Topkapi Palace was built in the 1470s by Sultan Mehmet. It is of classical Turkish palace design consisting of three courtyards, each serving a different purpose and separated from the others by monumental gates. The courtyards are flanked by numerous functional outbuildings. In 1853 the rulers moved to Dolmabahce Palace and Topkapi Palace fell in stature and repair. In 1924 it was turned into a museum and restoration work began; restoration continues today.

Among the most spectacular treasures in the Topkapi Palace are the Ottoman Crown Jewels. The size and number of these jewels pales the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. The one main difference is that British Crown Jewels are all cut and polished and set into spectacular crowns, septors, etc. The Ottoman Crown Jewels are, for the most part, raw and uncut or mounted. A trip to Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to Topkapi Palace.