Topkapi

One should not go to Istanbul and skip Topkapi.  It is a magnificent palace and it sprawls over acres and acres (according to Wikipedia, the area is 6,379,000 to 7,500,000 sq ft).  The architecture and design--both on buildings and in the landscape--are phenomenally beautiful.  The word turquoise comes from the French for Turkish and was first applied in 1597 to the color of the gem originally exported from Turkey.  The color is abundantly evident on the walls of this lovely royal site.

The entrance to the site is a long avenue.

The Imperial Gate (Bâb-ı Hümâyûn)

Church of Hagia Eirene in the First Courtyard

Once inside we realized there was an exhibit not to be missed.  We were fortunate that a selection of Terra Cotta Warriors were on display at the Imperial Mint.

The sign in the middle of the photo advertises the Terra Cotta Warrior Exhibit.

Unfortunately, we weren't permitted to take photos of the Terra Cotta Exhibit.  Still, it was great to see them and I'm looking forward to seeing the exhibit in Minneapolis within the next few weeks.

There are four courtyards at the palace.  This is the Gate of Salutation, entrance to the second courtyard.

Bâb-üs Selâm

In anticipation of our visit, I read that the Harem was a "must-see," so we purchased our tickets (a cost in addition to the entry free for Topkapi) and proceeded to visit the halls and courtyards of the Sultan's concubines and eunuchs.

Reviewing material on Topkapi online, I noticed there were more displays featuring mannequins.  This was the only such display we observed on our visit

The courtyard of the Eunuchs.

One of the courtyards of the concubines.

Walls of the Queen Mother's chambers.

Courtyard of the favorites.

The Privy Chamber of Sultan Murad III

Outside view of the apartments of the crown prince.

The library (sans books) of Sultan Ahmed III.

The fountain outside Sultan Ahmed III's library.

A view of the Bosphorous from Topkapi Palace.

One of the pavilions on the periphery of Topkapi--overlooking the Bosphorous.

An interior view of one of the pavilions.

As was true of so many of the wonderful places we visited, there was too much to see and not enough time or energy to see it all.  We did visit the halls where some of the gems were kept, but it was a quick run through, leaving us a bit dissatisfied.  The lines were too long for the treasury and one of the other displays.  Still, this place did not disappoint!  If I had to choose a favorite exhibit here, it would have to be these pavilion/kiosks along the edge of the site.  The views from the windows definitely had something to do with that preference.

That evening we supped at a fancy fish restaurant where we ate terrific mezes.  Frankly, they have quite the scheme.  Once seated, they present the table with the array of appetizer options already prepared.  We selected quite a few to share (we visited this restaurant at the recommendation of Vibav's cooking instructor, and "we" consisted of Vibav, our roommate from Dusseldorf, Christian, and our Finnish friend Samul).  The fish was okay, if overpriced, but the mezes were the star of the show.

Thus ended the fourth day of our visit.