Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

Topkapi Palace is a magnificent historical complex located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 15th century, and the palace served as the residence of Ottoman sultans and their families for over 400 years.

The palace has various courtyards, chambers, and pavilions. It was fascinating to look at all the different areas, each adorned with opulent decorations and intricate designs.

The Imperial Treasury houses priceless artifacts and jewels.

A chess board with jeweled pieces.

The Harem is where the sultan’s concubines and wives lived.

Entry halls that are managed by Black eunuchs from Africa (then part of the Ottoman empire)
Nurbano Sultán apartment for the mother of the future sultan (son and heir).
Above the door reads: O believers, do not enter the house of the prophet without permission
Hamam or Turkish bath.
The imperial Hall where ceremonies took place.
The use of skylights for natural lighting is amazing throughout the Harem.
The Sultans privy chamber
The work on this ceiling dome dates back to 1585.

Another building that is a place to receive dignitaries.

The Mecidiye Pavilion was the most recent building addition in 1858. This would be a resting for Sultans after their throne ascension ceremonies.

A few relics in the relic display hall.

The relic fragment of John the Baptists arm and skull bone from the 1st century
The footprint of the prophet Mohammed in the 7th century

I also toured a building with centuries of clothing.