Summary of Istanbul, Turkey: Topkapı Palace

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The Topkapi Palace is a historically significant building in Istanbul, Turkey, and was the power center of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years. The palace is a series of courtyards, with the outermost courtyard used for public functions and the inner courtyards used for private functions. The most private courtyard was the harem, where the Sultan lived with his wives and female slaves. Today, the palace is a tourist destination and contains relics of Muhammad and other prophets.

• 00:00:00 The Topkapi Palace is a historically significant building in Istanbul, Turkey, and was the power center of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years. The palace's buildings form a series of courtyards, and the outermost courtyard is used for public functions. The further in you go, the more private the rooms become. Among the most private was the harem, where the Sultan lived with his wives and female slaves. This was the entertainment room and was used for activities like the wedding of the Sultan's daughters. The Sultan also used the divan as a throne. Some of the Sultan's opulence is still on display in the Palace Museum, including the exquisite Topkapi dagger and the dazzling diamonds and golf-ball-sized emeralds on the Ottoman's jewelry. The palace is also a holy spot for Muslims and contains relics of Muhammad and other prophets. The most precious relics are those of Muhammad, including his bow and sword, and his exquisite cases containing his tooth, some hair, and his holy seal. In the adjacent room is the Hafez, someone who has memorized all 6,000 verses of the Quran. The Topkapi Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul.