TURKEY
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Istanbul was the crown of the mighty Ottoman Empire.
The sultans poured a considerable fortune into restoring and revitalizing the city, adorned with opulent palaces, mosques, and intriguing bazaars.
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If Istanbul is deemed the empire's crown, the Topkapi will be the jewel in that crown.
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The complex was the residence of the Ottoman sultans and their families for nearly four centuries. It also served as the seat of government and a center of education and culture.
It was embellished by the most experienced artisans and with the finest materials.
2.
The splendor reaches its peak in the harem - the living quarters of the imperial family.
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The decoration is particularly lavish in the Baroque-styled Imperial Hall where the sultan held audiences.
At its greatest extent, the harem had over 300 rooms spreading over six floors. They have various functions, from kitchens and dormitories to clinics.
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The Blue Mosque is the magnum opus of Ottoman religious architecture.
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It's best known for its interior adorned with more than 20,000 pieces of brilliant blue, green, and turquoise Iznik tiles; hence the sobriquet.
Outside, the mosque impressed visitors with its wonderfully curvaceous appearance.
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Chaotic and colorful, the Grand Bazaar is Istanbul's beating heart.
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It's like a vast roofed maze flanked by thousands of old neighboring shops that sell virtually everything.
Meanwhile, a trip to the Spice Bazaar is a sensory experience. It's fragrant and vibrant with heaps of bright spices.
The hallway of the Spice Bazaar.
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