Topkapi Palace: The Sultan’s Opulent Seat of Power

As ruler of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, Sultan Mehmed II viewed himself as the new Roman Emperor. To reflect that power and prestige he required an appropriate symbol, which he achieved with the magnificent Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.

For two centuries, the structure was the administrative seat of government and home to the Royal family, including quarters to house the female members of the sultans’ harem. Twenty-four other Ottoman sultans lived in the Topkapi Palace until the mid-19th century, when Sultan Abdülmecid built the European-style Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus.

Join Serif Yenen, tour guide and guidebook author, for an exploration of the palace that includes its fabled hidden sections. Yenen also shares stories about the lifestyles of the sultans of Topkapi.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.