The Stories and Legends About the Topkapi Palace

The Dagger of Topkapi

The fabled Dagger of Topkapi, displays in the Treasury, is rumored to possess mystical abilities. Meticulously crafted with unparalleled artistry, it is believed to bestow good fortune upon its owner. The ornate details of the dagger's hilt and the captivating tales associated with it contribute to its enigmatic allure.

 

The Ghost of Topkapi

Legends of ghostly apparitions haunting the Harem have sparked rumors of the supernatural. According to tales, the lingering spirits of concubines and eunuchs still roam the secluded chambers, their stories reverberating through the halls. As you visit the Harem, listen closely to echoes of the past.

 

The Enigmatic Sword of Osman

The Sword of Osman, an iconic symbol of the Ottoman Empire, is steeped in legend and said to possess magical properties that grant strength and protection to the empire. The intertwining stories surrounding the sword and the Ottoman rulers add a touch of mysticism to its history.

 

The Talking Fountain

In the Second Courtyard, you can find the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, also known as the Talking Fountain. According to legend, the water from this fountain is said to grant the power of eloquence to those who drink from it, granting them with the gift of persuasive speech. This tale adds an enchanting element to the already remarkable architectural treasures of the Topkapi Palace.

 

The Sacred Relics

The Sacred Relics are items that belonged to Prophet Muhammad, his friends, and other prophets. After Sultan Selim I conquered Egypt in 1517, these items were brought to Istanbul, and others were collected from different Islamic countries. They are preserved and displayed in a special section of the Topkapi Palace. The ones that belong to Prophet Muhammad are a cardigan (Hirka-i Serif), hilts of swords, a letter of call to Islam inscribed on leather, and the footprint of Prophet Muhammad. A Quran attributed to the third caliph, Osman.

THE MARK - Humaniti Hotel Montreal's Art Collection
  1. MARC SÉGUIN | H-Anima | 2021
  2. DAVID ELLIOTT | Chorus & Illumination | 2011-2012 & 2009
  3. TREVOR GOULD | Solid Ground | 2012
  4. JEAN-ROBERT DROUILLARD | Jeune Sauveur | 2013
  5. JEAN -ROBERT DROUILLARD | Mes deux LÉO | 2020
  6. FABIENNE LASSERRE | Larmes 5 | 2018
  7. DERRICK PIENS | Epiphonic Womb | 2016
  8. MARK CLINTBERG | Over You | 2018
  9. CATHERINE BOLDUC | grand paysage lunatique | 2016
  10. MARK CLINTBERG | It Happens At Night | 2018
  11. ARTHUR JAFA | SID / MELANCHOLIA / MOTHER & Monster | 2019 & 1988
  12. KWAME BRATHWAITE | Untitled | 1965
  13. SOUL CURRY ART | Stories Of Us, Fragmented Melodies & Intersections | 2022
  14. IZABELLE DUGAY | Sans titre | 2022
  15. JANET WERNER | VSC Bonfire | 2017
  16. GWENAËL BÉLANGER | Le grand fatras | 2005
  17. CHRIS CRAN | Chorus Series | 2007-2018
  18. CORNO | Visage Rouge Sur Fond Rouge | 2008
  19. LAUREN PELC-McARTHUR | Giant's Hinge & Duo Sifter Snap | 2021 & 2019
  20. LUCAS BEAUFORT | Human after all | 2023
  21. ELIANE EXCOFFIER | Buse, Éventail, Plume & Cheval