets the names and tragic stories of most concubines, who remained slaves to the whims of the sultan, his mother, and the eunuchs.

Hurrem Sultan’s story was also the basis for the popular Turkish TV series The Magnificent Century. For those interested in learning more, The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire by Leslie P. Peirce offers in-depth analysis, while The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak, set in Istanbul during Sultan Suleiman’s reign, combines historical context with engaging fiction. Another great read on the Ottoman Empire is Lords of the Horizons by Jason Goodwin.

Biography
Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire
Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire

In Empress of the East, historian Leslie Peirce tells the remarkable story of a Christian slave girl, Roxelana, who was abducted by slave traders from her Ruthenian homeland and brought to the harem of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in Istanbul.

Check Price
Novel
The Architect's Apprentice: A Novel
The Architect’s Apprentice: A Novel

In this novel, Turkey’s preeminent female writer spins an epic tale spanning nearly a century in the life of the Ottoman Empire. In 1540, twelve-year-old Jahan arrives in Istanbul.

Check Price
Turkey History
Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire
Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire

Since the Turks first shattered the glory of the French crusaders in 1396, the Ottoman Empire has exerted a long, strong pull on Western minds. For six hundred years, the Empire swelled and declined. Islamic, martial, civilized, and tolerant, in three centuries it advanced from the dusty foothills of Anatolia to rule on the Danube and the Nile; at the Empire’s height, Indian rajahs and the kings of France beseeched its aid.

Check Price
Exploring the Harem of Topkapi
Exploring the Harem of Topkapi
Exploring the Harem of Topkapi
Exploring the Harem of Topkapi
Topkapi Palace Harem courtyard
Harem Courtyard
Topkapi Palace views
After visiting the 4th Courtyard, you can take a moment to enjoy an amazing view of the Bosphorus.

Is it worth visiting Topkapi Palace?

Topkapi Palace is definitely worth visiting. If I had to choose only one place to see in Istanbul, it would be Topkapi Palace, as it is one of the world’s largest palaces, filled with stunning decorations and historical artifacts. I used an audio guide during my visit, which was very helpful in providing new and interesting historical insights.

I also visited during the last two hours before closing, which was a great option to enjoy the landmark with fewer people around (although it was still quite busy). On the other hand, visiting Topkapi Palace with a guide in a small group is one of the most popular options if you’d like to have someone around to answer questions about Ottoman history.

Pin it:

Topkapi Palace Harem Istanbul Most Visited Site

For more Turkey travel tips, itineraries, and photography check my Pinterest board Turkey Travel Collection.

at lifestyle crossroads travel blog resources
  • Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
  • Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
  • Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
  • Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
  • For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
  • Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
  • Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
  • Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
  • Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
  • Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
  • Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
  • Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
  • Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
  • Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
  • Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
  • Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
  • Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
  • Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
  • For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22

This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard and Feet Do Travel