Topkapi Palace Istanbul: Places Of Interest

1054 Words5 Pages

Istanbul POIs
Istanbul – Places of Interest
1. Topkapi Palace: Topkapı Palace has witnessed a colorful past as the royal residence of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th century. Many-tiered residences, opulent pavilions, majestic courts, a jewel-filled treasury and a mesmerizing harem combine to fire your imagination. The first stage of this enormous palace was built by Mehmet the Conqueror sometime after 1453. The palace consists of three distinct zones; the First Court also known as the Court of the Janissaries or the Parade Court; the Second Court, accessed through the Middle Gate, known as Bab-üs Selâm; and the Third Court that is entered through the Gate of Felicity.

2. Süleymaniye Mosque: The Süleymaniye Mosque is set …show more content…

Hagia Sophia: The Hagia Sophia was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great and was the world's largest cathedral for 1,000 years. Among the many important monuments in Istanbul, this is one structure that surpasses the rest due to its original architecture, rich history and spiritual importance. Brilliant mosaics, such as the one depicting Christ as Pantocrator (Ruler of All), take place of pride on its inner walls. Towering doors lead to the building's main space with its soaring dome and majestic nave. The entire cathedral features many hauntingly beautiful mosaics that have stood the test of time over 15 …show more content…

Beylerbeyi Palace: This palace is luxurious, opulent and one of the more recent additions to Istanbul’s vast repertoire of royal residences. Built in1865, the Beylerbeyi Palace was designed by Sarkis Balyan, brother of the architect who designed Dolmabahçe, another famous palace in Istanbul. The palace’s distinct architecture and extreme bent towards luxury is worth observing. Fanciful marble bathing pavilions built along water's edge, vast rooms featuring frescoes depicting naval scenes, unusual crystal chandeliers, exquisite Ming vases and sumptuous Hereke carpets are all there to be wondered at. Afterwards, you can relax with a glass of tea in the garden café adjoining the

More about Topkapi Palace Istanbul: Places Of Interest

Open Document