I learnt more about the history of the Islam here than I did at any of the other places. The main residence of the Ottoman Sultan for more than 400 years - this palace is everything Turkish Kate Middletons used to dream of. Now, there is a lot of stuff at this palace that I don’t necessarily trust the background history of, but it’s still fascinating to see how certain said objects have been preserved for so long by believers.

Today in the main chambers of the Sultan - Abraham’s Pot, Joseph’s Turban, Moses’s Staff, David’s Sword, scrolls belonging to John, and Muhammad’s footprint are on display. Keys to the Kaaba which used to be in possession of the sultans are also on display here (beautiful ornate golden keys).

Very similar to Mughal Palaces in India, the palace was divided into different zones - summer courtyard, winter quarters etc. The beautiful reading rooms caught my attention, even more so than the crazy crown jewels that were on display.

I felt like I was in a Disney movie. The birds were magical, and posed for my camera without me even asking.

Share this Story