Topkapi Palace and Leaving Istanbul

Our last excursion in Istanbul before heading to Ankara was the luxurious Topkapi Palace. This palace was last inhabited by the Ottoman Sultans before Turkey gained it's independence. It is an enormous compound with thick walls to protect it. There are extensive gardens, beautiful buildings which are mind boggling in their decor and embellishments. Currently the grounds are a museum, and also house some of the Turkish government functions, such at the mint. Because the grounds and buildings are so extensive, there is almost always some kind of restoration activity happening here.

Taylan lead us through several portions of the compound, then we had time to wander about on our own. The throne room is exquisite, with balusters covered in intricate patterns of Mother-of-Pearl inlays. The tiles are so beautiful, it is difficult to think of the best word to define them. We visited the Hareem, quite the digs, at least for the favorite wives! It was interesting to learn that the Sultan's mother was generally the one who chose the favorites. She had a very political position, from so many aspects.

There was a museum with many artifacts from the Prophet Mohamed and his followers. There is always an Imam there singing the verses of the Koran. There is also always a line of people there to view the umpteen swords, daggers and robes that purportedly belonged to the intimate followers of Mohamed. The lilting voice of the Imam gave a hush to the crowd and made the experience unusual.

The gardens and grounds are beautiful. Wild parrots fly about in ancient trees. Flowers of all types were blooming, I imagine there are flowers blooming there all season long. It was relaxing to stroll about and take a peek in here and there to try to at least get a glimpse of as much as possible. The museum stores are worth going into. Reasonably priced items and excellent books (available in English) abound. Some very nice quality scarves and other mementos are also available.

After a very long morning at the Palace, we boarded our very comfortable coach and headed out through the winding narrow old town streets to the modern highway and over the Bosporus Bridge towards the capital city of Ankara, about a five hour ride inland. Thankfully our driver, Mr. Cadiz, is an expert in maneuvering that huge bus through the tiny old town streets, we are all in awe of his skills!

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