Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace

Introduction: Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, served as the center of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th century. This labyrinthine, luxurious palace was once the workplace of the sultans. The outer side features the verdant First Courtyard; the Second Courtyard houses a collection of crystal ware, silverware, and Chinese ceramics; the Third Courtyard includes the Throne Room, library, and costume and jewelry exhibits, where you can admire the world’s second-largest diamond and priceless medieval paintings and manuscripts. The outer walls of Topkapı Palace are high and were built in the 15th century, covering an area of 700 hectares. The palace contains various themed exhibition halls, both in appearance and interior design reflecting deep Islamic cultural influences, featuring structures such as domed mosques and pointed, obelisk-like buildings. Exhibition halls are separated by green belts. Built against the mountains and overlooking the sea, the elevated areas offer views of the ocean and the crumbling ancient city walls at the foot of the hills, evoking a solemn atmosphere. The palace displays items such as the hair and beard of the Muslim prophet Muhammad, portraits of successive kings, and various ancient weapons and costumes in other exhibition halls. Ancient Turkey was extremely powerful and historically known as the “Ottoman Empire,” having once occupied territories including Asia Minor. China’s “Great Wall” was built in part to defend against the advance of Ottoman soldiers.

Istanbul, Turkey