Topkapi Palace Overlooking the Istanbul Bogazi and the Marmara Sea stands the maze of buildings that was the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The first courtyard is a magnificent wooded garden. On the right o f the second court, shaded by cypress and plane trees is the palace kitchen, now housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, while on the left is the Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives and concubines of the sultan. Th e third court contains the Audience Hall of the sultan, the Library of Sultan Ahmet III, an exhíbition of robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury and lastly, an exhibition of miniatures. In the center of th e third court is the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. (Open every day except Tuesday)

Dolmabahce Palace Built in the mid l9th century by Sultan Abdulmecit, it has an impressive six hundred meter frontage on the Istanbul Bogazi. The most important part is the vast reception salon, with 56 columns, and a huge, seven hundred and fifty bulbs, crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons. The architecture of the Harem is a stark contrast to that of the rest of the palace. The Bird Pavilion, where birds from all over the world were kept, is unique to this palace. Ataturk, founder of the Turkish R epublic, died here on the l0th of November, 1938. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

Beylerbeyi Palace On the Asian side of the Istanbul Bogazi, this palace was built of white marble by Sultan Abdulaziz in the l9th century. It possesses a beautiful garden with magnolia trees. It was used as a summer residence of the sultans and a g uest house for visiting foreign dignitaries. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

Yildiz Palace This palace includes a complex of pavilions and a mosque which were built over a long period and finally completed by Abdülhamit II at the end of the 19th century. The Sale, largest and most exquisite of the buildings, reflects the luxurious life of over a century ago. Yildiz Palace is set in a very large park of flowers with plants and trees brought from every part of t he world. Situated on the top of a hill, it has one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Istanbul Bogazi. Due to restoration work only the Sale and park are open to the public. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

Goksu Pavilion (Kucuk Su) It takes its name from the famous streams nearby. Built by Abdulmecit in the middle of the 19th century, it was used as a summer residence. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

Aynali Kavak Summer Pavilion Originally built in the 18th century and restored by various sultans. It takes its present name (Mirrored Poplar) from the time of the installation of the mirrors (1718). The mirrors were given as a gift by the Venetian s. This palace on the Golden Horn is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Turkish architecture. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

Ihlamur Pavilion Built in the 19th century, it takes its name from the linden trees that grow in abundance in the garden. The Merasim Pavilion was the scene of official ceremonies and the Maiyet Pavilion housed the sultan's entourage and on occasio ns his Harem. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

Maslak Pavilions The buildings on this shady green hill were constructed primarily by Sultan Abdülaziz as a hunting lodge. The architectural style and decoration of the Ottoman period is interesting. Limonluk Green House is a fine example of this. A cup of tea taken in the cafe opening on to the Limonluk is most relaxing. (Open every day except Monday and Thursday)

melih@knidos.cc.metu.edu.tr