GPS : 41°00'31.0"N 28°58'53.3"E / 41.008612, 28.981477
IMPERIAL GATE
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The Imperial Gate (Turkish: Bab-ı Hümayun) is the main entrance into the First Courtyard. The four courtyards lead to each other and during the Ottoman Empire, each became steadily more exclusive leading to the Fourth Courtyard, which was the sultan's private courtyard.
The main street leading to the palace is the Byzantine processional Mese avenue, today Divan Yolu (Street of the Council). The Street of the Council was used for imperial processions during the Ottoman era. It leads directly to the Hagia Sophia and takes a turn northwest towards the palace square where the landmark Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III stands.
The sultan would enter the palace through the Imperial Gate, also known as "Gate of the Sultan" (Saltanat Kapısı) located to the south of the palace. This massive gate, originally dating from 1478, is now covered in 19th-century marble. The massiveness of this stone gate accentuates its defensive character. Its central arch leads to a high-domed passage. Gilded Ottoman calligraphy adorns the structure at the top, with verses from the Qur'an and tughras of the sultans. Identified tughras are of Sultan Mehmed II and Sultan Abdülaziz I, who renovated the gate.
One of the inscriptions at the gate proclaims :
By the Grace of God, and by His approval, the foundations of this auspicious castle were laid, and its parts were solidly joined together to strengthen peace and tranquility. This blessed castle, with the aim of ensuring safety of Allah's support and the consent of the son of Sultan Mehmed, son of Sultan Murad, sultan of the land, and ruler of the seas, the shadow of Allah on the people and demons, God's deputy in the east and west, the hero of water and soil, the conqueror of Constantinople and the father of its conquest, Sultan Mehmed Khan- May Allah make eternal his empire, and exalt his residence above the most lucid stars of the firmament.
On each side of the hall are rooms for the guard. The gate was open from morning prayer until the last evening prayer. According to old documents, there was a wooden apartment above the gate area until the second half of the 19th century. It was used first as a pavilion by Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror, later as a depository for the properties of those who died inside the palace without heirs and eventually as the receiving department of the treasury. It was also used as a vantage point for the ladies of the harem on special occasions.
Bâb-ı Hümâyûn, first of the three ceremonial gates of Topkapı Palace, built in 1478 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, is the entrance to the first courtyard. Originally it was built on a rectangular plan, a two-storey symmetrical structure with a vaulted section between the exterior and interior sides. This section recalls the monumental portals of medieval castles; the two niches on either side are reminiscent of Seljuk structures.
The upper floor (royal lodge) was used by the sultan to observe various ceremonies and pageants. Inscribed in marble on the interior and exterior facades, the Koranic verses, the imperial signature (tuğra) of Sultan Abdülaziz I and an Arabic inscription signed by Ali b. Yahya es Sufi are dated 1478.
ALAY MEYDANI
The First Courtyard (I. Avlu or Alay Meydanı " Parade Court ") spans Seraglio Point and is surrounded by high walls. This First Courtyard functioned as an outer precinct or park and is the largest of all the courtyards of the palace. The steep slopes leading towards the sea had already been terraced under Byzantine rule.
The First Courtyard contained purely functional structures and some royal ones, many of which do not exist today. The structures that remain are the former Imperial Mint (Darphane-i Âmire, constructed in 1727), the church of Hagia Irene and various fountains. The Byzantine church of Hagia Irene was never destroyed by the conquering Ottomans and survived by being used as a storehouse and imperial armoury.
This court was also known as the Court of the Janissaries or the Parade Court. Visitors entering the palace would follow the path towards the Gate of Salutation and the Second Courtyard of the palace. Court officials and janissaries would line the path dressed in their best garbs and waiting. Visitors had to dismount from the horses between the First and the Second Courtyard.
The first (outer) courtyard called the Birun is the largest of the three. The Ottoman sultans passed through this gate with great pomp when they went out on a campaign and on their return, as well as when going to Friday prayers and for ceremonies. This courtyard was also used as a waiting area preceding important events such as the receiving of foreign ambassadors, Janissaries, servants and horses. This was the only section of the Palace open to the public.
SERVICE STRUCTURES COMPRISED BY I. COURTYARD
On the left hand side, there was wood-warehouse which supplies for palace and association of wickerwork seller and buyers. The parts consist of Turkish baths, wards, workshops and stables; have not been able to survive to our day. Presently, on the place of all these structures, Drugstore Building (Eczane Binası) is being used as housing for The Ministry Of Culture employees.
Hagia Eirene Church which is used as Cebehane after the Fatih era, later period of these above-mentioned buildings; is one of the rare buildings to survive. All these survived structures leaning towards Tiled Pavilion, beginning from the edge of Cebehane have reached our day through complete alterations.
17.786 square meters range of the royal mint survived to our day, chief management of mint, stamp press house head office, building survey and monuments head office with conservation and restoration head laboratories management office are partly using these structures. The structures coming after Koz Bekçileri door and situated opposite the Archeology Museum, is rent from Ministry of Tourism by History Foundation and being used by the foundation.
At the end of the mint buildings’ row, it is known that there used to be a building belonging to a constitution called Kız Bekçileri (Guards) or Koz Bekçileri. And the door on the avenue where the Bekçiler Ocağı is situated is known as Gate of Koz Bekçileri.
After its entrance through Bab-ı Hümayun, at right hand side; Enderun Hastahanesi , then through the way to Marmara side structures of the palace and gardens; Dizme or Dizme Kapısı, Hasfırın, Dolap Ocağı were situated in turn. As you get closer to the entrance of the door, one can see the Cellat Çeşmesi (Fountain of The Executioner) which dates back to 16th century, was moved to this side wall of the square by the Sultan Abdülhamit II (1876-1909).
At the left hand side of the avenue, at the part of the yard near to the Bab-üs Selam (Gate of Salutation); there used to be a octagon manor-house shaped structure. The building which has a conical roof is known as Tower of Kağıt Emini Kulesi or Deavi Kasrı. One of the Kubbealtı viziers, coming there everyday, was collecting the applications of the civils, listens to the suitors and announce the subject to the council of the state. Presently, almost at the same place on which this structure used to be situated, the tea garden.
THE FOUNTAIN OF THE EXECUTIONER
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The Fountain of the Executioner (Cellat Çeşmesi) is where the executioner purportedly washed his hands and sword after a decapitation, although there is disagreement if this is indeed that particular fountain. It is located on the right side when facing the Gate of Salutation from the First Courtyard.
EXTERIOR GUARD POST BUILDING
GPS : 41°00'33.6"N 28°58'52.2"E / 41.009333, 28.981167
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The "Exterior Guard Post" building located in the 1st Yard of Topkapı Palace and the Imperial Walls, which were had built by Sultan Mehmed II, the Conqueror, in the 15th century, is situated between Saint Irene and the Imperial Walls. The front yard of the premises faces the 1st Yard of the Palace. The backyard of the guard post embraces the ruins of Saint Samson Hospital and old people's home, which had been built during the Byzantine era, and the excavation works of which started in 1947.
The Exterior Guard Post Building is located on the southwest of Saint Irene, between the ancient church and the walls inside the yard, which is accessible through the Imperial Gate inside Topkapı Palace. On the northwest of the structure are some ruins, which are located between the ancient church and the walls and under the ground level, and which are dated to the Byzantine era and are believed to belong to Sampson Xenodochion and the cisterns extending toward the southeast direction. The structure, which was initially used as the exterior guard post for Topkapı, has been used as as accommodation facility for the staff in the near past.
Even though people had lived in shanty housing structures of suspended ceilings and partitions built in the premises and even inside the building as well as the yard, where the archaeological ruins from the Byzantine were located, for a long time; the Minister of Culture and Tourism, immediately intervened the situation, which was definitely not suitable especially on a path way visible by thousands of visitors of Topkapı Palace Museum, and decided the "Exterior Guard Post" and the surrounding structures to be restored, arranged and made available for public service.
KARAKOL RESTAURANT
Karakol Restaurant, which serves as an A La carte Restaurant and Café in two halls, one being for the summer and another one being for winter, is to organize and host business meetings, dinner receptions and private receptions. Karakol Restaurant, which offers café - bar and restaurant services at any time of the day, hosts its distinguished guests in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and entertains its guests with special tastes at one of the most favorite venues of Istanbul.
IMPERIAL MINT
GPS : 41°00'35.6"N 28°58'48.3"E / 41.009889, 28.980083
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The structures that remain are the former Imperial Mint (Darphane-i Âmire) constructed in 1727. The Imperial Mint is situated in the most frequented part of the historic peninsula of Istanbul which still bears the tangible evidence of the three empires for which it has served as a seat throughout centuries. One of its two entrances is from the first courtyard of the Topkapı Palace; the Ottoman Palace presently used as a museum exhibiting the splendors of an era.
The historic mint buildings have 5 indoor rooms and 3 outdoor spaces available for meetings, with a total area of 17,000 sqm, and other ancillary spaces for reception, cloakroom, various preparations, kitchen and service purposes. Equipment includes slide and video projector, overhead projector, screen, sound system, TV-video, and lighting system. Security services are provided by the foundation. If desired, outside catering services are permitted.
This entrance is next to St. Irene, one of the most significant Byzantine churches, now serving as a museum and housing several of the concerts during the Istanbul International Music Festival each year. The other entrance faces the Archaeological Museum, a holder of a European Council Award. Within minutes of walking distance are St. Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the monuments of world wide renown, also the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and the Yerebatan Cistern. In short, the Imperial Mint is located in the part of the city, which has a unique place in its cultural and recreational life. In other words, it is readily accessible for people who would really want to come.
The establishment in charge of mintage in Ottoman Empire is called "darphane" and the "darphane" has to be located close to the palace. The former "darphane" was located in Beyazıt in the building of Simkeşhane opposite of todays Istanbul University campus, the fromer Old Palace of the Ottoman empire. After the construcyion of the New Palace, the Topkapı Palace the mintage was also moved here. The structure we see today was build in 1726 over a land of 17 decars. Apart of minting gold or silver coins, the silver or golden goods and jewellery used in the palace were also made here. T
The structures that remain are the former Imperial Mint (Darphane-i Âmire) constructed in 1727. The Imperial Mint is situated in the most frequented part of the historic peninsula of Istanbul which still bears the tangible evidence of the three empires for which it has served as a seat throughout centuries. One of its two entrances is from the first courtyard of the Topkapı Palace; the Ottoman Palace presently used as a museum exhibiting the splendors of an era.
Coin and official seals of the Republic of Turkey were minted here until 1967, and the Official Stamp Printing office is still housed here.
The Darphane-i Amire, whose essential function was minting coins and providing silver, gold, and copper to do this, gained importance with the closing of the provincial mints toward the second half of the 17th century, and became prominent in the Ottoman financial organisation as of the second half the 18th century, starting to become effective in the management of public revenues and expenditures just like the state treasury, and taking over new responsibilities and authority for the provision of war expenditures.
It has been determined that at this stage new resources were introduced, management of some revenues was turned over to the Mint and that it became the most important financial body of the state in the early 19th century. The Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives and the Topkapi Palace Museum Archives contain numerous documents and records on this period.
In March 1995 the buildings were allocated to the History Foundation for a period of 49 years, first to be utilized as the venue for the Habitat exhibitions and afterwards to be restored and converted into the Istanbul Museum. The History Foundation's two major exhibitions were opened in honour of the United Nations June Conference on Housing and Settlement (Habitat II): "Istanbul - World City" and "Housing and Settlement in Anatolia". he structures today are used for artistic activities.
Meeting facilities
The historic mint buildings have 5 indoor rooms and 3 outdoor spaces available for meetings, with a total area of 17,000 sqm, and other ancillary spaces for reception, cloakroom, various preparations, kitchen and service purposes. Equipment includes slide and video projector, overhead projector, screen, sound system, TV-video, and lighting system. Security services are provided by the foundation. If desired, outside catering services are permitted.
HAGIA IRENE CHURCH
GPS : 41°00'34.1"N 28°58'52.8"E / 41.009472, 28.981333
PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM
The church was not converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul. Few changes were made to the interior and exterior and it was used as the Cebehane (weapons depot). Two restored marble inscription tablets adorn the entry portico that was added by Sultan Ahmet III. One of these was restored in 1726 by Darü’l-Esliha and the weapons within arranged, so that the church had clearly been turned into a weapons museum.
The other inscription, dated 1744 during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I, indicates it was turned into the weapons depot again after its restoration. In the 19th Century, the weapons depot was named the “Harbiye Ambarı” (war academy depot). In 1846, on the initiative of Tophane Müşiri (Artillery Commander in Chief) Fethi Ahmed Pasha, the contents were organized into two sections and the building officially named the Museum of Early Munitions and Artifacts. Later it was used again as a depot. In the years 1908-40 it served as the Military Museum.
LOCATION SATELLITE MAP
WEB SITE : Topkapı Palace Museum Directorate
MORE INFO & CONTACT
E-Mail : topkapisarayimuzesi@kultur.gov.tr
Phone : +90 212 512 0480
Fax : +90 212 526 9840
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