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Topkapi Palace, one of Istanbul’s most iconic historic sites, will continue welcoming visitors on Saturday nights throughout the summer, offering a rare opportunity to experience its illuminated courtyards, pavilions, and imperial collections after dark. The initiative, overseen by the Directorate of National Palaces, follows strong public demand and marks only the second time the palace has been open at night since it was converted into a museum in 1924.
Starting from June 21, the longest day of the year, Topkapi Palace began hosting evening tours each Saturday, with two scheduled entries at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. The program will run until Sept. 14. Visitors can purchase tickets at the palace entrance, and the tours will begin and end at the Bab-i Humayun, the monumental Imperial Gate.
Ilhan Kocaman, the palace director, noted that the program was reintroduced following a high volume of requests from both domestic and international tourists. He emphasized that the nighttime setting not only transforms the architecture and atmosphere but also allows visitors to enjoy unique views of Istanbul from the palace’s elevated position, particularly from the Fourth Courtyard.
Participants will follow a guided route through many of the palace’s most visited sections, including the Imperial Council Hall (Kubbealti), the Arms Collection, and select areas of the Harem, such as the Courtyard of the Concubines, the Privy Chamber of Murad III, the Imperial Passage, and the Golden Road. In the Inner Courtyard (Enderun), visitors will have access to the Chamber of Sacred Relics, the Audience Hall, the Conqueror’s Pavilion (Fatih Kosku), and the Dormitory of the Campaigners.
Some of the Ottoman Empire’s most precious artifacts—such as the Topkapi Dagger, the Golden Throne, and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond—will be on display along the route.
The Fourth Courtyard, often referred to as the Garden of Pavilions, will also be open to visitors. Guests can stroll through the Fountain Terrace and take in panoramic views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Marmara Sea, and the Princes' Islands from the terraces of the Mecidiye Pavilion and the İftariye Pavilion.
Although certain areas of the Harem complex do not use artificial lighting, partial illumination has been introduced to allow safe access while preserving the ambiance. Audio guide services are available at the entrance, and the palace cafe in the First Courtyard remains open during visiting hours.
Kocaman underlined the aim to ensure that nearly all sections accessible by day would also be available at night. He also highlighted the inclusion of lower garden areas and terraces that offer exceptional city views.
Those who have already taken part in the nighttime tours spoke highly of the experience. One visitor, Sevgi Aytekin, said, “The weather is beautiful, and the view is even better than I expected. I definitely recommend it—nighttime is far more impressive.”
Another visitor, Aynur Baran, remarked that she had been drawn to the event after hearing about it from her student. “Everything is perfectly arranged. We saw a wide historical panorama. For me, the sacred relics were the most striking,” she said.
Onur Baran, who joined the tour with his spouse, described how the audio narration enhanced the visit: “You’re not just walking through a building. History comes alive in front of your eyes. It’s a must-see at night.”
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