This year, we've taken the travel editors for the top five publications in America, and sent them on the adventure of a lifetime: a week in Istanbul, the center of ancient civilization, and a new gateway to the Eastern world. Come with us and experience the food, the drink, and the culture, as America's best rediscover one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

[WaPo Summers] The Wonder of the Topkapi Palace

Words cannot describe a visit to the Topkapi Palace, but here's a couple pictures and a brief description for those of you who've never been. (Tip: The place is unbelievable, GO!)

The Beautiful Exterior
Interior Shot

The palace is divided into four unique courtyards. The first is the Courtyard of Janissaries. The Janissaries were branches of the Ottoman army. In this courtyard, there are three very important buildings: Aya Eirine (the Chuch of Divine Peace), the treasury of the Ottoman Empire, and the Istanbul Archeological Museum.

The second courtyard holds the imperial kitchen, storage, rooms, and bakery.

The third courtyard has a hall for visitors of the Sultan. There are also school classrooms and a library.

The fourth courtyard is a garden. There are pavilions and a mosque in this courtyard.

This is truly an unbelievable destination that every visitor to Istanbul should visit. And, even if you're not planning on visiting, maybe it's a reason to go!

[WaPo]

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