OTTOMAN CAPITALS AND PALACES IN ISTANBUL IN THE FIFTEENTH TO SIXTEENTH CENTURY

Abstract

This paper will discuss the Ottoman capitals and palaces in the fifteenth to sixteenth century through the study of contemporary chronicles. Contrary to the common belief that after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 Istanbul had become the sole Ottoman capital, with Topkapi palace as the center of royal political ceremonies and residence, the sultans frequently stayed in the former capital Edirne and presided over the political affairs till the reign of Suleyman I starting from 1520. Also, it turned out that various palaces in Istanbul other than Topkapi, had been used for residential and ceremonial purposes in the late sixteenth century.