Monday, August 19, 2013

Topkapi Palace and the Harem Apartments

I first must say that today was the first day I truly spent by myself.  I rode the mini bus to Uskudar from Umranye, took the boat across to the Bosphorus to Kabatas, jumped on the train until Eminonu, and then walked through the streets to Istanbul Archaeology Museum... AND...  It was closed. Oh well, I walked up the street to Topkapi Palace, which turned out to be amazing!

Topkapi Palace Main Entrance - The Gate of Salutation

Gate of Felicity (Where the Sultan sat during ceremonies)

Topkapi Palace, built between 1459 and 1465, is a marvelous construction of not just one building, but a series of pavilions.  I purchased tickets to see the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Harem Apartments.  I cut the line to get into the Topkapi Museum, saving an hour long wait, and found myself transported back in time.  I saw keys from the Ottoman period that opened government books, swords and bows 4 and 5 feet in length.  I examined gold plated boxes, pitchers, daggers and toys, all of which were detailed with various combinations of rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. I toured a showcase of different costumes worn by sultans, his wives and guards.  I read that after the death of a sultan, his clothes would be folded, ever so neatly, and placed in bags.  Because of this the garments on display are perfectly preserved.

Massive Gold Plated Sword and it's Sheath  (and a selfi)
                                 Stone Carved Jug                                         Emerald Filled Box
                                  Swords                                                Writing Utensil Holder Made of Jade

Passing through the courtyard I took in the surrounding, including 600 year old trees. Inside another pavilion I viewed all different types of clocks.  Some were skeleton in fashion, others sat at work table, some were just for show.


After examining the many artifacts I headed to Harem, a labyrinth of gorgeous rooms where the sultan's wives and concubines lived.  Each wall was covered with detailed İznik styled tiles from the 17th century, or painted with intricate designs.

                  Close-Up of aİznik Tile                                The Fruit Room (Fruit and Flowers Painted)

 Courtyard of the Apartments of the Queen Mother (where the sultans mistresses lived)
 

I'm tired. Goodnight :)


2 comments:

  1. Rob,
    I was able to spend a little bit of time this morning getting caught up on your adventures! Thank you very much for sharing all of your adventures with us. It is exciting to see and read all that you are experiencing. You made some impressive connections very quickly and it looks like you are right at home. The photos are a great touch and I appreciate that you are sharing those with us.
    Keep smiling!
    Taber

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  2. Absolutely incredible! There are so many beautiful things to see and its only been a week!! Thank you for the pictures and for the vivid level of detail & illustrative descriptions, makes us feel like we are almost there with you :) (who knew you were such a good writer lol)

    Glad you are making yourself at home (still cutting lines) & enjoying each of your days to the fullest!

    Miss you already xo

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