İstanbul
Topkapı Palace stands on Sarayburnu in Istanbul's Fatih district, where the Bosphorus meets the Sea of Marmara. Sultan Mehmed II began building it in 1459. It was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans until the court moved to Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856. A government decision of 3 April 1924 turned it into a museum.
The Imperial Council met in the Second Courtyard, beside the palace kitchens. The Gate of Felicity leads to the Third Courtyard. There the Treasury shows the Topkapı Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond. The Privy Chamber holds relics of the Prophet Muhammad, among them his cloak. The Baghdad Kiosk of Murad IV stands in the Fourth Courtyard.
The main entrance, the Imperial Gate, is directly behind Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet. The courtyards are large, so expect a lot of walking. Allow at least half a day. Check current opening hours and tickets before you go.