The Harem, or the residence of both the Sultan and his women, was fascinating! According to our guide, the women of the harems had it pretty good - it was apparently a great honor to be part of the sultan's harem, and many young girls aspired to this. And why not? Some of them had great quarters, nice baths, a swimming pool, Unics at their beck and call - and all they had to do was pleasure the Sultan once in a while. Okay, I know it's not that simple! There was a clear hierarchy in the harem, with the Sultan's mother in the position of power, the mother of the Sultan's first boy was second, and the Sultan's favorites had a pretty nice life as well. The others helped serve them.

Another awesome and interesting part of the palace was the was the treasury, which held a ton of jewels (literally!) Most of these treasures were gifts for the Sultan. The treasurey also holds a pretty amazing relic - the skull of John the Baptist! I wasn't too sure about how they got a hold of this, but there it was. The other pieces were amazing, too! It's a must!

If you're not too hungry, I'd skip the restaurant there. Although it's convenient and has great views of the Bosphorus, the food was overpriced and not all that great.

The Treasury was crowded when we were there and it's no wonder, considering the items on display. Some were gifts, some were spoils of war and some were purchases made throughout the centuries but all were MAGNIFICENT!

There was so much gold and ornate detail and many of the jewels were so large that it was hard to believe they were real, but real they were and everything was behind glass cases to ensure security.

After viewing golden thrones, chairs and cradles, pearl encrusted Koran covers, daggers and swords covered in gems and enough jewellery to buy and sell a number of small countries, we wiped the drool from our chin and continued to explore the Palace.

Inside The Chambers of the Sacred Relics are treasures that Muslims consider more precious than jewels. It is here that items pertaining to the prophet Mohammud are on display, including several hairs from his beard and soil from his grave.

We wanted to visit the Harem but you have to pay a separate fee to join a tour which only runs certain times of the day. Unfortunately, we'd missed the last tour so I'd recommend booking this in advance if it's something you want to see.

Topkapi is open from 9:30 to 5:00 daily, except Tuesday. Admission was 500,000 Turkish lira.

After our visit to the Place, we wandered through nearby Gulhane Park where a fair was taking place. Turkish music was playing over loudspeakers and there were stalls selling kabobs, candy and drinks (non alcoholic, of course). It was a busy place with lots of Turkish families enjoying the park.

There are 4 separate gates, and with each successive gate, fewer and fewer people would be allowed on the grounds; the first was the site of the lodgings of the Sultan's private guards. Nearby were the ovens, a hospital, and the mint that was used for coining currency and manufacturing silverware for the palace. There also stands the Executioner's Fountain where beings who might have displeased the sultan were beheaded and put on display. The second gate was used for running the business of the empire. Only the sultan and his mother were alllowed here on horseback. Here stood the imperial kitchens with ten fireplaces and 1000 cooks. A vast collection of Chinese celadon porcelain was on hand, as it was reputed to change colors if it came into contact with poisoned food. Also, an armory with an incredible arsenal of weapons and clothing, and a beautifully designed European style garden.

The third court allowed in only very important people. The sultan received his guests in the throne room; it is here that we saw the prophet Mohammed's beard hair and one of his teeth. In this area was the treasury, and upon entering those chambers, you will find new meanings for the word decadent. There is a throne which is completely made of gold, a huge diamond (86 carats/49 diamonds), an emerald crusted dagger, and the opulence continues. The court's most important eunuchs (castrated at birth) slept here.

The 4th court is where you'll find the harem, an active restaurant, and pavilions offering great views of Istanbul. For all intents and purposes, the harem served as housing for the Sultan's several hundred concubines and wives. No one was allowed to enter the harem except for the eunuchs and the muezzin (callers to prayer) who were blind from birth. Here, the sultan's mother ran the show.

We also visited the balcony, next to the Treasury which offers great views of the Bosphorus. The last Sultan to occupy Topkapi Was Mahmut II (1839). European style palaces were preferred by his successors.

The palace was built in the 1450s. Over the centuries, 4 courtyards and quarters for some 5,000 full-time residents were added. One of the most popular sections was the Harem, a maze of halls, terraces, and other rooms. Mosques, fountains, and reflecting pools scattered amid gardens.

Today, the spectacular museum is famed for its large collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. There are impressive exhibitions of the holy relics such as the belongings of Prophet Muhammed; and original costumes and private treasury of the Sultans' such as jewelled thrones and armors, baskets of emeralds, inlaid daggers and valuable calligraphy. Be sure to see the huge "Spoonmaker's Diamond", an 86-carat diamond shaped like a teardrop and surrounded by smaller diamonds; and the "Topkapi Dagger" set with three enormous emeralds, the one on top opening to reveal a watch.

Do not miss the panoramic view of Istanbul on the balcony of the fourth courtyard.