Topkapi Palace, Sultans' Residence

On the way to the Princes' Islands of Istanbul onboard the ferry ship we got the advantage of taking spectacular views of Topkapi Palace, traditional residence of Ottoman sultans at the corner of Marmara Sea, Bosphorus and Golden Horn, with the cruise ships and ferry boats anchored in front of the palace and Golden Horn; and also Hagia Sofia (Saint Sofia) at Sultanahmet Plaza.

Antique fine porcelaine plate with drawing: Acropolis

Antique fine porcelaine plate with drawing: ACROPOLIS, PATENT D W, with motto stamp "DIEU ET MON DROIT, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE", by "C.L.A.Q. BRO"

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Train Trips to Istanbul

I love train trips. It is the best way to witness the culture and life of the people where you are travelling. It is not the destination, it is the pleasure of travel itself. (This what BMW tells us in TV commercials.) I went to Istanbul by a train from Ankara. I boarded in the night, and I was in Istanbul, Haydarpasa Pier next morning. I took a single seat instead of private cabin. Because I don't like to isolate myself and go to sleep but I like to see the people while travelling.

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Tughra: The Sultan's Seal

A tughra is a calligraphic seal or signature of an Ottoman sultan that was affixed to all official documents and correspondence. It was also carved on his seal and stamped on the coins minted during his reign.

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Istanbul Backpacker

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