For nearly four centuries, this magnificent palace was official residence of the sultans who ruled the Ottoman Empire, and was one of the largest palaces. In 1924 it became a museum with most of its buildings open to the public and a large collection of imperial art, porcelain, jewelry, manuscripts and other treasures. Important artifacts include the famed Topkapi Dagger, with a handle including emeralds and a clock, and housed in a long, mostly gold scabbard adorned with small, rose-cut diamonds. The palace also contains distinguished Islamic artifacts, including the alleged sword and cloak of the Prophet Muhammed. There are four main courtyards and several outbuildings. The first courtyard is called the Gatekeeper's Court, where elite palace soldiers stood guard, with a magnificent fountain and the Byzantine church of Hagia Irene, built under Emperor Justinian in 548 (it survived because it was used as a warehouse and imperial armory by the Ottomans). The second courtyard is a lush green space, surrounded by the former imperial harem and the Tower of Justice, as well as hospitals and kitchens, which prepare thousands of meals every day. The third courtyard contains the warehouse and the Ahmed III Library, but it´s closed to visitors. The fourth courtyard, the inner sanctuary of the sultan, is known as the Tulip Gardens and is decorated with mother-of-pearl, tortoise inlays, and exquisite blue and white Iznik tiles. Other palace architectural features include marble stairs and reflecting pools.
Read more in Tripatini contributor Mohamed Esmaeil's post The Top 10 Attractions for Visitors in Istanbul.
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