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Topkapi Palace Museum: Ottoman Architecture and Islamic Relics at Its Finest
Topkapi Palace Museum: Ottoman Architecture and Islamic Relics at Its Finest
If you’re enjoying your traveling ear, you know it always sounds mellifluous if you hear the word UNESCO. It’s that sweet trademark that will automatically make you agree that a place is worth going to. True enough, this Historic area of Istanbul UNESCO World Heritage Site approved Topkapi Palace is one of the most striking and safest Royal places you’ll ever have a chance to visit, when in Istanbul. It has hit my ear like a crazy mad elephant! The history and architecture laced into this movie-worthy setting are so recognizable in numerous ways than one.
This particular day, I was in search of that non-mosque type of touristy site to travel to and this is by far the best one. As soon as I lined up the queue when the opening hours were okay for that day, I immediately took a picture of the palace’s map and ventured into the sweet spots of Topkapi Palace. As a matter of fact, there are many.
The Topkapi Palace isn’t your stereotypical palace that’ll you’ll see in your everyday fairytale books or fantasy movies or even the ones you’ll see when you visit Europe. What it guarantees you to appreciate though is that imaginative impression that makes you want to get to know more about its history. Interesting enough, this particular palatial space is all about the Ottoman Empire, which is very well-known in its Turkish history. It’s like a typical Turkish history TV series with so much way of life and war that happened – and the Topkapi Palace will be that scene with so much Royalty and luxury. In fact, in the 15th century, the Topkapi Palace served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
Surprisingly, the Topkapi Museum is overflowing with people. It’s nearly as busy as the ones you’ll find in Paris or in Rome. Not only do the Islamic Relics give that wow feature to the whole palace, the place is very grandiose. Administered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers - this includes the Ottoman imperial harem, the Spoonmaker's Diamond, and Topkapi Emerald Dagger are on display.
Topkapı, which means Cannon Gate, has four courtyards, harems, outer gardens, and my favorite, an iconic view of the Strait just outside the palace. Also worth noting are its museum collections, which includes Ottoman clothing, armor, miniatures, and weaponry. You’ll need to spend a minimum of half day just to see and get to know the place, because of the size, quality, and grandness of the palace. Now the question here is, what are the mystifying stories behind the mysterious hollow trees in the third courtyard?
Address: Cankurtaran Mh., 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 A.M. – around 4 – 6:00 P.M. depending on the season
Official Website: http://topkapisarayi.gov.tr/en
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