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TOPKAPI PALACE
Once the residence of Ottoman Sultans and their harems,
Topkapi Palace, built between 1457 and 1478 by Mehmet II, the conqueror;
is the most extensive and fascinating monument of Ottoman civil architecture
in existence. A series of courtyards connect various buildings which
now house an astonishing collection of Chinese porcelain, gorgeous treasures,
the celebrated Topkapi Diamond, armour, fabrics, illuminated manuscripts
and many objects belonging to the Sultans. Also in display are the holy
relics of Prophet Mohammed and Caliphs, Koran scripts, religious books
and framed inscriptions. Topkapi palace became a museum in 1924.
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