Topkapi Palace & Garden

The description and history of Topkapi Palace is in the photos as is a definition of “haram” which is much broader than the description typically provided in western literature.

The tiles are beautiful. You might also notice the motifs in the stone walkways.

Unsweetened Turkish coffee is lovely- even better than Italian expresso. We also tried the Ottoman’s best “traditional” ice cream which Kai described as “chewy” 😉! Mastic ice cream is resin based made from Salep (cornflower) and rose water. It is stretchy and is a tradition of the Ottoman Empire. Who knew? We learned only after researching why the ice cream had such unusual texture.

Photos are a little wonky. I can’t hold the phone/camera in my right hand. Centering the photos and zooming in & out with 1 hand is tricky 🙃.

Tomorrow the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn & the Basilica Cistern 🌿.

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