Istanbul
by: cemcansever | Total views: 184 | Word Count: 661 | View PDF | Print View
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman emperors had lived, is now one of the most magnificient monuments in Istanbul, being visited by thousands of tourists coming all over the world. Located directly behind the St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace was the nerve center of the Ottoman Empire. Built by Mehmet on Istanbul's first hill, overlooking the confluence of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, the sprawling, eclectic compound reflects no one particular architectural stamp. It was elaborated on by every new sultan according to need. The Topkapi Palace consists essentially of three distinct areas, namely the Outer Palace (or Birun), the Inner Palace, (or Birun), and the Harem, which are further broken down into various avlu or courtyards connected by gates. Over 50,000 people lived and worked on the palace grounds, making it a veritable city within a city, replete with dorms for various craftsmen, gardeners and guards, all with their own distinctive color-coded garb for easy identification.
Dolmabahce Palace
At the bottom of Inonu Caddesi leading down from Taksim to the Bosphorus is the 19th century Dolmabahce Palace in all its outstanding glory. Built by Sultan Abdulmecid to compete with his European rivals, tons of gold were wasted on the project, resulting in the bankruptcy of the state. Abdulmecid died shortly after its completion; his successor and brother Abdulaziz built his own palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, acroos the Bosphorus, ignoring the fact that there was no money left in the till.
Dolmabahce Palace is a symmetrical building and has 3 stories. The walls and ceilings are decorated with tones of golden enamels and paintings of the European astists of the age. The famous Hereke silk and wool carpets, the best works of Turkish art are spread at many places in the palace. The glittering crystal chandeliers, candlesticks and fireplaces exhibit their beauties in many rooms of the palace. The widest throne room of all palaces in the world is in Dolmabahce Palace.
Hagia Sophia
The primary Byzantine edifice that remains in the city is the Hagia Sophia or St. Sophia Church, now a museum. Dedicated in (Anno Domini) 536 during the reign of Justinian, the church was the architectural wonder of its time, although it was the third such edifice on the site: the first church built on the orders of Constantine's son, Constantinus, burnt in A.D. 404, while the second sructure, built by Theodosius in A.D. 415, was torched during the Nika riots of 532.
The present structure is essentially the creation of Anthenius of Tralles and his assistant, Isidorus of Miletus, who labored for nearly six years before the church could be consecrated on December 26, 537. It was reconsecrated in A.D. 563 after repairs following an eartquake which ruined the symmetry of the dome. It now measures 101 feet from east to west and 104 feet from north to south, and stands 183 feet. Special, thin marble panels absorbed and reflected the light of thousands of candles and lamps, which illuminated the entire building so well that it was used as a lighthouse by ships at sea. The myriad of candles, possibly, accounted for the first great fire that destroyed the original edifice as well as much of the city
Sultanahmet Mosque
The most distinctive mosque in old Istanbul is that of Sultan Ahmet I or the Blue Mosque, due to its exquisite Iznik tiles on the interior walls. Facing the St. Sophia across the Sultan Ahmet Square, it was built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet Aga. A student of the great architect Sinan, the Aga possibly built the mosque as a means of showing the world that he had outdone both his master, as well as the architects of the St. Sophia, which the mosque resembles in many ways. The mosque with its 260 windows, six minarets and associated religious school, hospital, caravansary and soup kitchen is impressive. The young Sultan Ahmet was able to enjoy his creation for only one year before his death at age 27.
About the Author
cemcansever www.lifeturkey.net
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