Turkiye 2023: Topkapi Palace

After a brief look-see around the Sultanahmet area including the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque courtyard, we walked to the next stop on this morning's itinerary, which is the Topkapi Palace. Topkapi Palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans. It is a complex of many buildings. Since we were on a guided tour, the TM had pre-purchased the tickets for us. I understand there is a ticket for the palace and one that covers both the palace and the harem. We only went to see the palace area.

There were so many people going inside the palace. It was so crowded, so that only meant this spot is truly a must visit in Istanbul. The TM (tour manager) guided us past the first courtyard (I read there were three courtyards) and had us join the long line going inside one of the buildings. She picked three of the rooms that she deemed were most worthwhile to visit. However, there were no photography allowed, but my husband sneaked a few shots.

This was the kitchen that was not part of today's tour, although if you're doing this on your own I believe you can see it.

This is the Gate of Felicity, the entrance to the inner court or third courtyard.

Details are tough to photograph due to the crowded state.

This is the building that we visited, the Conqueror's Pavilion.

One of the rooms that we visited had a balcony that overlooks the Bosphorus and we could photograph there.

Once we completed the rooms that the TM handpicked for us, we were allowed to roam on our own and we picked to go see a two-storey building that housed kaftans, armors and other clothing and rugs.

I believe this is the Audience Chamber.

We entered the Library of Ahmed.

The last spot to visit was the Imperial Council, which is where the Imperial Council headed by the Grand Vizier held their meetings.

Outside the palace is this eye-catching structure.

After this visit, the ones that signed up for an Optional Tour of Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar stayed behind, while a few of us who opted out of the afternoon tour went back to the hotel. We have a whole afternoon to ourselves and we already have plans for it.