About this experience
There are many rumors and legends surrounding harems. So what is this place where entry was forbidden to men, except for the sultan himself and the black eunuchs? Interested? Then I invite you to a tour of one of the most enigmatic palaces in history. You will fall in love with Ottoman luxury and understand that women in the East are not just homemakers.
What to Expect
The Palace Itself
Many have watched the famous series 'Magnificent Century,' so you are familiar with the delightful interior decoration, adorned with beautiful concubines and precious stones that you will see everywhere: in the interior, weapons, clothing, and jewelry.
We will walk through the four courtyards of Topkapi Palace. We will see the kitchens, where food was prepared for 5000 people, the Tower of Justice, and the Divan, the vizier's meeting building. We will peek into the treasury, examine the sultans' and their children's clothing, visit the armory, which houses trophy items and gifts from various diplomatic services. We will look out the window and admire the stunning view of the Golden Horn bay.
Empire's Women
We will not overlook the harem, where the female half of the palace lived. Little is known about the women under the Ottomans, but we will unveil some of the mystery. You will learn:
- who was Suleiman the Magnificent's favorite concubine;
- what intrigues the harem women weaved;
- how the great seductress Hurrem became the sultan's official wife;
- who ordered the construction of the Blue Mosque;
- how the concubine's son ended up on the throne.
The guide will also tell you about famous couples, if we can call sultans and their favorite women that: Hurrem and Suleiman, Nurbanu and Selim II, Safiye and Murad III, Kösem and Ahmed I, Turhan and Ibrahim.
Logistical Details
- We will enter the palace bypassing the long general queue. Nevertheless, we recommend booking the tour for the morning to avoid crowds.
- Entrance tickets (palace + harem) are paid separately - 1500 lira. Free admission for children under 6 years old, 50% discount for children from 7 to 12 years old. A document confirming the age is required.
- Drinks, food, and souvenirs (if desired) are also paid for separately.
- I or another guide from our team will conduct the tour for you.
