Istanbul: Day 2 - Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) is huge. The palace is located on the Sarayburnu (the Seraglio Point). The initial construction of the palace began in 1459 under Sultan Mehmed II. There are five main areas - First Court, Second Court, Third Court, Fourth Court and the Harem. The palace is just near the Aya Sophia. Check out the 18th century Fountain of Ahmet III near the gate. My hubby was standing at the Imperial Gate of the palace. We came into the First Court and purchased the entrance ticket through the counter next to the Turkey Craft Shop. The entrance fee to the palace is 10 lira per person. We entered the Second Court through the Gate of Salutation (with two pointed roofs). Then we passed the Audience Hall and the Library of Sultan Ahmet (III), the Divan - below.

We visited many beautiful artefacts and Imperial costumes. The Pavilion of the Holy Mantle is particularly important for this visit. Here many important religious relics - the Sacred Trust were on display such as the mantle once worn by the Prophet Muhammad, his two swords, his letter where he requested the ruler of Moukavkas to join Islam, his seal, a piece of his tooth which was broken during the Uhud battle, one of his beard, his footprint, the gold-plated covering the holy black stone kaabah and also many other artefacts belong to the close friends of the Prophet Muhammad. Check out the link here for the images of some of these relics and images of the koran selection.

Then we took sometimes to appreciate the splendid view of the Bosphorus from the fourth courtyard area. The two cute teenagers requested earlier on to take photos with me. I noticed many locals curious about where I come from. They also assumed my hubby either Japanese or Korean. We had our lunch at the Konyali Cafe/Restaurant. The foods are expensive but their puddings are so delicious. Bi again got rice pudding and I had Noah Pudding and we also got chicken kebap. We left the Palace to take the metro to Grand Bazaar at Gulhane station.