Istanbul - Turkey, Istanbul
Topkapi Palace, the Palace of Felicity, overlooks the Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara, built by Sultan Mehmed the Conquerer beginning in 1453. The palace is comprised of four concentric courtyards, each entered through an elaborate gate. It was occupied by the Ottoman rulers continuously for almost 400 years.
Entrance to the Second Courtyard is throught the Imperial Gate, from 1524, and used only by the Sultan and his mother on horseback. All others had to dismount and salute, hence the name. The gate is covered with symbols and writings of the sultans dating to 1542. The eight sided towers are unique for Ottoman architecture and were used for those condemned to execution by beheading.
Ottoman rulers had a thing about separation of body from head - the heads of executed criminals were often hung from the gate to deter others from criminal activity.
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Uploaded: Oct, 26 2014 | Taken: Oct, 17 2008| Viewed: 2 times
Camera: Eastman Kodak Company | Model: Picture Kiosk G4 | Exposure 1/1600s, f3.6 | FLength: 6mm | Artist: Picasa | SW: Picture Kiosk G4 KPK V2.0 SP1.1 FC1
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