Topkapi PalacePlaces to Visit in Istanbul

For many centuries, the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul served as the main residence for the Ottoman sultans and their royal entourage. Construction started in 1460 under the orders of Sultan Mehmed II, shortly after his conquest of Constantinople. Over time, the palace expanded to form a self-contained complex, featuring administrative buildings and several spacious courtyards.

By the middle of the 19th century, the Topkapi Palace was no longer adequate for official state functions, prompting the sultans to move to the Dolmabahçe Palace located along the Bosphorus. Nevertheless, Topkapi Palace remained home to important royal artifacts, including The Holy Relics of Prophet Muhammad's possessions and the Imperial Archive.

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1922, the palace was converted into a museum and opened for public visitation on April 3, 1924, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Nowadays, visitors can admire the palace's remarkable collections of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain. The museum also exhibits garments from the sultans' wardrobes, such as dresses, turbans, and jewelry. Among its most renowned treasures is the "Spoon-seller Diamond", recognized as one of the largest diamonds worldwide.

The rooms within the museum are beautifully adorned with detailed tile work and showcase historic artifacts that highlight the extraordinary craftsmanship of the era. Altogether, the Topkapi Palace Museum provides guests with an insight into the luxurious life of the Ottoman sultans and their royal court.

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