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Istanbul - Day 3 - Wednesday 4th May
First visit of the day was to the Topkapi Palace. It began to rain after we entered and continued fitfully until lunch. The palace is very large and arranged over several large courtyards. Some of the areas of the palace could be photographed, in others photography was banned and in some one could not get a good angle or view due to space pressures or crowds of tourists. Whilst our guide was very good, I did lose my way a bit and could not remember as much as I would have liked. All I have been able to do is put up a few photographs which do not really give a good overall portrait of the palace.
The areas toured included the Harem, the Iftariye (Golden Cage) in which lived close male relatives of the Sultan, the Treasury where there were displays of jewellery and other precious items. The jewellery included some very large diamonds and emeralds.
Model of the palace Harem sign Typical tiled fireplace Apartment of Queen Mother Central courtyard of Valide Sultan
Domed ceiling Divan area with central stove Typical tiled wall decoration Audience Chamber Library
After lunch in a waterfront restaurant we paid a quick visit to the Spice Bazaar where a few of us bought spices. Then we went for a private boat cruise on the Bosphorus.
Dolmabahce Palace Four Seasons Hotel One of 2 Bridges over the Bosphorus Castle
The Dolmabahce Palace was built by Sultan Abdul Mecit during the 19th century. The Four Seasons Hotel is another former palace modernised into a very luxurious modern hotel. One bridge was designed by the British engineers Fox Freeman and the other later bridge was a Japanese design. The Byzantine castle was much updated by the Byzantines and later by the Turks. An enormous chain could be suspended between this castle and a similar on the other bank to close the straits. A similar arrangement was built at the southern end of the Dardanelles.
Eyup Sultan
Camii cemetery from the top of the cable car building. The mosque is just out of
shot behind the cable car apparatus.
The Spice Bazaar A typical stall It always seems to be crowded [Top of Page]