The Treasury of Topkapi Palace

After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the sultan’s treasure was initially stored in the Yedikule Fortress for several years. In 1478, it was transferred to Topkapi Palace and kept in the building now used to house the arms collection. The original summer palace of Sultan Mehmet II was later converted into a treasury during the reign of Sultan Selim I in the 16th century. Since then, the imperial treasure has been kept in the same rooms, as they are today.

During the reign of the sultans, the Treasury was opened and closed with great ceremony, involving 40 men each time. It reached the height of its wealth during the reign of Sultan Selim I in the 16th century.

Today, the Treasury of Topkapi Palace is considered the second richest treasury in the world, displaying original treasures rather than replicas. According to an old tradition, many of these precious objects were taken to sacred places such as the Kaaba and the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina during the sultan’s pilgrimages (Surre Alayı). Most of these treasures were later recovered and are now housed in various rooms of the Treasury.

The objects on display in the Treasury were acquired from several sources:

Gifts from foreign officials to the sultans.
Items crafted in the palace workshops to the sultans’ specifications.
Treasures inherited from statesmen after their deaths.
Spoils of war from conquered lands.
The items are displayed in four rooms, with an effort made to group similar treasures together. Women’s jewelry is rarely seen in the Treasury, as it was not customary to keep such pieces in the collection.

The First Room

In the central glass showcases of this room, visitors can see gold-decorated jewelry, weaponry, crystal water pipes with intricately ornamented amber mouthpieces, coffee cups, and valuable bowls. Of particular note are two statuettes—a negro slave and a sheikh sitting on a throne—where the chest of the sheikh and the legs of the slave are made from large pearls.

Around the room, in wall-mounted showcases, are a magnificent suit of armor belonging to Sultan Mustafa III, decorated with precious stones and gold-plated steel mesh. Alongside it is a sword, battle shield, and two gold-plated silver stirrups, all adorned with precious stones. There are also pearl-decorated Koran bindings that once belonged to the royal family, and Sultan Murat IV’s throne made of ebony inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory. Additional items include valuable water carafes, jugs, and gold candleholders.

Among the walking sticks displayed in a glass showcase on the left is a particular piece with a brilliant-decorated handle. This walking stick was a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdülhamit II.

Continuing on, you can see a golden music box from India, featuring a gold-plated elephant (17th century).

Before we tell you more about the treasures of Topkapi Palace, we would like to remind you that we are offering a 10% discount on our Turkey tours until the end of March.

The Second Room

At the center of this room stands the magnificent throne of Sultan Ahmet I, made of walnut and inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell (17th century). Beneath its baldachin, a golden pendant with a large emerald hangs from a delicate chain.

Around the room in glass showcases are pendants made of gold and precious stones, as well as splendid pendulums belonging to Sultan Abdulhamit I and Sultan Ahmet I. There are also turbans adorned with jewels, and plumes decorated with diamonds and rubies, which were occasionally attached to the front of the sultans’ turbans.

In the glass showcases on the left, you’ll find jade and rock-crystal objects, many of which were crafted in the palace workshops. A particularly captivating piece is a jade vessel in the shape of a ship, decorated with precious stones, a gift from Russian Tsar Nikolai II. Below these rock-crystal items are beautiful writing boxes and ink containers with gold covers, embellished with diamonds and emeralds. In the showcase before the entrance to the third room, there is also a gold-plated cradle for newborn princes.

The Treasury of Topkapi Palace holds a stunning collection of priceless artifacts, offering a glimpse into the opulence and artistry that marked the Ottoman Empire.

Also, experience the best of Istanbul, like Topkapi palace with a guided Istanbul tour! Explore iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, Archeology Museum, Bosphorus with expert insights.

There’s more to it than that. You can also join our daily trips from Istanbul.

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