BONJOUR À ISTANBUL

Situé dans le centre du vieux monde, Istanbul est un des grandes villes du monde célèbres pour ses monuments historiques et beauties.It scénique magnifique est la seule ville dans le monde qui a réparti deux mensonges de continents:it à un point d'où l'Asie et l'Europe sont séparées par un détroit-étroit Bosphorus.Istanbul a une histoire de sur 2.500 ans, et depuis son établissement sur cette jonction stratégique les terres et les mers, la ville a été un centre commercial crucial.

La ville historique d'Istanbul est située sur une péninsule flanquée de trois côtés de la mer de Marmara, le Bosphorus et le Horn.It d'or a été le capital de trois grands empires, des empires romains, de Byzantine et de tabouret, et plus de pendant plus de 1.600 années 120 empereurs et sultans a régné le monde de here.No que l'autre ville dans le monde peut réclamer une telle distinction.

Pendant son développement, la ville a été agrandie quatre fois, chaque fois que les murs de ville étant reconstruits plus loin à l'ouest.

Entouré par les murs romains de ville du 5ème siècle et l'étirage plus de sept collines, Istanbul est orné par les chefs d'oeuvre de l'art turc, les grands mosques du Sultans qui couronnent les collines. La ville présente un exquis, majestueux et la silhouette de serene de tout le klaxon d'or de directions.The, qui est un port normal très bloqué, a joué un rôle significatif dans le développement de la ville.

La fortune a fourni de tels avantages à Istanbul comme un endroit à une jonction où les itinéraires de force sur terre arrêtent la mer, une péninsule facilement défendable, un climat idéal, une nature riche et généreuse, la commande du Bosphorus stratégique, et une position géographique centrale dans le monde antique.

Comme capital des empires, la ville était un centre non seulement administratif, mais également religieux. Le Patriarchate des chrétiens orientaux a été siégé ici depuis son établissement, et les plus grandes églises et monastères tôt du monde chrétien se sont levées dans cette ville sur le temples.Within pagan par siècle après que la ville ait été conquise, il ont été enrichies avec des mosques, des palais, des écoles, des bains et d'autres monuments architecturaux qui lui ont donné un caractère turc, alors que certaines des églises existantes dans les ruines étaient réparées, changé et converti en mosques.Between le 16ème siècle de le moment où les sultans de tabouret se sont acquis le titre du "Caliph l'Islam" et 1924, la première année de la République, Istanbul étaient également les sièges sociaux des juifs de Caliphate.More arrangés à Istanbul que elles ont été sauvées d'Espagne par les Turcs dans le 15ème century.Istanbul a toujours été une ville de tolérance où les mosques, les églises et les synagogues ont existé côté par la ville de side.The ont été ornés avec un grand nombre de travaux brillants et impressionnants même pendant la période du déclin des tabourets.

Pendant ce temps, l'influence de l'art européen s'est faite le feutre dans les nouveaux palais, alors que les pentes nordiques des zones d'or de klaxon, de Galata et de Beyoglu assumaient un caractère européen. Même lorsque l'empire, qui était une partie à la guerre mondiale I, s'est effondré et la jeune République qui a remplacé il a déplacé le capital à Ankara, Istanbul n'a pas perdu sa signification.


Le développement aléatoire qui a commencé en années la guerre mondiale suivant II et a accéléré dans les années 50 a malheureusement eu un impact négatif sur le tissu de la vieille ville, et tandis que les vieilles maisons en bois disparaissaient rapidement, bâtiments en béton proliférés. Istanbul a éprouvé une explosion de population due à l'immigration, et au cours d'une période très courte il a augmenté lointain au delà des murs historiques de ville. Les secteurs à l'intérieur des murs ont été envahis par des ateliers, des moulins et des bureaux; même les nouvelles voies de communication ne pourraient pas résoudre les problèmes du trafic, et l'insuffisance de l'infrastructure a provoqué un problème de pollution de mer, commençant par le klaxon d'or.

Avec les initiatives pour sauver la ville dans les années 80, Istanbul embarqué sur un processus de la restructuration sur une échelle invisible dans son history.Thousands des bâtiments le long du klaxon d'or ont été démolis pour faire la manière pour une ceinture verte sur ses rivages; des parcs et les jardins ont été construits sur la terre réclamée en remplissant vers le haut des plages de la mer de l'ordre de Marmara.In pour empêcher des canalisations de pollution de mer étaient accomplis et des usines physiques et biologiques de traitement des eaux résiduaires ont été érigées; l'utilisation du gaz naturel pour le chauffage a considérablement réduit la pollution atmosphérique.


Les efforts continuent pour la restauration des murs romains de ville, et Beyoglu, l'artère principale, a été sauvé en établissant un newavenue. Des améliorations ont été apportées dans le nettoyage général d'ihe, entretien, champs de collection d'ordures et ces services sont maintenant aux normes d'Europe occidentale. Sonnez la croix de routes le Bosphorus plus de deux ponts de suspension pour relier les deux continents. Le côté européen a maintenant une vitesse rapides un système de tramway et un souterrain, et le confort et a été assuré dans le transport de mer avec les bornes de hydrofoil établies sur le seashores.All des établissements qu'industriels sur la péninsule historique ont été déplacés à de nouveaux équipements dans les banlieues, et le nouveau terminus de bus international a réduit l'intensité du trafic. La vieille prison et le premier grand bâtiment en béton de la ville ont été livrés au tourisme et convertis en hôtels 5-star.

La ville se développe dynamiquement et se développe à la pleine vitesse sur un axe est-ouest le long des rivages du Marmara.

ISTANBUL De la VUE De l'cOeil D'un OISEAU

Les mers et les terres créées, avec une grande harmonie, la géographie d'Istanbul comme un travail dans le lacet, qui se divise naturellement en vieille ville et Galata de quatre regions:the sur les rivages opposés du klaxon d'or, et les deux côtés du Bosphorus.What étaient de petits différents villages sur le Bosphorus sont maintenant unies pour former des secteurs habités par whole.The s'étendant le long des rivages du Marmara, la plus petite mer sur terre, indiquent que les vastes dimensions que la ville a maintenant atteintes.

La vieille ville est écartée sur les sept collines d'un promontory triangulaire encerclées par 22 kilomètres de murs de ville. C'est le règlement historique qui à différentes heures s'est appelé Byzantium, nouveau ou en second lieu Rome, Constantinopolis ou simplement des "murs de Polis"(The City).The le long du Marmara et du klaxon d'or ont été la plupart du temps détruits au-dessus des âges, mais les murs principaux du côté de landward se tiennent toujours en état relativement bon.

vieux ville être écarter sur sept colline un triangulaire promontory encercler par 22 kilomètre ville walls.This être historique règlement qui différent temps avoir être appeler Byzantium, nouveau ou en second lieu Rome, Constantinopolis ou simple "Polis" (City).The mur le long Marmara et d'or klaxon être la plupart du temps détruire au-dessus âge, mais principal mur landward côté être encore tenir dans relatif bon condition.The au loin occidental côté triangulaire péninsule être lier par terre mur, autre 2 côté par mer mur. mur et remblai Topkapi palais forme apex east.The dernier être situer sur premier sept colline, qui être large et longest.The Topkapi palais être un imposant complexe entourer par mur, comme un ville dans un ville, et être maintenant un musée dans qui extrême valable et important travail être displayed.Hagia Eirene, incomparable rendez-vous festival événement, et Istanbul archéologique musée, unique parmi son pair, être placer dans premier cour palace.One huitième merveille monde, Hagia Sophia musée, Sultan Ahmet(the bleu) Mosque dont beauté mériter son renommée, romain Hippodrome et Basilica

La deuxième colline loge le bazar couvert le plus ancien et plus grand, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, et Cemberlitas (la colonne des ons de C bronzent le tine), un cadeau à la ville quand c'est devenu le capital de l'empire romain.

Le Suleymaniye Mosque et le Fatih Mosque se lèvent, respectivement, sur les troisième et quatrièmes collines, et un bout droit romain d'aqueduc entre les deux hills.Sehzade Mosque et le bâtiment de municipalité sont également des réservoirs romains ouverts colossaux de here.The qui fournissaient l'eau à la ville sont situés sur les autres plus hautes collines. Sultan Selim Mosque est situé sur la cinquième colline et le musée de Kariye sur la pente des sixièmes routes actuelles de hill.The commencent à partir de la place de Hagia Sophia, passent au-dessus des arêtes de ces collines, et de la fourchette pour atteindre les différentes portes de ville, tout suivantes les anciens itinéraires romains.

Les murs de terre avec les battlements de trois-cours qui forment la frontière occidentale sont des exemples splendides de l'architecture militaire romaine. Les murs se déchargent au klaxon d'or dans Eyup dans le nord. Eytip Sultan Mosque, qui donne à la zone son nom, est identifié comme premier mosque construit dans la ville.

Le klaxon d'or est une admission étroite, 8 kilomètres long et formés comme un klaxon. Le meilleur point pour observer la silhouette incomparable d'Istanbul est de la mer, à bord des bateaux qui naviguent du côté asiatique ou de l'entrée au klaxon d'or.

Les eaux polluées du klaxon d'or ont été traitées, et une partie de son population originale de poissons est maintenant retournée, entouré par les parcs et des jardins autour du klaxon d'or, elles attendent le jour quand les dockyards seront enlevés de ces eaux. Le Patriarchate orthodoxe et la petite, charmante église bulgare sont maintenant reliés au rivage opposé au vieux pont de Galata qui a été replacé à ce nouveau musée d'area.The de la famille de Koc dans objets intéressants d'objets exposés de cette zone de divers.

La région de Galata et le Pera contigu présentent une vue qui est tout à fait différente de la vieille zone de town.This, symbolisée la tour de Galata et en montant lentement vers le haut de la colline vers Beyoglu, maintient son aspect original, le legs de sa architecture Européen-influencée le 19ème par siècle.

Voici le deuxième chemin de fer au fond le plus ancien en Europe, le tunnel, qui est toujours le plus court au monde. L'extrémité supérieure du tunnel marque le commencement de l'avenue d'Istiklal. C'est une rue piétonnière, excepté les tramways démodées qui ont été encore mises en service, et il est entouré par les bâtiments des missions étrangères - les anciennes ambassades qui ont été converties en consulats dans l'ère républicaine.

Le musée de la littérature de Divan à l'extrémité de tunnel de l'avenue est logé dans un beau bâtiment qui était un Mevlevi Tekke (monastère de Dervish) (18ème cent.).Halfway sur l'avenue là est le lycée bien connu de Galatasaray, et à travers la rue le marché de fleur avec ses restaurants et stands colorés et charmants de poissons et de légume. Les cinémas, les théâtres, les cafés, les restaurants et les barres rayent l'avenue jusqu'à la place de Taksim. L'avenue a récupéré aujourd'hui son ancien briller, animé, serré des jours et des nuits. Un monument saisissant dépeignant la guerre nationale de libération des Turcs, d'Ataturk et de ses amis orne la place de Taksim. Sous la place est la borne principale du nouveau système de metro, et le côté nordique est occupé par le centre culturel d'Ataturk.

Les 5-star Hyatt et hôtels intercontinentaux sont situés dans le parc de Taksim, et Istanbul Hilton est voisin. Hilton était le premier hôtel de cette classe établie en Turquie (1955), et il est toujours le plus célèbre et le meilleur.

La Chambre par radio, le musée militaire d'Istanbul qui est un des musées les plus riches de ce type, de palais du congrès de Lutfu Kirdar et de l'Amphitheater sont également dans ce secteur. Au nord, il y a le Nisantasi et les zones $$i§li animés avec leurs petites boutiques et nombreuses galeries de peinture et d'art. Suite au nord, dans Etiler, Akmerkez présente de nouvelles et diverses occasions d'achats. Les bâtiments grands construits dans ce secteur ont changé l'horizon de la ville.

C'est un plaisir sans égal de se tenir sur le nouveau pont de Galata et pour observer la vue majestueuse et impressionnante de Suleymaniye Mosque, un des travaux monumentaux les plus beaux dans l'histoire d'architecture.Across le pont sont le Valide Mosque et Misir Carsisi (marché égyptien). Le marché, qui était à l'origine réservé pour les négociants d'épice, est la deuxième plus grande et la plus animée localité dans la ville avec 100 magasins.

À côté des magasins traditionnels d'épices et d'herbes, il y a maintenant d'autres qui s'occupent de divers produits et de fruits secs, et l'extérieur le bâtiment là sont des fournisseurs de poissons, de fruit et de fleur. Course régulière de voyages de bateau vers les rivages asiatiques, Uskudar et Kadikoy, le Bosphorus et l'Islands des princes des piliers à côté du pont. Les passants ont toujours la chance d'apprécier les sandwichs à poissons, à pain et à oignon vendus sur le bord de mer.

La station de train de Sirkeci, immobile se rappelant les anciens temps glorieux de l'Orient expriment, ornent la place de Sirkeci avec son architecture intéressante, et le Sepetciler Kasri sur le rivage sert les journalistes internationaux pendant qu'un centre de pression. Le bureau du gouverneur d'Istanbul est situé sur la rue historique de Bab-i Ali qui s'élève vers le haut de la place de Sirkeci.

Le quay s'étendant entre Tophane et le pont de Galata est réservé pour les bateaux de touristes. Les millions de touristes visitent la ville en le bateau pendant la saison entre avril et octobre. Le bâtiment de Dessus-hane a été réorganisé dans une galerie pour servir la vie culturelle de la ville.

Quelques kilomètres plus loin, le palais de Dolmabahge et le Mosque ressemblent à des boîtes de bijoux embellishing les rivages du Bosphorus.On que la colline derrière le palais se lève l'hôtel du Suisse 5-star. D'ici, un bidon Europe.see Uskudar et les collines de Camhca sur le rivage opposé et les beautés du palais de Topkapi et du Hagia Sophia à l'ouest.

La pleine longueur (30 kilomètres) du Bosphorus en tant que que lui des vents comme un fleuve vers la Mer Noire peuvent seulement être vus de l'air.As un voyage vers le haut du Bosphorus une série de lac-comme vues dévoile autour de chaque courbure. Les rivages sont ornés avec des palais, des mosques et des résidences de waterside, et le greenery des pentes et des collines est reflété dans les vieilles forteresses de waters.The et deux ponts modernes de suspension se tiennent observants ces beautés de nature.

Les gulls blancs suivent les yachts blancs de ships.While et les bateaux glissent le long des eaux bleu-foncé, les pétroliers géants remplis de l'huile à partir des terres de la Mer Noire apparaissent comme les fantômes foncés autour des promontories, constituant des menaces sérieuses à cette voie d'eau incomparable. Tandis que le reste des eaux du scintillement de Bosphorus la nuit avec les lumières réfléchies, les sections nordiques vertes sont fermés au développement.

Uskudar est une zone historique qui s'est développée pendant que le dernier arrêt des routes des mosques d'Asia.Beautiful décorent la zone qui est le passage le plus court en Europe.

Les pentes des collines de £amlica sont couvertes de cyprès et de nouveaux et vieux cimetières. La grande colline de Camhca est un endroit de pique-nique et du parc ici on peut voir un Vista de toute la ville.

Une route le long du bord de la mer mène à Kadikoy, offrant un panorama de la tour de Leander et les travaux majestueux sur la péninsule opposite.Some des bâtiments caractéristiques de ce secteur sont les casernes de Selimiye (ou hôpital de rossignol de Florence, car lui est meilleur connu dans le west), qui est le plus grand vieux bâtiment dans la ville, le lycée de Haydarpasa qui est maintenant une partie d'un campus d'université, et la station de train de Haydarpasa a construit dans les équipements gauches commerciaux architecturaux prussiens d'un style.The de la ligne de ville le rivage.

Selon les mythes, Kadikoy était le premier règlement dans cette région. C'est une zone paisible connue pour son marché typique, le beau compartiment de Moda, le parc et les marinas de Fenerbahge, et l'avenue moderne de Bagdat. Malheureusement, la plupart des beaux vieux manoirs et les villas avec les grands jardins qui ont caractérisé la région ont été les victimes des activités excessives de développement. Islands des princes maintenez toujours la distinction d'être parmi les principales ressources de la ville.

Le temps de déplacement vers les îles s'est raccourci par les nouveaux chariots dessinés par catamarans.Horse sont les seuls véhicules permis là. Summerhouses et jardins bien-inquiétés sont situés près du piers.It est à la mode pour prendre à des excursions sur ces derniers les îles pin-couvertes au printemps et l'été, mais ils sont abandonnés en hiver, bien que chaque saison ait ses propres beautés. Islands des princes soyez particulièrement populaire pour des pique-niques, en se baignant et en faisant de la navigation de plaisance aux week-ends.

SULTANAHMET SQUARE

The first of the seven hills on the promontory has been the most important and dynamic part of the city in all ages. When the city was first founded, the acropolis was a typical Mediterranean trading center surrounded by city walls. This trading center was enlarged and rebuilt during Roman times. The most prominent buildings and monuments of the Roman era were built in the vicinity of the Hippodrome. Very few relics of these works have endured to the present day.

The imperial palace, known as the "Great Palace", used to spread over an area extending from the Hippodrome down to the seashore. Only the mosaic floor panel of a large hall remains from this palace today. The Augusteion, the most important square of the city, used to be here, and between the square and the main avenue there was the Millairium victory arch. The road used to extend as far as Rome and the stone marking the first kilometer was located here. The baths, temples, religious, cultural, administrative and social centers were all in this district. The area maintained its importance in the Byzantine and Turkish eras. Therefore some of the most important monuments of Istanbul such as the Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and the Basilica Cistern are all located around the Hippodrome.




The main streets in the city (those leading down to the harbor and those extending toward the city walls in the west) started at the Hippodrome and followed the slopes of the hills. The streets were lined with business establishments and mansions. The side streets were narrow and some were stepped. Some of the main streets had two-galleried sidewalks. There were spacious squares along the route and the side roads forking from these squares led to the city gates. The main avenue was called the Mese, and Via Egnetia, the road to Rome, started at the Golden Gate (Altmkapi).

Hippodrome means square for horses. The Hippodrome was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus towards the end of the 2nc* century and it was extended to an immense size by Constantine the Great. Some historians claim that it could seat thirty thousand spectators, while others put the figure at sixty thousand. The main attraction was the two or four-horse chariot races. In Roman and Byzantine times, the Hippodrome served as the city's main meeting, entertainment and sports center until the 10tn century. Like many of the other monuments in the city, it lost its importance with the Latin invasion in 1204. Besides the chariot races and gladiator fights with wild animals, there were performances by musicians, dancers and acrobats. There were many public holidays during Roman times to allow opportunities for all these activities.

The Hippodrome was shaped like a gigantic "U" and the imperial box, built like a balcony with four bronze horses on its roof, was situated on the eastern side. The sand-covered surface of the Hippodrome was divided into two by a low wall around which the chariots raced. On this wall stood monuments brought here from different corners of the empire and the statues of famous riders and their horses. Successful chariot drivers were very wealthy and could have anything they wanted. Originally there were 4 teams of drivers whose supporters' clubs formed large quarrelling factions and competed for position and prestige in the city. From time to time politics intermingled with the races, and the clashes between competing forces turned into bloody massacres.

The original ground level of the Hippodrome was 4 or 5 meters lower than the present surface. Three monuments have remained to our day: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the Walled Obelisk. In the Turkish era, too, festivals, ^ceremonies and performances used to be organized here. The Palace of Ibrahim Pasa opposite Sultan Ahmet Mosque is the sole example of the imposing private residences of the 16th century. This elegant building now houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art.

Only the round southern end of the vast Hippodrome has survived. This is a brick structure decorated with tall vaults. In later ages, all of the stone blocks and columns of the Hippodrome were used for building material. The ruins in the park to the right of the entrance to the Hippodrome belong to 4th" and 5th century private palaces, and a little further along there are the remains of the Byzantine Hagia Euphemia church.

THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK(THE OBELISK OF THEODOSIUS I)

Around 1490 BC the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III erected two obelisks before the Karnak temple in Luxor to commemorate the victories of his forces in Mesopotamia. The obelisks were made of rare pink granite.

In the 4th century AD, an unknown Roman emperor who wanted to accomplish something impressive that would create excitement among his people had the colossal obelisk brought to Istanbul.

For years it was left lying in a corner of the Hippodrome. In 390, during the reign of Theodosius I, it was erected with great difficulty by Proclus, a city administrator. It is the oldest monument in the city and has always been considered magical. The obelisk rests on four bronze blocks on a Roman base decorated with reliefs. These depict the emperor, his children and other prominent personalities watching the races from the imperial box, as well as the spectators, musicians, dancers and chariot races. The obelisk measures 25.60 m including the base.

HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM

Hagia Sophia, which is considered as one of the eight wonders of the world, also occupies a prominent place in the history of art and architecture. It is one of the rare works of this size and age that has survived to our day. The church (called Ayasofya in Turkish) is erroneously known as Saint Sophia in the west. The basilica was not dedicated to a saint named Sophia, but to Divine Wisdom.

This was the site of a pagan temple, and the three separate basilicas built here in different times were all called by the same name. Although no churches were built during the reign of Constantine the Great, some sources maintain that the first Hagia Sophia basilica was built by him. Actually, the first small basilica with a wooden roof was constructed in the second half of the 4th century by Constantinius, the son of Constantine the Great.

This church burnt during the riots in 404, and a second and larger basilica that replaced it was inaugurated in 415. During the bloody uprising of 532 that broke out at a chariot race in the Hippodrome, ten thousands of the inhabitants of the city were killed and numerous building destroyed.

The Hagia Sophia church was among the structures burnt during this so-called "Nika" revolt which was directed against Emperor Justinian.

When Justinian finally suppressed the revolt, he decided to build a house of worship "the like of which has not been seen since Adam, nor will it be seen in the future." Construction started in 532 over the remains of the previous basilica and it was completed in five years. In the year 537, elaborate ceremonies were organized for the dedication of this largest church of Christendom. The emperor spared no expense for his church and placed the state treasury at the disposal of the architects, Antheius of Tralles and mathematician Isidorus of Miletus. The design of the dome followed in the tradition of Roman architecture, and the plan of the basilica was even older. Round buildings had been successfully covered with domes before. But in Hagia Sophia, Justinian was attempting for the first time in the history of architecture to build a gigantic central dome over a rectangular plan.

Priests kept intoning prayers throughout the construction. Marbles and columns taken from the remains of earlier eras from almost all parts of the empire were used for building material. Later many esoteric stories were invented to explain the origin of these materials, particularly the columns, which were gathered from such far ranging sources.

During the reign of Justinian, Hagia Sophia was a manifestation of refinement and pomp, but in later eras it turned into a legend and a symbol.

Because of its dimensions which could not be surpassed for the next thousand years and the financial and technical difficulties involved in its construction, people believed that such a building could not have been achieved without the assistance of supernatural powers. Although Hagia Sophia is a 6th century Byzantine work, it is an "experiment" in the Roman architectural tradition that has neither a predecessor nor a duplicate. The contrast between the interior and the exterior and the large dome are legacies of Rome. The outer appearance is not elegant; it was built as a shell, without much care for proportions. On the other hand, the interior is as splendid and captivating as a palace. As a whole, it is an "imperial" structure.

During the dedication ceremony, the emperor could not suppress his excitement. He entered the church in a chariot, thanked God, and shouted that he had outdone King Solomon.

The basilica developed into a large religious center with tall buildings surrounding it. The scene was now set for the clashes between the Byzantine emperors and the Eastern Church that would last for centuries.

Despite its uniqueness and magnificence, the structure has some vital faults. The most important problem was the enormous size of the dome and the pressure it exerted on the side walls. The architectural elements necessary for transmitting the weight of such a dome to the foundations were not fully developed at that time.

In time the side walls kept leaning outwards and the original low dome collapsed in 558. The second dome to be constructed was much higher and reduced in diameter, but almost half of this dome also collapsed twice, in the 10th and 14th centuries. Vast sums were spent in all ages for the upkeep of Hagia Sophia. The immediate restorations undertaken after the Turkish conquest in 1453 to convert it into a mosque saved this beautiful building. Among the major restorations at later times were the buttresses built by Turkish architect Sinan in the 16th century, the restoration by the Fossafi brothers in mid-19th century, and the repairs including the fortification of the dome with iron bands after 1930. Existing modern portable metal scaffolding will make future restoration work easier.

After serving two different religions with the same god, 916 years as a church and 477 years as a mosque, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum on Ataturk's orders. Between 1930 and 1935 the whitewash on the walls was cleaned to reveal mosaics, which are among the most important examples of Byzantine art.


A TOUR OF THE MUSEUM

The entrance to the museum from the courtyard is the original west gate, which has now been put to use again after centuries. Next to the entrance is the remains of the earlier (the second) basilica. Those who were not baptized could only enter to the outer nartexs, from which five doors give entrance to the inner narthex (porch), and from here nine more doors lead into the nave.

The tall door in the middle was the Imperial Entrance. The mosaic panel above the door dates to end-9th century. In the center of the panel Christ the Pantocrator (Almighty) sits on a throne and an emperor pleads him for divine mercy. One of the two roundels on both sides depicts Virgin Mary and the other Archangel Gabriel. The non-figurative mosaics on the ceiling of the inner narthex and the side naves are from the time of Justinian.




An overwhelmingly magnificent nave welcomes the visitor. The dome makes itself felt from the very first step. It gives the impression of being suspended in the air and covers the entire space. The walls and the ceilings are covered with marble and mosaics, creating a colorful appearance. The three different tones of color observed in the mosaic decorations of the dome indicate three different restorations. It is still one of the largest domes in the world with its height and diameter. Due to later restorations, the 55.60 meter high dome is not perfectly round. Its diameter measures 31.87 m from north to south and 30.87 m from east to west. Four winged angels with their faces covered decorate the four pendentives which support the dome. The wide rectangular central space, measuring 74.67 x 69.80 m, is divided from the dark side naves by columns. There are altogether 107 columns on the ground floor and the galleries. The marble column capitals of Hagia Sophia are the most characteristic and distinctive examples of the 6th century classical Byzantine decorative art in the building. The deep carvings on the marble, in typical medieval style, produce impressive effects of light and shadow. In the center there are imperial monograms.

The antique porphyry columns in the corners, the central columns of green Salonika marble, and the richly decorated white marble capitals on all columns take the visitor back to ancient times.

To appreciate Hagia Sophia fully, one should try to look at it not just as an empty museum, but as the magnificent and mystical church or mosque it once was. While it was the mother church of a great empire, the section in front of the apse, the altar, the ambo (pulpit) and the ceremonial objects were all plated in gold and silver and decorated with ivory and jewels. Even some of the doors were covered with such precious metals. The Latin invaders of the 4th Crusade tore all of these down and carried them to Europe, together with some architectural fragments.

A mosaic panel depicting the Christ-Child and the Virgin decorates the conch of the apse. Another angels figure on the opposite wall has not survived intact.

The huge leather medallions, 7.5 in in diameter, hanging from the walls at gallery level and the inscriptions on the dome remind us of its days as a mosque.

These are the works of master calligraphers of the mid-19th century. The medallions contain the word "Allah" and the names of Prophet Mohammed, the first four caliphs, and Hasan and Huseyin, the grandchildren of the prophet. The mihrab in the apse, the stained glass windows over the mihrab and minber, the raised platform for the chanters are Turkish additions.

On the floor of the nave, there is a square area paved with colored marble pieces. Emperors used to be crowned here and it dates probably to the 12th century.

Two round urns made of high quality marble are placed on each side of the entrance to the central nave. These antique urns were brought from Pergamum in the 16th century.

In the northern corner of the church is the "sweating column". A bronze belt encircles the lower section and there is a hole big enough to insert a finger. There are many legends and stories about the column. A ramp inside the first northern buttress gives access to the upper galleries. The magnificent central nave looks completely different when seen trom the galleries surrounding the three sides.

In the galleries there were sections reserved for the ladies of the imperial family and the meetings of the church council. In the northern wing there is a mosaic panel, and there are three panels, each with groups of three figures, in the southern wing.

In the southern gallery the light from a window nearby illuminates a masterpiece of Byzantine mosaic art. The panel, called "Deesis", represents the last judgment and is a composition of three figures: Jesus is seen in the center, flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. The unusual arrangement of the mosaics in the background highlights the beauty of the figures, and the facial expressions are extremely realistic.

At the far end of the southern gallery a panel from the 12th century depicts the Virgin Mary and Christ-Child, the Emperor Comnenus II, and the Empress Eirene, while the panel on the side wall portrays the ailing Prince Alexius. The racial features of the Empress, who was of Hungarian origin, i.e. her light complexion and hair, can be clearly distinguished.

In a second panel here, Christ is seated on the throne and beside him stand the Empress Zoe and her third husband Constantine Monomachos. The mosaic originally depicted the first husband of Zoe, but the face and the inscription above were redone to suit Constantine. In this panel, the offerings of the members of the royal family, a pouch and a scroll symbolize their donations to the church.

The large panel seen while leaving the inner narthex is from the 10th century. The figures with distorted perspectives represent the Virgin and the Christ-Child in the center, with Constantine the Great offering a model of the city on the right, and Justinian offering a model of Hagia Sophia on the left. The huge bronze doors at the exit that are partially embedded in the floor are from the 2nd century BC and were probably brought here from a pagan temple in Tarsus.

In the garden of the museum there are Turkish buildings from various periods, such as the tombs of sultans, a school, the clock-winding house and the ablution fountain. The minarets on the eastern side were added in the 15th century and those on the west side in the 16th century.

HISTORY OF ISTANBUL

Across the country,there are thousands of archeological sites,historical places and ancient cities,as well as magnificent scenic spots and natural wonders.Since Roman times, Asiatic Turkey has been known as both "Asia Minor" and "Anatolia".The European part of Turkey is called Thrace.

These lands have been continually inhabited since the Stone Age.Because Anatolia is located like a natural bridge between continents, no other country in the world has acquired so many historical treasures.

The Aegean Sea, the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus form the western boundaries of the Anatolian peninsula.Be side the Dardanelles are the ruins of the famous city of Troy — a memento of thousands of years of history- and on the shores of the Bosphorus rises Istanbul in all her beauty and splendor,keeping the memories of her past alive.

There are many legends related to the foundation of Istanbul.According to the best known one, around 650 BC, a sea tribe from the Aegean left their city Megara and began to look for a new homeland under the leadership of Byzas.

According to the customs of the age,before any such undertaking an oracle had to be consulted. The oracle in the Apollo temple in the famous town of Delphi advised Byzas to settle opposite the "land of the blind".The migrants searched for such a land for a long time. When they came to the headland of present-day Istanbul,they were delighted with the fertile lands and the advantages offered by the natural harbor,the Golden Horn.They also noticed the people living across the stretch of water. The migrants decided that those people must have been blind if they could not appreciate the opportunities of this ideal place and settled on the opposite shore,and they were convinced that they had found the land the oracle had described.

Excavations have revealed finds dating back to the 3rd millennium BC at the tip of the Golden Horn and on the Asian side.

The city of Byzantium existed as an independent state, but succumbed from time to time to the superior powers ruling the region.The acropolis of the city stood where Topkapi Palace stands today.It had a well-protected harbor,still used today, in the Golden Horn.A fortified city wall starting here surrounded the city and reached the Sea of Marmara.Byzantium was an important seaport and a center of trade under the Roman Empire. However,it sided with the wrong party during a struggle for the throne in 191 AD, and after a siege that lasted two years,it was conquered and razed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus.The same emperor later reconstructed the city on a larger scale.New city walls were built and the city was adorned with new buildings.

By the 4th century AD the Roman Empire had expanded considerably,and the capital Rome lost its central position in the empire.While looking for another city as his new capital,the Emperor Constantine the Great finally chose Istanbul, realizing the strategic position of the city at the intersection of sea and land routes and the importance of its perfect climate.

New city walls were constructed,enlarging the city again,and numerous temples,governments, palaces,baths and a hippodrome were built .

Finally in 330 AD it was officially declared . the capital of the Roman Empire.Many ceremonies were organized for the occasion,which marked the beginning of a golden age.Although the city was initially called the Second Rome or New Rome,these names were soon forgotten to be replaced by "Byzantium" and in later ages by "Constantinopolis",while the people favored the name "Polis".

The successors of Constantine the Great continued to improve and beautify the city by building new avenues, aqueducts, monuments and edifices. The first churches in the city were also built after the time of Constantine.

The Roman Empire was divided into two in 395 AD. Although the Western Empire collapsed in the 5th century, the Eastern Empire, which was administered from the capital, Istanbul survived for over 1,000 years afterwards.

This empire was named as the Byzantine Empire by modern historians.Byzantium had a very interesting history,because its development was influenced both by the earlier Anatolian civilizations and, more importantly, by Christianity; its laws and rules were adopted from Rome, but its pomp and ceremonies from the East.

The city was enlarged once more with the erection of new city walls in the first half of the 5th century. The magnificent city walls on the landward side that we see today were built by Emperor Theodosrus If. They are 6,492 m long. In the 6th century, the city, that now had a population of over half a million, lived through another golden age during the reign of Emperor Justinian. The famous Hagia Sophia is the work ot this emperor.

The later history of the Byzantine Empire and its capital Istanbul is filled with palace and church intrigues and Persian and Arab attacks. The throne frequently changed hands after bloody feuds between royal families. Between 726-842, all kinds of religious images were outlawed in the city during the iconoclastic movement.This led to much destruction (and much concealment) of paintings and statues.


The Latin invasion was a dark page in the history of Istanbul. It started with the invasion of the city by the armies of the Fourth Crusade in 1204,and for many years all the churches, monasteries and monuments in the city were robbed of their treasures.Although the Byzantines regained control of the city in 1261,Istanbul never fully recovered its former wealth.

increasing threats of the expanding Ottoman Empire finally came to an climax when, following a siege of fifty-three days in 1453, the city was captured by the Turks.The large caliber cannons of Sultan Mehmet,the Conqueror, used for the first time in history, were one of the factors that enabled the Turks to penetrate the city walls of Istanbul.Another factor contributing to the conquest was that the Byzantine Empire had reached the end of its natural life span.

Mehmet,who was only 21 years old then,moved the capital of the Ottoman Empire to Istanbul, increased the population of the city by bringing in immigrants from different regions of the country, and started to reconstruct the deserted and wrecked city.He granted freedom of worship and social rights to the former inhabitants.

It was thanks to the rights granted by Mehmet that the Patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox is even today located in Istanbul.Some of the dilapidated churches in the city, including Hagia Sophia,were renovated and converted into mosques.

Istanbul was fully reconstructed within a short period after it was conquered by the Turks.A century later,Turkish art had left its mark on the city, and domes and minarets dominated the skyline.

In the 16th century,when the Ottoman Sultans assumed the office of Caliphate,(chief civil and religious authority of Islam) Istanbul became the center of the Islamic world as well. The city was totally reconstructed and acquired a magical ambiance under the sultans. Although no wars featured in Istanbul's history during this time, frequent fires repeatedly devastated large sections of the city.

The Imperial Topkapi Palace built on the site of the old acropolis commands an extraordinarily beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. As a result of closer contacts with the West, mosques and palaces in European style were built along the shores of the Bosphorus by the 19th century.

These numerous palaces, built in a very short time, also symbolize the decline of another empire. For at the end of World War I Istanbul witnessed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

The Ottoman Empire was broken up and while the internal and external enemies were fighting among themselves for a larger share of the spoils, one of the valiant commanders of the Turkish army was engaged in a struggle on behalf of the Turkish Nation.

This national hero, Mustafa Kemal,founded the Republic of Turkey after a war of independence that lasted more than four years.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk assumed the Presidency of this first republic in Asia, and changed the course of his country toward the principles of western civilization. The Sultan and his family were exiled, the Caliphate was abolished, the Latin alphabet was adopted, the fez and veil were outlawed,and women were granted voting rights.

By the time Ataturk died in 1938,the Republic of Turkey was already recognized as a member of the western world. The relocation of the capital to Ankara never reduced the importance of Istanbul,and this incomparable city continued to maintain its enchanting appearance and life style.

The Republic of Turkey has now proceeded for 75 years on the path of reason,based on scientific thought and facts,that was pointed out by Ataturk.

The people of the country are determined to continue their march in the direction of contemporary civilization.The next millennium will be an even more prosperous age for the secular and democratic republic.The citizens of the country will follow in the footsteps of Ataturk as individuals who are independent, enlightened,unfettered in life and religion, at liberty in prayer and education, free in will, and loyal to the country.

CLIMATE OF ISTANBUL

The inhabitants of Istanbul enjoy all four seasons. The characteristic weather here is a somewhat cooler version of the Mediterranean climate:a short spring,ideal summer temperatures, a long autumn with blue skies,and a rainy winter...The Bosphorus dons the purple of the Judas-tree groves in the spring.The parks and gardens are decorated with tulips and other flowers.March is a cool, rainy month,but April and May are exactly what one expects of the spring. June is half spring,half summer.An old saying advises one "not to bathe in the sea before you see the rind of a watermelon".It is possible to bathe in the seas of Istanbul until the end of September. In July and August, except for perhaps two or three hot weeks, there are sometimes even cloudy or cool days. The weather can be undependable in a region with such a blending of lands and seas.Morning clouds may clear toward noon and invite the sun. Autumn is the longest season,and during the larger part of the year the morning haze makes the skies as bright as mother-of-pearl. During the winter months from December to March one needs a raincoat,a thick coat,and sometimes even a fur. There are few days of frost or snow.The main winds throughout the year are the cool and rainy "poyraz" from the south,and the warm "lodos" from the south.The last severe winter within the city boundaries was experienced in 1978 when the airport had to be closed partially for three days.For those who long for the snow,the winter sports center in Uludag, Bursa is not far away.

Average annual temperature: 13.7°C (56.6 °F)
Coldest month: February 5°C (41°F)
Hottest months: July-August 22-23°C (72-74°F)
Average annual precipitation: 691mm (27 inches)
Average snowy days: 7

Alongside the efforts involving wastewater infrastructure, the seawaters are in the process of being cleaned and Istanbul is returning to its pre-pollution times of rich bathing opportunities.The beaches on the coast of the Black Sea,the Marmara, and the Princes' Islands are all less than one hour away from the center,and swimming is possible throughout the summer months.

Only experienced swimmers should attempt the currents of the cool Bosphorus.On windy days, the Black Sea is like the ocean.No other city in the world has beaches that are so safe and so close to the city,and seawaters with salt levels to suit every taste.Older inhabitants remember the days when they bathed in the Golden Horn;maybe it will be possible to do so again before the year 2004.

CITY TOURS

The historic city of Istanbul forms a unified whole with the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Nowhere else can one find the wonders of nature, human artifacts,the testimony of the past and the bustle of everyday life in such close relationship.For those who will remain briefly in the city,there are day tours including the important historical sites, museums,the famous Covered Bazaar and its vicinity.These tours leave from the hotels or the port and visit the masterpieces on the historical promontory in half-day programs.The important sites are the Hagia Sophia,one of Galata Tower from which one can see the best view of the city; the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, the richest palace in the world; the famous Archeological Museums;the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum;the Spice Bazaar,and many other historical sites. The performances of belly dancers and folk dancers add color to night tours. The air and seaports of Istanbul are located on the European side. For those who have never stepped on Asian soil before, a boat trip or the bridges over the Bosphorus offer a wonderful opportunity.Over the suspension bridges and from Great Camhca Hill on the Asian side, one can get a bird's eye view of the city and the Bosphorus.The Princes' Islands, one hour by ferryboat and the eight wonders of the world, the Suleymaniye Mosque,Sultan Ahmet Mosque,the Hippodrome and the Topkapi Palace Museum. This is the classical one-day tour, but there are many specialized tours for Roman, Byzantine and Turkish monuments,the Bosphorus or the Asian shores, which will make the visitor return to his country with unforgettable memories.Minimums of three or four days are necessary to really get to know Istanbul.

These should include a visit to the Roman city walls; the well-known Kariye Museum decorated with late Byzantine frescoes and mosaics;half an hour by catamarans from the city center,are ideal places for relaxation, recreation,hiking, swimming or phaeton tours.In addition to the city tours offered by travel agencies,luxury limousine services are also available for tours. Shopping opportunities are many and varied in Istanbul.The Covered Bazaar and the well-known shops at its entrance,Akmerkez, Galeria,Capitol and similar malls,the designer boutiques in Beyoglu and Nisantasi,and the stores on Bagdat Avenue are open the whole year.

TOPKAPI PALACE

Topkapi is the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to our day. In 1924 it was turned into a museum at Atatiirk's request. Situated on the acropolis, the site of the first settlement in Istanbul, it commands an impressive view of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is a complex surrounded by 5 km of walls and occupies an area of 700,000 sq. m at the tip of the historical peninsula.

Following the conquest of the city in 1453, the young Sultan Mehmet moved the capital of the empire to Istanbul, His first palace was located in the middle of the town. The second palace, which he built in the 1470's, was initially called the New Palace, but in recent times it came to be known as the Topkapi Palace. Topkapi is a classical example of Turkish palace architecture. It consists of tree- shaded courtyards, each serving a different purpose and opening onto one another with monumental gates. The courtyards are surrounded by functional buildings. From the time of its construction, the palace developed constantly with alterations and additions made by each sultan.

When the sultans moved to the ostentatious Dolmabahce Palace in 1853, Topkapi lost its importance as the official royal residence and was left to deteriorate. It finally regained its former unpretentious beauty after fifty years of continuous restoration in the Republican era. Most of the objects exhibited in the palace today are unique masterpieces.

When it was used as a palace, it served more functions than one usually associates with royal residences. Although it was the residence of the Sultan, the sole ruler of the empire, it was at the same time the center of the administrative affairs, the place where the council of ministers met, and the treasury, mint, and state archives were located there. The highest educational institution of the empire, the university of the sultan and the state was also here. Therefore it was the heart, the brain, the very center of the Ottoman Empire. Much later, the harem (private quarters) of the sultans was moved here too.

Of the sixteen empires founded by the Turks, the Ottoman Empire was the longest lasting and the largest. It lasted for 622 years ruling over the Asian, European and African lands surrounding the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Peoples of different races and religions were united under its rule. The only other empire in history that governed such vast lands for such a long period was the Roman Empire.

Thirty-six sultans reigned during this period, and starting from early 16th century, they also became the religious leaders of the Islamic world as caliphs.

Capable civil servants, after completing their education in the school in the private courtyard of the sultan, served faithfully and successfully in the administration and organization of the empire. Most of the viziers and grand viziers were graduates of this school. Life started at dawn in the palace and it was subject to strict rules and ceremonies. Everybody had to abide by the centuries-old customs and traditions, and these were observed rigorously even when the empire fell into a period of decline. The etiquette of this palace always influenced the rules of protocol in the Western world.

The seaside mansions and pavilions of Topkapi Palace were demolished at the end of the last century.

The different tiles, woodwork and architectural styles displayed in Topkapi Palace reflects the development of Turkish art and the harmonious existence of differing styles over the centuries.

VISITING THE PALACE THE FIRST COURTYARD

The first courtyard is entered through the so-called Imperial Gate. The monumental fountain seen outside the gate is a beautiful example of 18th century Turkish art. In this courtyard there are the palace bakery, the mint, the quarters of the palace guards, and the firewood depots. The vegetable gardens used to occupy the terraces below. The first building in the palace complex, the Tiled Pavilion, and the Archeological Museum are in this courtyard, too. To the left of the entrance is the Hagia Eirene Museum, a 6th century Byzantine church.

THE SECOND COURTYARD

The main entrance to the Palace Museum is the second gate, known as the Gate of Salutation. The second courtyard was the administrative center of the state and the government. Only the sultans could enter this yard on horseback. Citizens with official business were allowed here, as well as the representatives of the Janissary corps on special paydays.
br> The reception of foreign emissaries and state ceremonies took place in this courtyard. It is known that absolute silence prevailed in such ceremonies, sometimes attended by up to ten thousand people. When the sultan was present in the event, the imperial throne was placed in front of the gate at the other end of the courtyard, and as a demonstration of respect; that present would stand with their hands clasped in front. The only tower in the palace is located here too. It was called "the Tower of Justice" because it was the venue of the state court of justice. The entire city and the port could be kept under observation from this tower, the only entrance of which was from the harem section.

THE HAREM

The harem was the private zone of the palace, where the mother and siblings of the sultan, the other members of the family, and the concubines and eunuchs who served this large family lived. Until the mid-16th century the harem was housed in the Old Palace in another part of the town. The harem of Topkapi Palace consists of long narrow hallways and about 400 rooms scattered around small courtyards. It was altered and enlarged over the years.

The harem was strictly closed to outsiders, and it became the subject of many stories over the centuries. The concubines serving the sultan and his family were chosen from among the most beautiful and healthy girls of different races or they were presented to the court as gifts.

These girls came to the harem at a very early age and were brought up under strict discipline. After they became thoroughly acquainted with the customs of the palace, they were separated into different groups. Those who could attract the attention of the sultan had the chance of becoming his wife.

There was no such title in the empire as "empress". The sultan's mother was the sole ruler in the harem. Amid the entire splendor and wealth, rivalry, hatred and intrigues to get closer to the sultan were part of the daily life.

When a new sultan ascended to the throne, the harem of the former sultan was moved to another palace. The ladies of the harem and the chief eunuchs emerged as a political power influencing state administration if the reigning sultan was weak and ineffective. Still, life in the harem with all its intrigues, good and bad parts was superior to the life style of women of that period elsewhere.

Only a section of the harem is open to the public. It is up to the imagination of the visitor to recreate the colorful and lively old days in these dim hallways and empty rooms.

The tour of the harem starts with the 40-room section allocated to the mother of the sultan. The next sections are the large Turkish bath and the spacious, domed hall reserved for the sultans.

There are fireplaces and fountains in all available places. The large hall with a pool filled by interesting fountains is decorated with exquisite 16th century tiles. It dates to the reign of Murat III. From the end of this hall, one enters the small library and the "fruit room" which is embellished with paintings of fruits and flowers.

The two 16th century rooms seen at the end of the harem tour have beautiful stained glass windows complementing the rich wall decorations. These rooms were allocated to the crown prince.


THE WEAPON COLLECTION AND THE COUNCIL HALL

The large structure next to the "council of state" building with broad eaves was the state treasury. This eight-domed building today houses rich collection of old weapons in a modern exhibition.

Besides the armor and weapons used by the sultans, those used by the members of the palace and the army is displayed here along with weapons conquered from other countries.

The Tower of Justice rises beside the "council of state" section. The council was composed of the viziers and secretaries, and the grand vizier chaired the meetings.

The sultans did not participate in the meetings, but could listen to the deliberations from a high window in one of the walls. This window opened to the harem section and a curtain masked it. The feasts given in honor of visiting foreign missions took place in this hall.

THE KITCHENS AND THE PORCELAIN COLLECTION

On the right side of the second courtyard are the palace kitchens with twenty chimneys. Of the 12,000 pieces of Chinese and Japanese porcelain in the palace collection, about 2,500 are on display in this section.

When these b uildings were used as kitchens, over one thousand cooks and their assistants prepared and served meals for the various sections of the palace.

Selected pieces of the largest such collection in the world are displayed in a chronological order. Sections of the kitchens have been kept as they were when in use, while another part is allocated to porcelain and glassware produced in Istanbul. Another section houses the collection of silverware and European porcelain. The unique Chinese celadons are in the room to the right. The exhibition of blue and white, mono- and polychrome porcelain objects ends with the Japanese porcelain collection. In the special kitchen where sweets used to be made, everyday kitchen utensils, coffee sets and gold-plated . copper wares are displayed.

THE THIRD COURTYARD

The third courtyard was the private domain of the sultan and it was entered —only by special permission- through the Gate of Felicity, guarded by the White Eunuchs. The imperial university, the throne room, the treasury of the sultan and the quarters housing the sacred relics were located in this section. The sultans received foreign ambassadors and high government officials in the throne room, which is directly opposite the entrance. For security reasons those serving in the throne room were selected from among deaf and mute persons.

The military officers who served the sultan in various capacities were at the same time the managers of the imperial school.

The library of Ahmet III in the center of the courtyard is an 18th century building that is a typical example of the harmonious blend of the baroque and Turkish architectural styles.

THE COSTUMES

Unique collections of the sultans' wardrobes are displayed in the section to the right of the courtyard. There are altogether 2,500 of these handmade costumes that were made of fabric woven on the palace looms and preserved carefully in special chests since the 15th century. Besides these garments embroidered with silk, gold and silver thread, there are also silk carpets and prayer rugs, masterpieces of Turkish art, used by the sultans.

THE TREASURY


The treasury section of the Topkapi Palace Museum is the richest collection of its kind in the world. All the pieces exhibited in the four rooms are authentic originals.

Masterpieces of the Turkish art of jewelry from different centuries and exquisite creations from the Far East, India and Europe entrance visitors. In each room there is an imperial throne from a different era. Ceremonial costumes, weapons, water pipes, Turkish coffee cups and other wares, all of them embellished with gold and precious stones are the most important items in the first room.

The second hall is known as the Emerald Room. It contains dazzling display of aigrettes and pendants decorated with emeralds and other jewels. Uncut emeralds, some weighing several kilograms each, and the famous Topkapi Dagger (the symbol of the museum) embellished with three large emeralds are also on display here.

The third room contains enameled objects, medals and decorations of state presented to the sultans by foreign monarchs, the twin solid gold candelabras each weighing 48 kilograms, and the most famous throne in the palace, the golden throne, which the sultans used during coronations and religious holidays. The 86-carat Spoon Maker's (or Pigot) Diamond, one of the most famous diamonds in the world, is also to be found here. The balcony connecting the third and the fourth rooms offers a breathtaking view of the entrance to the Bosphorus and the Asian coast. In the fourth room, a magnificent throne of Indian-Persian origin is on display. There are also many other objects encrusted with precious stones of different sizes to captivate visitors.

THE CLOCK COLLECTION

The richest collection of clocks in the world is exhibited in the room next to the Sacred Relics Section. To the right of the entrance there are clocks made by Turkish masters. These priceless wall and table clocks and watches are from the 16th-19th centuries. Clocks of a huge variety of makes were presented to the palace as gifts.

The largest clock in the room is one of English origin. It is 3.5 m high and 1 m wide, and contains an organ. Some pieces of special interest are the watches with the portraits of Abdulmecid and Abdulaziz, and a birdcage hanging from the dome, the underside of which is an enameled clock.

THE SACRED RELICS

The sacred relics of Islam were brought to the palace after the conquest of Egypt in the 16th century and have been preserved here since that time. This hall was used as the throne room before it was allocated to the sacred relics. The walls of the domed rooms are covered with tiles. Important pieces of the collection are the swords and bow of Mohammed and his mantle (cloak), which is kept in a priceless box. The seal of the Prophet, hairs from his beard, his footprint and a letter are other exhibits in the showcases in these rooms. Also on display are one of the first manuscripts of The Koran, the keys of the Ka'aba in Mecca, and the swords of prominent religious personalities.

PORTRAITS OF THE SULTANS

This gallery is located in the building with a colonnade, which stands between the Sacred Relics Section and the Treasury and also houses the museum offices. In the large hall, temporary exhibitions are organized from time to time.

The Palace Museum has a rich collection of manuscripts, books, miniatures and writing tools. Some of these rare items are displayed in this section. Oil portraits of the sultans adorn the walls of the balcony-shaped galleries of the hall.

THE FOURTH COURTYARD

A passageway leads from the third to the fourth courtyard where there are a number of pavilions set amidst gardens. The only wooden pavilion in the complex, the Revan and exquisitely decorated Baghdad Pavillions from the 17th century, and the last addition to the palace, the Mecidiye K6§ku, are some of the buildings here. On the ground floor of the last building there is a restaurant for visitors. The terrace in front of Baghdad Pavillion is the best place to Interior of Baghdad Pavilion (17th cent.). get an overall view of the Golden Horn, the Galata district, and the wonderful skyline of old Istanbul with its domes and minarets. The gardens of the palace sloping toward the sea have now been turned into a public park.