Sarayburnu

Sarayburnu, Turkish for “Palace Point,” is a promontory at the southern end of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. It projects into the Sea of Marmara near the Golden Horn and is part of the modern Fatih district. The site is one of the most recognizable symbols of Istanbul’s imperial past.

Historically, the promontory has been associated with seat of power. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the royal court and imperial residences were established on Sarayburnu, and the Topkapi Palace began to take shape there in the 1460s. The name itself reflects this role as a royal residence and administrative center.

Sarayburnu sits within a broader historic area that includes Seraglio Point and the Sultanahmet vicinity. It offers views across the Golden Horn and the Bosporus and is in proximity to major landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. The district is a central part of Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed historic peninsula and remains a focal point for heritage preservation.

In the present day, Sarayburnu is a major tourist and cultural district. It preserves palatial architecture, gardens and promenades that illustrate the city’s imperial legacy. The area continues to be a symbol of Istanbul’s historic identity and a key entry point for visitors exploring the historic peninsula.