The Topkapi Palace was the main residence of Ottoman Sultans between the 15^th and 19^th centuries.   Visiting the palace gives a fascinating glimpse into what their lives were like during this time frame.

We arrived to the Palace early in the morning, so I was lucky to get a few photos without people in them…

The Palace is huge, so there are lots of angles to take photos from…

Topkapı is a series of pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers, kiosks and sleeping quarters built around a central enclosure.

The view from the Palace was gorgeous!

Another one for my collection of “people taking selfies”…

The sultan was allowed by Islamic law to have four wives, but supported as many as 300 concubines in the Harem, which you had to pay extra to view (but I didn’t).  By the way, I don’t think this is the harem.  Not sure which building was.

Topkapı’s Treasury features an incredible collection of objects made from or decorated with gold, silver, rubies, emeralds, jade, pearls and diamonds.

While I was waiting for the others in my group to finish, one of the workers let me sit down beyond a door meant for “employees only”, and offered me a cup of tea.  He was so kind!

There was a beautiful girl there that allowed me to take her photograph.  I pointed to her hand and told her I thought it was nice.

We spent about 1 1/2 hours going through all of the buildings!