Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
easily spotted because it is the
only building with six minarets, a
rare and controversial aspect of its
design at the time it was built. It
stands opposite the Aya Sofya
(Haghia Sophia) in Sultanahmet
Square. Young children are likely
to be bored by a visit to a
mosque, so if you're planning to
visit this or any of the other
mosques in Istanbul be sure to
take along games or books to
keep your children amused. This
one, though, really shouldn't be
missed. You'll be amazed at its
beauty, and perhaps even the lit-
tle ones will be silenced by its
powerful feeling of tranquillity.
Open
9am-5pm daily.
Admission
free.
jewelled Ceremonial Helmet and
the Topkapi dagger. Two
teenagers standing next to me on
my visit became transfixed by
these two exhibits. The palace
itself stands in a massive court-
yard of pathways and lawn gar-
dens with pavilions. Taking a
buggy would be advisable,
although there are a few seating
areas for youngsters to rest
awhile. You can visit the kitchens,
which over-5s should appreciate,
along with a library and even a
harem. The latter may take a bit
of explaining though.
Open
9am-5pm daily, closed Tues.
Admission
12 YTL adults, 5 YTL chil-
dren. Separate admission for treasury
and harem 10 YTL each.
Amenities
cafe.
★★
Topkapi Palace, Babihümayun
Caddesi Sultanahmet.
b
+90 212 512
04 80.
Topkapi Palace
Yerebatan Sarayi (the Basilica
Cistern)
★★
Yerebatan Caddesi 1.
b
+90 212 522
12 59.
VALUE
The Topkapi Palace dates from
the Ottoman period when it was
the home of the Sultans and
therefore at the heart of 15th- to
19th-century life. It houses price-
less treasures from the period,
including armour, porcelain,
intricate fabrics and robes, jewels,
works of art, calligraphy and
manuscripts. Much of the hoard
would have been the personal
belongings of the Sultans. Now,
much of this fabulous collection,
splendid though it is, will be lost
on under-5s. They will probably
argue that running around the
gardens would be much more
fun. Older children and teenagers
though should find the exhibits
fascinating. The key objects to
look out for are the famous
Topkapi Palace
72
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