An Afternoon at the Ottoman Court

Información

This afternoon tour explores the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the tombs of five sultans in the graveyard of Hagia Sophia.

The Ottoman Sultans lived in Topkapi Palace from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed himself and then enhanced by the architect Sinan, hides clues of the rituals of the structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs.

Home to the imperial treasury and the cabinet, as well as being the site of the barracks for the Janissaries, the elite of the army, every corner of the palace tells about the splendour of the Ottomans. Apart from the priceless treasury, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, sultan’s costumes and imperial weaponry are exhibited in different sections of the palace.

There are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. Each of the five tombs actually houses the sultan as well as his family. Each one is individually designed with different decorations, including works by Mimar Sinan. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives.

Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel pick-up.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start/opening time: At 12:45pm.
End/closing time: 4:45pm.
Languages: English.
Others: Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.