The Topkapı Sarayı (Topkapi Palace) is a large complex not inducive to a single snapshot. A number of ‘attractions’ cannot be photo-graphed, eg, the treasury collection, arms collection and Muslim relics.

Inside the Bâb-ı Hümâyûn (Imperial Gate). No pickies of anything in the Alay Meydanı (First Courtyard).

The Divan Meydanı (Second Courtyard). This courtyard contains …

The Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn (The Imperial Council).

The window where the Sultan could sit and not be seen.

Saray Mutfakları (Palace Kitchens). On the day I was there the kitchens were closed.

There are a number of Roman and Byzantine artifacts found during renovations and now displayed outside the kitchens.

The cistern – not open to the public.

… and the Harem.

The Enderûn Avlusu (Third Courtyard) which contains …

The Arz Odası (The Audience Hall or Chamber of Petitions).

The Fatih Köşkü (Conqueror’s Pavilion). The Imperial Treasury is housed in this building.

View from the Sofa-ı Hümâyûn (Fourth Courtyard) of the Boğaziçi showing the outer gardens in the foreground.