Istanbul~ Topkapi Palace

Istanbul Day 1~Topkapi Palace

I couldn't pass up a chance to see the amazing city of Istanbul. I've tagged along with Tom while he is involved in business meetings.   Istanbul was founded in the 7th century BC.  For sixteen centuries it has been a great capital, first of the Byzantine Empire and then of the Ottoman sultans.   Almost fourteen million people live in Istanbul.  That's six million more people than live in London!   That's it for the history lesson.  As you can imagine the history of Istanbul is mind boggling. I'm still getting British history straight in my mind!  Instead of trying to condense Istanbul's history into a concise blog, I thought I would just share some pictures of my time in Istanbul.  

The inside of the Imperial Gate looking back at the Blue Mosque

Topkapi Palace~  This was the home of the Ottoman Empire sultans until the mid 1850's.  In the 1850's, the palace became inadequate for the requirements of state ceremonies so the sultans moved to Dolmabache Palace, located on the Bosphorus.  Topkapi Palace has four courtyards with a series of pavilions.   

The Gate of Salutation was constructed in the 1500's.  It leads into the palace.  Only the sultan was allowed to pass through the Gate of Salutation on horseback; the grand vizier and all other state officials were required to dismount before entering. 

Ceiling decorations of Gate of Salutations

The Audience Chamber

The Audience Chamber was where the grand vizier would come to present the sultan with the decrees adopted by the Imperial Council and it was also a receiving room for state officials and ambassadors.

On the porch of The Audience Chamber

This library is considered a masterpiece of the architecture of the Tulip Period (1718-30)

The Library of Sultan Ahmed III

The ceilings and walls everywhere were covered with gorgeous decorative tiles.

The terrace looking toward the European side of Istanbul

The terrace of the Royal Hall 

pathway in Second Courtyard

The Imperial Gate entrance to the Second Courtyard

There is so much more to the Topkapi Palace than these few pictures portray.  It was overwhelming and yet exciting to see a palace that has so much history in this part of the world.