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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe\u00a0Topkap\u0131 Palace\u00a0is undoubtedly among the most important landmarks in the city and a treasure trove of history. It not only overlooks the Bosphorus, Hali\u00e7 and Marmara, but is home to some of the richest collections and most fascinating stories. For centuries it gave shape to political and social life in the Ottoman Empire, marking history as a palace of the Sultans and as a headquarter of the state. Built between the years 1460-1478 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, it expanded over time. It was the home of the Ottoman Sultans and people of the palace until the mid-19th century, and in 1924, after the found of the Republic, Atat\u00fcrk had it converted into a museum. The Topkap\u0131 Palace is atop the first hill of seven that endow Istanbul\u2019s terrain. This palace is assembled on an area of 700 thousand square meters, with 7 gates and four courtyards. Furthermore, it is comprised of pavilions, sets, apartments and flower gardens. At its height, there were 4,000 people living in the palace, and it\u2019s hard not to be struck by the magnificence of it as you explore. You can see the harem\u2019s quarters and see what daily life would have been like for the women of the palace in the Ottoman era. Then move on to the treasury and take a look at the sultan\u2019s thrones and incredible 86-carat\u00a0Spoonmaker\u2019s Diamond (Ka\u015f\u0131k\u00e7\u0131 Elmas\u0131). In the palace kitchen, learn how and what the sultans ate before you wander through the other fascinating sections of this historical wonder in \u0130stanbul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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