Islamic Empires - Assignment Example

The Palace of Topkapi The Palace of Topkapi housed all the Ottoman Sultans for four centuries. In 1453, the Palace was constructed to overlook Marmara and Bosphorus at the order of Mehmed II. The palace covers an area of 700m2 (The Topkapi Palace Museum). The palace is enclosed by walls rising up to 1400 meters in length. The history and of the construction is exceptional. In addition, the ancient architecture captures the attention as one feel the urge to learn the history of its development.

Moreover, the palace is complete with the presence of social and political amenities such as the mosque of Ayasofya and the court chambers. This displays the compactness and discipline of the ancient sultan community. The Topkapi palace Harem also captured my attention. Harem displays the secrecy of the Sultans. The creation of the harem is done with the consideration of secrecy and privacy. For the sultan housed in the harem, they are provided with all hospitable requirements such as kitchens and bathrooms (The Topkapi Palace Museum).

As one enters the Topkapi Palace the harem captures one view as it differentiation from other building makes it beautiful. A view of the palace attires and garments is also captivating. In this section, the costumes and attires by the Sultans are displayed. The costumes portray the original picture of fashion. The attires are exceptionally woven to depict both superiority and sacredness of the sultans. In the Palace, the Chambers of the Sacred Relics is also captivating. The chambers consist of all relics since 1517 (The Topkapi Palace Museum).

All relics presented are of great value to the ancient community that resided in the palace. The most significant relic in the chambers is the Prophet Bamboo bow. In addition, the chamber has all the swords used religious leaders and the first four Caliphs. The chambers display the massive history of the era leading to the creation and development of the Palace. In addition, the chambers provide a person with an understanding of the role relics used by leaders in the ancient community. The imperial treasury also bears great significance in the palace.

The treasury is divided into four areas, the treasury salon I, II, III and IV. Each treasure salon housed different relics and gifts. One major treasure in the chambers is the gifts presented to Prophet Mohammed (The Topkapi Palace Museum). The collection in the treasure is vast and captivating. All the important relics in the palace were conserved in the treasury which provides a visit understand the community of the sultans. The palace also contains the portraits of all leaders in the Topkapi Palace.

The portraits were created in the leadership era of the sultan represented. Most portraits are of the sultans who served in the palace. There are seven portraits (The Topkapi Palace Museum). There are three portraits of Sultan Mehmet that depict the success and significance of the sultan. The portraits depict the leadership figures of the community since its initiation. The Palace depicts the rich history of Istanbul and the history of the sultans. The buildings, culture and political amenities in the palace represent the actual era of the Sultan.

Work citedThe Topkapi Palace Museum. Web. n.d.