Türkiye’s Directorate of National Palaces has for the first time opened one of its most valuable art treasures to visitors: Topkapı Palace’s world-famous historic clock collection.
The magnificent collection, housed in the Royal Stables (Has Ahırlar) in the palace’s historic second courtyard, has now been officially presented as a clock museum under the title “Time and Art at Topkapı Palace”.
🕰️ A unique treasure of timekeeping art
Following extensive restoration, documentation and scientific conservation work, this rare collection has been given new life with a modern design and artistic display. Around 300 rare historic clocks — some dating back to the 16th century — are gathered in the exhibition, introducing visitors to centuries of technical finesse, mechanical skill and the art of Ottoman clockmaking.
A showcase of Eastern and Western art
The collection was assembled over the four centuries the Ottoman dynasty lived at Topkapı Palace and holds a special place in the history of world clockmaking for its mechanical advances and artistic richness. In total, more than 300 pieces (about 80% of the whole collection) are on display for art and history lovers — from wall and pocket watches to table clocks and standing clocks more than three and a half metres tall, as well as special “seated” clocks (Oturtma) that reflect the technical innovations of their time.
Highlights include a Russian table clock with a griffin relief presented to Sultan Abdülhamid II, and works signed by Ottoman masters such as Ahmed Eflaki Dede and Süleyman Leziz.
