Revisiting the House of a World Empire in the Light of Household Aesthetics of Islam: The Case of Topkapi Palace

This essay examines the impact of Islamic principles on the spatial organization and preferences of Topkapi Palace, which functioned as the "state house" of the Sultan for approximately 400 years. Although the Palace is a complex of buildings serving diverse functions—ranging from state offices and places of worship to madrasas, libraries, mansions, and reception halls—when evaluated collectively, it was the residence of the Ottoman state and its Sultan. By referencing the Quran and the hadiths of Prophet Mohammed, the two pillars of Islamic doctrine, this essay explores the household aesthetics in Islam, which define the conditions for a house, and how these principles influenced the spatial organization of the palace. In light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, the Palace will be evaluated based on privacy, spatial dimensions (width-height), humility/ simplicity, flexibility (seyyāliyet), spirituality (supporting Muslim life), and orientation towards the qibla. This study provides new insights into the relationship between Islamic household principles and imperial palatial architecture, enriching our understanding of the aesthetic and cultural legacy of the Ottoman Empire.