20 Pictures From the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

The Topkapi palace of Istanbul, Turkey can be either a photographers dream or an absolute nightmare. Built in 1478, when the city was called Constantinople, the former home of the Ottoman sultans is a mass of courtyards, rooms, and elaborate décor. It did at one stage, when still in use, become a mini city so this is an indication of its large size.

For me, the visit was a nightmare. There are plenty of potential subjects that make damn good photos but the excess of people, small size of some rooms, and occasionally the lack of natural daylight really hampered my attempts.

Having previously visited four years earlier, I returned, just to get photographs but did not allocate enough time and this meant a mad dash around. It also annoyed me that in some areas, photography is still forbidden. They do not allow it because flash photography over many years can ruin artefacts but these days, most cameras can operate without a flash. Anyone, I managed to salvage some photos and I hope you enjoy them. Please leave a comment at the end, to let me know what you think.

Pictures of the Topkapi Palace

Interior Rooms

Tip: Ideally allocate at least three hours to tour the palace at a slow pace

Exterior and Courtyard

Elaborate Doors

Inside the Harem

Tip : Thanks to digital photography, take lots of photos. The chances are that you will delete half of them at the end of your visit

Tip : To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or late afternoon

Further Reading on Topkapi Palace

For historical information on the palace, as well as up and coming events and exhibitions, look at the official website.

Visiting with an official tour guide will greatly enhance the visit because they give historical information as you walk around.

This website is amazing and useful for anyone who can not make it to Istanbul. They have impressive 3D tours of the palace

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

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Comments

Natalie says
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Thank you Kristen – glad you liked it
Kristin of YesNomads.com says
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Beautiful images. I especially like the one during sunset…when the sun shines through the windows. This picture looks almost like a painting.
Gabriel says
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I love the architecture! So much attention to detail it’s awesome. Great shots also.
Nat says
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You are welcome Kevin – Have a good time and enjoy yourself
Kevin Lydon says
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I am planning a trip to Istanbul for this September and can wait to check out Topkapi Palace. It looks so amazing and different to some of the places I have been. I am so interested in the Orthodox architecture that I can’t wait to check this place out.

Thanks for this post and awesome pics!
Natalie says
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Glad to bring back good memories for you Anne – you will have to revisit to get some photos!
Natalie says
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Hi, yes I did – Those pictures are still to come
Me says
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Wow, great pictures! Did you visit Aya Sofia church/mosque near the Top Kapi? What about Blue Mosque?
Anne McKinnell says
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I really enjoyed seeing these. I visited here over 20 years ago. I’m not sure why I don’t have any photos. Maybe it wasn’t allowed, or maybe I just went out without my camera that day. But this sure brings back memories. Very nice!
Mik - UDrive says
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Wow – stunning place. I have read a lot about it because of my fascination with the Ottoman Sultans but I am still yet to visit
Stephanie - The Travel Chica says
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Good job considering you were rushed. I wish I knew more about photography several years ago when I visited.
katya says
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Lovely photoes, and I envy your eye and the way you managed to avoid crowds – they are everywhere in this magnifiscent palace. I have lost the number of times I have visited Topkapi, read and heard its stories and legends, but never ever, apart from one time in early March 3 years ago, did I enjoy my visit entirely<, at slow pace and had time to pay attention to such eye-catching details you have caught in ur pics. Of course, my pics are far from spectacular, you have really caught the spirit in the detail of this place and lost the crowds…really really great job!
Natalie says
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Not at all – it was so busy! But glad you like the piccies.
Natalie says
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Hi Mark, do you mean adventure sports or theme parks? Along what lines were you thinking?
Natalie says
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Thank you Mark
Natalie says
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Thank you Alan – that is my favourite as well
Alan says
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. . there is no doubt Nat, that you have a really godd eye for a photo op – these are lovely! particularly like the columns where the bappled sunlight captures the grain in the marble.
Mark says
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As an afterthought.. do you have recommendations for activity based attractions in ?stanbul or nearby?
Mark says
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I agree with Franks comments. In fact, you’ve confirmed that I don’t really want to visit. The photos show the spectacular nature of the palace very well.
Nicely captured 🙂
Mark
Frank says
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Fantastic photos Natalie. It almost appeared that you had the place entirely to yourself! Looks stunning.
Frank (bbqboy)