This main palace where the sultans ruled the 25 huge Ottoman Empire, spread out over an area of ​​700 thousand square meters. meters in 1923 was turned into a museum. The palace consists of an outer palace - official and public buildings - Biruni and domestic private palace rests of the Sultan - Enderu.

Ceremonial Imperial Gate of Bab-i-Humayun was built in 1478 when Mehmed II. They are in the first courtyard (Courtyard of the Janissaries). Previously, it housed the guards, took asylum, working servants. Here stands the church of St. Irene - one of the oldest churches of Istanbul. Mnogazhdy Temple burned, destroyed during the earthquake, was transformed into a mosque and then to the armory. In the same yard Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient East and Tile Pavilion - the oldest public building in the city.

Gate of Bab-Salaam and lead into the second courtyard. To the right of the gate is a fountain Executioner where butchers wash their hands after the killings. Second courtyard - is the main courtyard of the palace of the sultan, the so-called sofa and a harem. On the left stands the tower Divan. Here the sultan spoke to the people, received visitors, consulted with the Vizier. Near the entrance to the Harem - a maze of small rooms, elegant living rooms, living quarters for eunuchs. The same inner courtyard are located a treasure trove - a long hall with 8 domes, which now exhibited a collection of armor and edged weapons, and the former Sultan's kitchens now exhibited a collection of Chinese porcelain and silverware.

Gate of Bab-y-Saadet (Happiness Gate) lead in the third courtyard - the private quarters of the Sultan. It is the Throne Hall, built during the reign of Sultan Selim I. Behind it is a building of the Library of Ahmed III. In the far left corner of the courtyard is the holy mantle Pavilion, which holds the relics of Islam brought by Sultan Selim I in 1517 from Egypt and from Mecca: teeth, hair, foot print and the mantle of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as personal belongings of the first caliphs. In the far right corner of the courtyard is the Treasury, which are exposed for inspection work in gold and silver, precious stones, beads, jewelry boxes.

The fourth courtyard are several parks, swimming pool, tiled pavilions, gazebos. There are wonderful views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.