Istanbul -Topkapi Palace- Turkey- 2011

June 2011
While in Istanbul we spent a morning at the magnificent Topkapi Palace which is also know as the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans. Topkapi was built for Mehmet 11, as his residence in 1459, after the conquest of Canstantinople. It was occupied from 15th to 19 th centuries, however, in 1924 it was opened to the public as a museum.

Now it houses a beautiful collection of porcelains, precious gems, jewellery, weapons, shields, armours, thrones and robes worn by the sultans and their families, as well as, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts. Unfortunately, photography was forbidden in many of the rooms. It's just as well because some of those diamonds were among the largest in the world!

Topkapi is not a single building but was is as a series of pavilions set in picturesque grounds so one can wander around at leisure. It is however, very difficult to get a photo of the entire complex. 

The Crowded Entrance

One of the Magnificent Pavilions

The Old Kitchens now Housing the Treasures

Another Pavilion

The Gardens were a Picture

Gold Inlaid Ceiling

Overlooking Istanbul

One of the major tourist attractions at the Topkapi is the Harem which is a series of exquisitly tiled rooms where the Sultan, the Sultan's Wives and children as well as the concubines lived. As you can see Tom was excited about being allowed into the Harem!

Enough Said!

We were overawed by the exquisite tiles throughout the complex.

Tom only has one Model!

This was hard to Capture! Thanks Tom.

Note the Floor Stonework

Ouch!

Tom Enjoyed Himself!

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Topkapi Palace just do it! You won't regret it.