About this season
The Ottoman Dynasty extended over three continents, surviving 600 years from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century. 24 of its 36 Sultans ruled the Empire from Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, for a period of 400 years. The royal residence, which has witnessed moments of great joy and sorrow, became a museum after the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923 by Kemal Ataturk. Until it opened its doors to visitors from all over the world, the Topkapi Palace had always been a mysterious, shuttered world. The "Topkapi Palace" series represents the widest-ranging project of its kind ever to be taken. It was in 1990 that all the doors of the Topkapi Palace were opened to a film crew for the first time. Their lights probed parts of the palace still closed to visitors and, indeed, into places that had never seen the daylight.
Episodes (7)
1. General Outlines
Aired 1 June 1991
This documentary series is based on the latest available historical documents. Miniatures, engravings and illustrations produced by the domestic and European artists of the Ottoman Period were also used as further documentation and illustration of the fascinating life that existed behind these locked doors.
2. The Inner Palace and Its Pavillions
Aired 8 June 1991 • 24 min
This documentary series is based on the latest available historical documents. Miniatures, engravings and illustrations produced by the domestic and European artists of the Ottoman Period were also used as further documentation and illustration of the fascinating life that existed behind these locked doors.
3. The Sacred Relics
Aired 15 June 1991 • 24 min
4. The Harem I
Aired 22 June 1991 • 24 min
5. The Harem II
Aired 29 June 1991 • 24 min
6. The Treasury
Aired 6 July 1991 • 24 min
7. The Collections
Aired 13 July 1991 • 24 min