On our last morning in Istanbul, we headed to the Topkapi Saray, the palace of the Ottoman Sultans for hundreds of years. It was a HUGE thing, with four levels of courtyards before we could even get to the main palace! Liam enjoyed all the outdoor running space, the many swords on display, AND "C3PO's hand." In the museum, there are many relics from ancient Judeo-Christian times as well as Islamic relics, including the rod of Moses, the sword of David, and the hand of St. John the Baptist (which is encased in a golden hand-shaped casket...thus "C3PO's hand.") Some of the Islamic relics included the sword of Mohammad, dirt from Mecca, AND a tooth and some chin hairs from Mohammad. We could not take pictures while inside the museum, but we took plenty outside. Enjoy!
Yet another visit to the fountain before going to the palace
The gate
Old Byzantine church turned arsenal in the first courtyard
The fortress
Room to run!
Arabic scroll
Looking out over the Bosphorus
A cool fountain
Family shot
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