Some of the most beautiful and magnificent palaces of the world were once the home of great kings and lords. Palaces on some magic way impress with its masterful and glorious architectural style which are built. One of the most fascinating palaces is Topkapi Palace.

From the time of the construction, Topkapi Palace continued to develop. Its complex was spread, several times restored and expanded. In 1924 it was turned into a museum and now is one of the main tourist attractions of Istanbul.

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by damian entwistle via Flickr

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by Xiquinho Silva via Flickr

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by Xiquinho Silva via Flickr

When we say Topkapi Palace, the most of people immediately think of harem. Although behind the thick walls of the magnificent buildings is hiding harem, but Topkapi Palace still keeps a rich treasury and valuable historical documents. This large and beautiful complex is located on the coast in Istanbul, Turkey. Topkapi Palace was built as the Sultan’s palace between 1472 and 1478, when Sultan Mohammed II occupied Constantinople. This extremely important palace was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for more than four centuries. Topkapi Palace is surrounded by walls which are 5 km long and covers an area of 592.600 m². It is a classic example of Ottoman architecture and composed of several connected buildings and several landscaped courtyards.

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by Xiquinho Silva via Flickr

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by budget travel accommoda via Flickr

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by Juan Lobo via Flickr

In this palace you can found the holiest relics of the Muslim religion, such as the cloak and sword of the Prophet Muhammad. Topkapi Palace was home to over 4,000 people. The whole complex was enlarged over the centuries and today contains mosques, hospitals, kitchens, bakeries and foundry. The entire complex has enormous rooms with beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture and a large collection of porcelain, clothing, weapons, calligraphic manuscripts and murals as a large collection of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by Emmanuel PARENT via Flickr

Main Tourist Attraction of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Image by alex.ch via Flickr