Topkapi Palace

Istanbul

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September 11th 2011
We rose early and breakfasted on the rooftop terrace surrounded by glorious views. Then we made our way to the Topkapi Palace. It only took about 15 minutes, in the crisp cool morning, but we wanted to get there early before the busloads of tourists arrived. We walked through the Arasta Bazaar, past the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and the gardens of the First Courtyard of the Palace. After buyin ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara » Istanbul » Sultanahmet

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Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopt... ... read more