When Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror took Istanbul in 1453, he ordered a new palace to be built for the new Ottoman capital, He had the buildings constructed on a site overlooking the Bosporus.
This palace came to be called Topkapi and remained the Sultans' palace for almost 400 years.
Topkapi "evolved" over the centuries, with some buildings destroyed by earthquakes or fire,
and new ones added from time to time. Thus It reflects many styles and tastes.

The site was abandoned and fell into disrepair when a newer palace was built in the mid 1800's.
Topkapi was rescued by the Turkish Republic in 1923, the buildings restored, and opened as a museum.
It is one of Istanbul's prime tourist attractions.

Topkapi encompasses a number of buildings including kitchens, rooms displaying the Sultan's jewels,
most notably the famous emerald dagger, costumes, and of course the famous Harem.