Imperial Hall, Topkapi Sarayi: Turkey
1/60s @ f/10, ISO 200, Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 24mm.
Istanbul's number-one attraction, the vast Topkapi Palace was the residence of sultans and their harems until 1868 when the reigning Sultan moved to the Dolmabahce Palace, farther up the Bosporus. Sultan Mehmet II built the original palace during the 1450s, after his conquest of Constantinople. Over the centuries sultan after sultan added more elaborate architectural frills and fantasies until the palace had acquired four courtyards and quarters for some 5,000 full-time residents.
Uploaded on January 20, 2013