Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is a large museum located in Istanbul, Turkey, which served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. The palace complex covers an area of over 700,000 square meters and includes multiple courtyards, buildings, and gardens. The palace was built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century and was expanded and renovated by subsequent sultans over the centuries. The palace served as the administrative and ceremonial center of the Ottoman Empire, and its many buildings and rooms were used for a variety of functions, including as the imperial treasury, the seat of government, and the home of the royal family. Today, Topkapi Palace is a popular tourist attraction and is considered to be one of the most important cultural sites in Istanbul. Visitors can explore the palace complex, including the many buildings and rooms that make up the museum, as well as view the extensive collections of artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, and weapons, that are on display. Additionally, the palace grounds offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding Bosporus Strait.