We made it to Topkapi Palace almost by accident. Certainly had we not made it the day we did, we would have gone back but it wasn’t actually the intended destination (Hagia Sophia was, we got there eventually).

However we ended up here and spent much of the day exploring the enormous complex of buildings and gardens.

Within the gates of this palace are gardens, kitchens, apartments, mosques, offices and more. Much of the original tiling and marble is still preserved today creating a gorgeous tapestry of artwork and the opulence that was expected of its residents and rulers at the time. Perhaps a bit much by todays standards but can you honestly say you wouldn’t be a little excited by the prospect of a gold chair to sit on or a large marble bathroom to call your own.

As we would continue to see through palace and other buildings on our travels there is often a very clear divide between the have and the have not. Opulence and decadence in a select number of buildings, with the inner workings and poorer conditions of servants hidden behind gardens and pretty facades.

Despite the weather it was a wonderful day learning more about the history and livelihoods of those who inhabited and worked within the walls of this palace.