ISTANBUL, Turkey / Türkiye — Ornate decorations of the Imperial Council building (in Turkish: Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn) inside the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. This was the chamber in which the ministers of state, council ministers (Dîvân Heyeti), the Imperial Council, consisting of the Grand Vizier (Paşa Kapısı), viziers, and other leading officials of the Ottoman state, held meetings. It is also called Kubbealtı, which means "under the dome", in reference to the dome in the council main hall. It is situated in the northwestern corner of the courtyard next to the Gate of Felicity.
Topkapi Palace, also known as Topkapı Sarayı, is a historic royal residence and museum located in Istanbul, Turkey. It served as the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire's sultans for nearly 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th century. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant historical landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. The palace complex is situated on Seraglio Point, a promontory overlooking the confluence of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is composed of four main courtyards and several smaller buildings, including the Imperial Council, the Imperial Treasury, the Palace Kitchens, the Chamber of Sacred Relics, and the Imperial Harem. One of the most notable features of the palace is its architecture, which reflects a blend of Ottoman and Byzantine styles. The palace is adorned with intricate Iznik tilework, and many rooms, such as the Circumcision Room and the Throne Room, are richly decorated with frescoes and gilded ornamentation. The Imperial Harem, once home to the sultan's wives, concubines, and children, is another fascinating part of the palace. Topkapi Palace is located in the Fatih district, close to other famous landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
Size: 4230px × 2809px
Location: Gülhane Parkı, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Turkey
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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