The Imperial Journal
Stories, Guides, Secrets of Topkapi Palace and Ottoman History
Welcome to the living heart of our palace. Beyond the artifacts and the grand halls lies a universe of stories waiting to be told.
The Imperial Journal is your exclusive access to the untold histories, the hidden details, and the expert insights of our curators. This is where the stones begin to speak.
The Divine Art of Calligraphy
In the Ottoman court, calligraphy was more than beautiful writing; it was a sacred art form, a reflection of divine order, and the personal signature of the Sultan’s power.
Discover the story of the master calligraphers who trained for decades to perfect a single letter and learn how the imperial pen (divit) shaped the visual identity of an empire.
The Art Flowing from the Palace’s Brush to Hearts: Being a Calligrapher in the Ottoman Empire
Explore Imperial Journal by Topic
Dive into the subjects that fascinate you the most. Each tag unveils a collection of related stories, artifacts, and insights about Topkapi Palace and Ottoman History.
Taste the Empire's Legacy
Your Imperial Arrival
The Stone Body of the Empire
Explore the very foundations of power.
This section in our Imperial Journal deciphers the architectural language of the palace, from the symbolism of its grand courtyards to the intimate secrets of its hidden pavilions and gardens.
The Art Flowing from the Palace’s Brush to Hearts: Being a Calligrapher in the Ottoman Empire
The Color of an Empire: Symbolic Meanings of Colors in the Ottoman Palace
Topkapı Palace Bosphorus View: Top 5 Spots
The Sultan’s Secret Garden: Topkapı’s Botanical and Medicinal Treasures in Enderun
The Secret Passageways Beneath the Palace: Are the Tunnels from Topkapı to Hagia Sophia and Yerebatan Real?
Divan-ı Hümayun: More Than Just a Council, How an Empire’s Decision-Making Mechanism Worked?
From Bâb-ı Hümâyûn to Bâbüssaâde: The Power, Protocol, and State Hierarchy Represented by the Palace Gates
The Secret of the Tower of Justice: The Art of Supervising and Governing the World with the Sultan’s ‘Invisible’ Presence
Before Topkapi: Istanbul Old Palace and its Original Function
7 Overlooked Details: Hidden Symbols on the Walls of Topkapı Palace
The Minds That Ruled the World in Ottoman History
Go beyond the throne and meet the people who shaped the empire.
Discover the stories of the visionary Sultans, the powerful women of the Harem, the brilliant architects, and the cunning viziers who walked these halls.
Colors of the Empire: Nakkaş Osman and His Brush, Bringing Palace Festivities to the Present with ‘Sûrname-i Hümâyûn’
Hürrem Sultan: The Slave Girl Who Became an Empress
Köprülü Mehmed Pasha: Conditional Grand Viziership and the Salvation of the Empire
Kösem Sultan: The Regent of the Empire
Matrakçı Nasuh: Warrior, Mathematician, and the Renaissance Man Who Rendered Cities on Paper
Mehmed the Conqueror: The Sultan Who Forged a New World
Mihrimah Sultan: The Princess of Power and Patronage
Mimar Sinan: The Architect Who Defined an Empire’s Skyline
Safiye Sultan: The Queen of Diplomacy and Intrigue
Suleiman the Magnificent: Architect of the Ottoman Golden Age
Sultan Selim I: The Grim Conqueror Who Became Caliph
The Architect and Tragic End of the Tulip Era: Damat İbrahim Pasha
The Man in the Shadow of Power: Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha’s Footprints in the Palace from his Passion for Art to his Tragic End
The Strategist Who Governed the State with His Intellect: Sokollu Mehmed Pasha’s Period Under 3 Sultans in Topkapı Palace
The Ritual of Imperial Relaxation
The Pulse of the Palace
How did an empire truly live?
Unravel the intricate politics, grand ceremonies, secret rituals, and the captivating rhythm of daily life that pulsed within the heart of the Ottoman court.
The Seal of Trust of the Empire: Foundation and Financial Management in Topkapı Palace
From the Grand Bazaar to the Palace Kitchen: The Thousand-Year Journey of Spices and Coffee
From the Spice Bazaar to the Palace Cellar: The Mysterious World of Medicinal Plants Used by Chief Physicians for Healing
The Heart of the Palace, Enderun School: How Governors and Viziers Were Created from Devshirme Children?
How Were Future Sultans Raised? The Challenging Lessons of the Şehzadegân School and Childhood in the Palace
Kanunnameler and Fermanlar: How Texts Written at Topkapi Palace Shaped Life Across Three Continents?
The Ottoman Empire’s Window to the World: The Splendor and Strategic Significance of Ambassadorial Reception Ceremonies
Spices from Egypt, Fabrics from Bursa: The Palace’s Enormous Supply Chain and Logistics Network
Behind the Doors of Hazine-i Hümâyun: How Was an Empire’s Wealth Managed and Protected?
Women of Topkapi Palace: The Powerful Sultanas of the Harem
Recommended from Imperial Journal
Unlock the Secrets of Daily Life in the Palace
The Artistic Soul of the Court
Witness the sublime beauty forged within the palace walls.
From the divine geometry of Iznik tiles and masterful calligraphy to the rich flavors of the imperial kitchens, explore the art that defined a civilization.
Art in the Mysterious World of the Harem: The Education and Music of Concubines
The Art Flowing from the Palace’s Brush to Hearts: Being a Calligrapher in the Ottoman Empire
The Color of an Empire: Symbolic Meanings of Colors in the Ottoman Palace
The Essence of an Empire: The Invisible Heritage of the Palace
From Palace to Runway: The Influence of Ottoman Palace Kaftans on Modern Fashion Design
From Iznik to Europe: The Impact of Topkapı Palace Tiles on Western Art
Elixirs of the Favorites: Beauty and Health Recipes in the Ottoman Palace
The Divan Menu Protecting Kanuni from Gout: Anti-Inflammatory Secrets of Ottoman Palace Cuisine
From the Grand Bazaar to the Palace Kitchen: The Thousand-Year Journey of Spices and Coffee
From the Spice Bazaar to the Palace Cellar: The Mysterious World of Medicinal Plants Used by Chief Physicians for Healing
Dispatches from the Imperial Journal
Your essential guide for a swift yet unforgettable journey.
This curated route unveils the absolute must-see treasures of the palace, ensuring you experience the heart of the empire, even on a tight schedule.
If You’re Short on Time: 5 Must-See Sections at Topkapi Palace
Your Imperial Compass
Your journey, perfected.
In Imperial Journal you can find practical guides, insider tips, and curated routes to make your visit to the palace—and the city of Istanbul—truly unforgettable.
Topkapi Palace Accessibility: A Guide for Visitors with Disabilities
Transportation from Istanbul Airport to Topkapı Palace: All Options
Museum Pass vs. Istanbul Pass: Which One Is More Advantageous?
First Time in Istanbul? 10 Essential Things to Know
5 Ways to Avoid the Crowds: A Guide to a Serene Visit to Topkapi Palace
Topkapı Palace Bosphorus View: Top 5 Spots
Like a Photographer in Topkapı Palace: The Best Instagram Spots
If You’re Short on Time: 5 Must-See Sections at Topkapi Palace
A Day with Children at Topkapı Palace: A Journey into History
Frequently Asked Questions
about Imperial Journal
What is The Imperial Journal?
The Imperial Journal is the official blog of the Topkapi Palace digital experience. It’s where our curators, historians, and guest experts share in-depth stories, research, and insights that go beyond a typical museum visit.
How often is new content published?
We publish new articles and stories regularly. We recommend checking back often or subscribing to our newsletter to be the first to know about new publications.
Can I suggest a topic for a future article?
We are always eager to hear what our readers are curious about! Please use our contact form to send us your suggestions for future stories.
Are the stories in the journal historically accurate?
Yes, accuracy is our highest priority. Every article in the Imperial Journal is meticulously researched by our team and grounded in established academic sources and historical documents. While history is a field of ongoing study with diverse interpretations, we are committed to presenting the most widely accepted and evidence-based perspectives to our readers.
How can I find articles on a specific topic, like Mimar Sinan?
You can use the “Explore by Topic” section on this page to click on the “Architecture” or “Figures” tags. Alternatively, you can use the search bar located in the main menu for specific inquiries in Imperial Journal.
Can I use images or text from the Imperial Journal?
All text and most images on this site are protected by copyright. Please refer to our “Terms of Use” page for detailed information on how to properly cite or request permission to use our content.
