Topkapi Area a mosaic of past and present
Topkapi is an international area that witnessed many historical events and hosted many historical sultans and kings. Until today the area hosts several cultural and international lifestyles alongside the modern lifestyle. Not to mention that the area is located at the heart and center of European Istanbul what makes it accessible to everyone from all over Istanbul. The area is not only one of the best places to invest in buying a property for expats, international citizen but also international and Turkish families.
Meaning of the word “Topkapi”
Topkapi is a Turkish word that means “the great gate”. Topkapi is the gate where king Fatih Sultan Mehmed who is also commonly known as Mehmed the Conqueror passed through conquering Istanbul known as Constantinople during the Ottoman Empire.
History and Geography of Topkapi area
Topkapi neighborhood is located in the Fatih District in the European side of Istanbul. Topkapi neighborhood is considered one of the most iconic historical sites in Istanbul. The history of Topkapi neighborhood goes back to the Ottoman Empire historical period. Topkapi neighborhood is located on the historic peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the Bosphorus. The neighborhood is home to an array of impressive monuments which bestow glory to the city. Nearly every visit starts with a walk through the historic quarter. The topkapi historic quarter recognized by the UNESCO for it’s unique architectural masterpieces.
The area has three iconic buildings next to each other - the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The three historical sites near each others are part of the intricate mosaic detail inside the Topkapi Palace which is the main architectural masterpiece in the area of Topkapi. The following is a brief introduction about the three architectural masterpieces in the area of Topkapi neighborhood.
- Topkapi Palace:
Topkapı palace is located in between Golden Horn and Bosphorus Strait. The Golden Horn is a major urbanwaterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. While the Bosporus Strait is a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway located in northwestern Turkey. The Topkapi palace which is the major historical site in Topkapi area, is on the 700.000 square meters area. Topkapi palace is located in the peninsula of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was walled off from the city to provide the necessary security for all it’s historical residents. Topkapi Palace has 15 different section which can be listed like the first , second,third and fourth courts , middle gate ,the kitchens ,the hall of Divan, the tower of justice , the armoury,the gate of Felicity, the Throne room ,the customes ,the treasury ,the miniature painting collection ,the clocks ,the pavilion of the Blessed Mantle ,Mecidiye Pavillon , Iftariye and Baghdad Pavilion ,The Harem.
Topkapi palace is structured around four main courtyards and numerous smaller buildings. The Topkapi Palace served as the major residency of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465–1856). The Ottoman sultans or the kings of the Ottoman Empire have used the Topkapi palace to host numerous state national and international ceremonies. Nowhere else in Istanbul attracts as many visitors drawn to fine architecture more as Topkapi palace. The Topkapi palace contains a valuable collection of calligraphic manuscripts, robes, porcelain and some of the most significant relics of the world.
- Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya as it is named in the Turkish language was constructed as a basilica for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church. However, its role has evolved many times throughout the ages. In 360 A.D., Byzantine Emperor Constantius commissioned the building of the first Hagia Sophia. After being constructed by Emperor Justinian I in 537 CE, it served as a Greek Orthodox cathedral and the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople until 1453. Later Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque for the next 500 years and opened as a museum in 1935 under the command of the first President of the Republic, Kemal Ataturk.
The Hagia Sophia features a massive dome widely considered the epitome of Byzantine architectural expertise. Today it is the second most-visited museum in Turkey after Topkapi Palace and draws more than 3m visitors yearly to the magnificent interior spaces adorned with golden mosaics, revealed following numerous restorations.
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Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is an amazing monument which has many stories and a wonderful structure with beautiful architecture. It was built between 1609-1616 by Sultan Ahmet the first in order to assert Ottoman power. This most impressive mosque features a cascade of layered domes and is cornered by six minarets adorning the skyline. The outdoor courtyard, the biggest of all Ottoman mosques’, perfectly matches the size of the Blue-İznik-tiles-covered interiors, numbering in the tens of thousands, giving it the nickname of the Blue Mosque. Despite being a popular attraction, admission is strictly controlled since the mosque is still used for religious purposes.
Universities near Topkapi area
Well, Topkapi neighborhood is not only a great area for Turkish and international families. It is also one of the most visited areas by university students. Many of the public and private university campuses are located in Topkapi area or near Topkapi area. That is because of the central location of the area at the heart of the center of Istanbul.
Residing and investing in buy a property in Topkapi area would save time and money for many university students. Especialy if a students is intersted in joining any of the following universities:
- İstanbul Topkapı University
- istinye university
- yeni yuzyil university
- bezmialem vakif university
- İstanbul University
- Kadir Has University
- Istanbul Commerce University
RH 459 - Luxurious Topkapi project in a prime location suitable for investment
It is a luxurious project located in the heart of Topkapi area. The projects is designed following the world-famous, award-winning London architects Chapman Taylor signature. What makes is the best option for families and students to enjoy a mixture of both Istanbul historical and modern lifestyle. All in an affordable brand-new high-quality apartment with modern architecture, high-quality construction, people-oriented design, and wide green areas.
For more information, please contact us.
Transportation in Top :
As mentioned throughout the article, Topkapi is considered to be located at the center of European Istanbul. What gives the area the benefit of being accessible from almost all locations in Istanbul. All means of transportations can be found and it interconnects in Topkapi, fatih area of Istanbul.
Means of transportation available at Topkapi are:
- Metrobus station
- Bus station
- Tramway station
- Metro station
- E5 highway road
Shopping near Topkapi area
Well Topkapi is a rich area when it come to life styles and especially shopping. As shopping is an essential skill when it come to staying and living in Turkey. Being located at topkapi area makes traditional and nun traditional shopping just few minutes away from you. The closeset mall to Topkapi area are Marmar Furom and Istanbul Furom where you can find all you need and more avalible there.
Finally, Topkapi is a rich area in all aspects. Being located on the historic peninsula and surrounded by the waters of the Bosphorus makes it a magical and luxurious place to live and spend time at. Not to mention being the home to an array of impressive monuments which bestow glory to the city make every every visit to area a magical trip.
