Sunlight in Topkapi

Located at the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, Topkapi palace is a place rich in culture and history. The palace was built in the mid 1400s, after the Ottoman empire captured the city (then Constantinople). It served as the main residence of the Sultan and his court for centuries. Naturally, it was expanded as time went on, although the basic layout did not alter. It assumed its current name “Topkapi” – meaning “cannon gate” – in the 1800s. While its importance was unquestioned, the palace’s importance began to diminish in the 19th century when the Sultan moved out to more modern palaces. Only the mint, library and treasury remained, until the overthrow of the Ottoman rule in 1923. Since then, Topkapi has served as a museum, holding valuable treasures and giving visitors a glimpse in to the privileged life of the Ottoman court. With such striking architecture, it remains a true gem in Istanbul.