Topkapi Palace For centuries, the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans and their court. Its construction began in 1460 by Sultan Mehmed II, who had recently conquered Constantinople, and was expanded over the years to become a city within a city, complete with administrative offices and multiple courtyards. In the mid-19th century, the palace was no longer suitable for state ceremonies and the sultans relocated to the Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus. However, Topkapi Palace continued to house significant royal treasures such as The Holy Relics of Prophet Muhammad's possessions and The Imperial Archive. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1922, the palace was transformed into a museum and opened its doors to the public on April 3, 1924, under the direction of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Today, visitors can view the palace's impressive collections of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain. The museum also displays items from the sultan's family wardrobe, including dresses, turbans, and jewelry. One of the most famous artifacts on display is the "Spoon-seller Diamond," one of the largest known diamonds in the world. The museum's rooms are exquisitely decorated with intricate tiles and showcase historical pieces that exemplify the unparalleled craftsmanship of the time. Overall, the Topkapi Palace Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and their court.