Cheap Tickets and Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace

Istanbul is a wonderfully historic cheap flights destination that is full of the remnants and legacies of many centuries of rule by the Ottoman Empire. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find mosques, palaces, and baths that were used by the great Ottoman rulers. One of the most impressive Ottoman buildings that you can tour today is Topkapi Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for most of their 600-year reign. Today, it is part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains some of the holiest artifacts of the Muslim World. Check out airline tickets for cheap flights to Istanbul and see the glory of the Ottoman Empire.

The Topkapi Palace has attracted both historians and architects on flights to Istanbul from all over Europe and the Middle East. The palace complex, constructed in the late 15th century, has four courtyards and hundreds of rooms and chambers. Topkapi Palace contains what are supposed to be the cloak and sword of the Prophet Muhammed. One of the most beautiful spots in the palace is the Harem, the former women’s quarters, full of intricate and colorful tiles and fountain-lined gardens. In the former State Treasury building, you’ll see an armory exhibit. The porcelain collection here, with thousands of pieces from China and Japan due to trade through the Silk Road, is one of the world’s best collections. Its earliest pieces are celadon, a material from China that the sultans valued because it was rumored to change color when touching poison. Near the Third Court, the sultan’s private areas, you can see a well-preserved royal outfit worn by the same sultan who commissioned the palace. The Imperial Treasury and Chamber of Sacred Relics are next. The Treasury is full of elaborate relics including the famous emerald-inlaid Topkapi Dagger. Several possessions of Muhammad are found in the Chamber. In the Fourth Court, you will be treated to amazing views of the Bosphorus Strait. Here you can eat at the museum’s cafe and restaurant for more time to enjoy the view.

Besides the royal residences, Topkapi had its own mosques, a hospital, several bakeries, and even a mint. When the Ottoman Empire fell after World War I, the palace was made into a museum of the Empire and has only been gathering more and more artifacts since. When you’re planning your cheap tickets vacation to Istanbul and figuring out flights and itineraries, try to allow a full day to see Topkapi Palace, although it is possible to tour the main sections in half a day if you don’t mind rushing. Up to 4,000 people once lived here, so it is quite a structure. Take advantage of flights deals on cheap tickets to Istanbul today to see the treasures of Topkapi.