Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, Turkey

The Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, is a historic palace that served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Today, it is a museum showcasing imperial collections, including Ottoman treasures, manuscripts, and religious relics. Construction began in 1460 and was completed in 1856.

These are photos of a common area within the Harem, which included the living quarters for the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire as well as their family, concubines and female servants.

The palace contains a museum of antiquities including paintings, clothing, jewelry, and vessels. The following are photographs of clothing and shoes worn by sultans and family members.

A few paintings featured in this exhibit.

Jewel encrusted dagger