Topkapi

Topkapi Palace Museum

Overlooking the Golden Horn, where the Bosphorus Strait meets the Marmara Sea, this seaside palace, the Ottomans called “The Palace of Felicity”, is now a museum containing the Mint and the Imperial Treasury.  Originally called the Sultan’s New Palace, and later changed to Topkapi which means Cannon Gate. Built in the last half of the 16th century, it was converted to a museum in 1924.

The Gate of Salutation, entrance to the Second courtyard of Topkapı Palace

This is the entrance to the second courtyard of the palace.

The Gate of Salutation, entrance to the Second courtyard of Topkapı Palace

Inside the second courtyard is the audience chamber.

Tower of Justice in the background, Imperial Council Chamber in the foreground.

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The gate of felicity is the entrance to the inner court. Inside the third court is the Audience Chamber, also known as the Chamber of Petitions

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A few of the trees in the palace have been hollowed out by fungus infections. In one case two trees have grown up side by side and self-grafted themselves together to support each other.

one of the hollow trees

The buildings have no climate control decorative grills over the windows provide some ventilation and privacy for those inside.

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There were many parts of the Palace that were not included in our tour  such as the mint and the Harems or kitchens. We were quickly ushered through the treasury exhibit but were not allowed to take any pictures.

Security is difficult since the buildings were not designed with that in mind. Some items have been stolen. Read the Wiki link at the end of this post.

Every Museum needs a gift shop.

– Where do You want to go today? –

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topkap%C4%B1_Palace

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosphorus

3 thoughts on “Topkapi

  1. Hi Doug (and Nancy), Thanks for sharing these great images on I am assuming is your 1st day there. Will watch for more in the days ahead.
    All the best of tours to you both.
    Tom

    1. Hi Tom and Joanne
      These are pictures from May 2016. I am just pulling them out for the 31 day blog challenge. I still here in the land of frost and snow.

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