In this audio guide, Emily Thompson takes you through Topkapı Sarayı telling the story as you walk. In your accent, no need to read signs — just let your eyes take in what's in front of you.

What you'll hear inside Topkapı Sarayı:

1
First Courtyard (Alay Meydanı)
The First Courtyard, or Alay Meydanı, is the largest in the palace complex and served as the outer precinct.
2
Second Courtyard / Ceremony Courtyard (Divan Meydanı)
The Second Courtyard (Divan Meydanı), measuring 130 × 160 metres, was the Ottoman Empire's administrative and ceremonial heart, housing the Imperial Council, the Tower of Justice, the Royal Kitchens…
3
Third Courtyard / Enderun Courtyard
The Third Courtyard, or Enderûn Avlusu, formed the true heart of palace life and where the sultan spent most of his time.
4
Fourth Courtyard (Sofa-ı Hümâyûn)
The Fourth Courtyard, Sofa-ı Hümâyûn, was the sultan's most private retreat, comprising pavilions, kiosks, gardens and terraces.
5
Tesoro Imperial (Hazine-i Âmire)
The Imperial Treasury (Hazine-i Âmire) in Topkapı's Third Courtyard holds centuries of Ottoman art, jewellery and personal artefacts across four rooms, supervised directly by the Chief Treasurer.
6
Imperial Kitchens and Porcelain Collection (Saray Mutfakları)
The Royal Kitchens (Saray Mutfakları) in the Second Courtyard once fed 4,000 people daily.
7
Imperial Council (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn)
The Imperial Council (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn), also known as Kubbealtı — 'beneath the dome' — is where the Grand Vizier and senior Ottoman officials convened.
8
Tower of Justice (Adalet Kulesi)
The Tower of Justice (Adalet Kulesi) is the tallest structure within Topkapi Palace, dominating the Second Courtyard, or Court of Ceremonies.
9
Ahmed III Library (Enderûn Kütüphanesi)
Built in 1718 for Sultan Ahmed III and set in the heart of the Third Courtyard, this library housed the imperial manuscript collection and also served the Enderûn School, directly behind the Audience…
10
Pavilion of the Holy Mantle and Sacred Relics (Hırka-i Saâdet Dairesi)
Housed in Mehmed II's former private apartments in the Third Courtyard, this pavilion holds Islam's most sacred relics.
11
Audience Chamber (Arz Odası)
The Audience Chamber (Arz Odası) stands as the most impressive building in the Third Courtyard of Topkapi Palace, where sultans received ambassadors and viziers.

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Practical information

Cankurtaran, Babı Hümayun Cad No: 1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hoursMonday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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