Topkapi Palace

Hi all,

The following day we went to the Topkapi Palace in the morning. It is located in Sultanahmet square and was constructed between the years of 1459 and 1465, during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II. It was used as the management centre of the Ottoman Empire and primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans. The complex consists of 4 enormous atriums with each a series of pavilions, a stone version of the tent camps of the earlier nomadic Osmans.

In 1924 it was opened to the public as a museum.

A very impressive building or buildings with a lot of history.

 

On our way to the Topkapi Palace.The pathe leading to the entrance gate.

 

Beautiful well maintained gardens surround the various buildings.

Entrance from a side gate.

A guide showing us the way.

Entrance gate, the Gate of Sallutation .

A model of the Topkapi Palace complex.

Divan square or Justice square. Ceremonies for the sultan's accession to the throne or for funerals were held in this courtyard.

The entrance to this pavilion from up close.

Entrance to the Harem.

Inside the Harem. The room of the " Invalide Sultalar".

Beautiful decorated windows.

Many rooms in the harem were beautifully decorated.

Walls decorated with Iznik tiles.

More Iznik tiles, here used in the dome.

 

Information about the concubines. Very young girls and young women , gathered from all over the Ottoman Empire, came to live in the harem. They were educated and groomed and hoped to catch the Sultans eye and serve as his concubine and if lucky, bear him a son. Maybe he would marry her then and so she could wield enormous power within the harem.

The role of the mother of the reigning sultan explained.

Entrance hall to one of the many rooms within the harem.

Concubines were always watched. Here through the use of mirrors.

The main room of the " Queen Mother".

Posing in the courtyard of the "Favourites".

Arbor for evening meal during Ramadan.

The enormous courtyard of the favourite concubines of the sultan.

From the courtyard , in the back ground buildings of Istanbul.

Taking a break from all that info.

View from the Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Sea of Marmara.

One of the many bridges crossing the Golden Horn.

In the back ground the part of the Bosporus , called The Golden Horn.

Another view. The weather was magnificent.

Hanneke taking a break from all the info.

The Galata Bridge in the distance.

A very impressive visit. We take a brake now and will continue in the afternoon.

Till the next and possible the last blog of our trip to Turkey- Istanbul.

Bye for now, L&S xxx.