The Topkapi Palace Museum is well-known for its unique location, unmatched panoramic views and special collections that are scattered all around its gardens. These pieces had long reflected the prestigious status of the Ottoman Sultans living and ruling here. Some of these collections are simply stunning for aesthetics or luxury and some are special regarding their religious meaning.

The most famous collection of the Topkapi Palace Museum is the Treasury Section. Like all monarchs, the Ottoman Sultans were more-or-less fond of the impressive jewelries and precious stones. Thus, a corner of the third courtyard displays stunning pieces decorated with the most precious of stones. The globally famous diamond of 86 karats is also being kept here since it re-opening in 2023.

In the second courtyard, next to the Divan Hall, there is the Arms and Armory of Sultans section. It presents the best of steel craftsmanship of Ottoman centuries considering the personal swords inside. The bows, pistols and shields are also among the impressive pieces of elite artisanship in Istanbul. A specific part inside showcases the international section from Samurai Swords to Persian daggers.

The Palace Kitchens feels like magical once you enter and try to imagine the busy centuries of its time. A great volume of space that was designed to cook in massive quantities for thousands living in and around the Topkapi Palace. Speaking of the collections, the unique porcelain and crystal tableware are really interesting to reflect the taste. But the cooking utensils are the essentials which provide clues into the daily culture of the times.

Concerning the religious heritage, the Holy Relics section still contains the most prestigious pieces that remain of the Ottoman Empire. There are belongings from the times of the foundational times of the Islamic world. These were thought to move between the capital cities (like Damascus, Baghdad and Cairo) of major Muslim dynasties since the times of the prophet Mohammed (pbuH). No doubt that they were respected most by the sultans who had lived in the Topkapi Palace throughout the centuries.

Beyond being a world-famous site, this royal palace also contains a massive archive of more than 300 thousand documents which are helping historians and researchers continue to unearth more about its deeply rich history.