Istanbul, Turkey

The Lonely Planet suggests allowing a minimum of half a day for the Topkapi Palace, which meant we left our hotel early, after breakfast on the roof, of course.  A short walk uphill and we were inside before we knew it.  The Topkapi buildings are not extremely big (in comparison to other palaces I’ve seen), but the courtyards were large, giving a wide open feeling to the place.  We started in where the palace kitchens used to be, which now house much of the remaining porcelain and glassware used in the palace.  Across the courtyard is a display of Armory used by the Turks over time.  Next to this was the Kubbeult, or the Imperial Council Chambers.  This is an extremely ornate room matching the golden doorways.  You walk through the Gate of Felicity to get to the Third Court.  This gate was the entrance to the Sultan’s private space.  It was also used for greeting dignitaries and other political processions.  Immediately on the other side of the gate is the Arz Odsasi – where the Sultan could conduct political affairs.  In the buildings on the right were displays of royal robes and clothing.  Beside that was the closed Treasury.  Also in this court is the Library of Ahmet III (built in 1718).  In the corner of this courtyard is a portrait room containing paintings of all the previous Sultans, either collectively or singularly.  The room beside is called Mukaddes Emanetter Dairesi, which stores some holy relics.  It has letters written by Mohammed, his foot print, and a walking stick used by Moses (to name a few).  While we walked through this room there was a man reading aloud from the Koran, giving an extremely religious feel to the room.  Into the Fourth Court and there is not too much too see.  In one corner there are a couple of small rotundas surrounding an unfilled pool.  The tiling on the wall here is exquisite, but this is the really only good thing about this part of the palace.  After leaving this we walked back to the Second Court and payed to go through the Harem.  The Harem is the private residence of the Sultan’s family.  We are taken on a guided tour through the various rooms including the Favorites Courtyard, servant’s room, and Valide Sultan’s room (the Sultan’s main wife). 

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

Once this tour had finished we left Topkapi to wander the city again.  I picked up a chicken kebab for lunch on Divan Yolu and we then walked down to the Golden Horn.  Somehow we were caught right in the middle of the Egyptian Market.  After struggling through all the people we end up near the Bosphorus and walk over to Galata Bridge to the northern side of Istanbul.  There is not much to see on the river’s edge here so we made the long walk home. 

Dinner was at a restaurant just around the corner from the hotel.  Another great meal at an extremely low price!  Tomorrow we’re on the move to Amasra.