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Period: Apr 6, 1453 to May 29, 1453
Conquest of Constantinople
Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) captured Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire. -
Period: 1460 to 1460
Construction of Topkapı Palace Began
Ordered by Sultan Mehmed II to serve as the main residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. -
Period: 1478 to 1478
Construction Completed
The palace became fully operational as the center of power. -
Period: 1500 to 1500
Golden Age
During Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s reign, the palace reached its peak in importance and size. -
Period: 1574 to 1574
Great Fire
A fire damaged parts of the palace; they were later rebuilt. -
Period: to
Decline of Topkapı's Use
Sultans began residing in Dolmabahçe Palace instead, and Topkapı became less active. -
Period: to
Became a Museum
After the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, Topkapı Palace was transformed into a museum by order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.