Thursday

On the fifth day, we went to see the Topkapi palace. What a magnificent place! Topkapi is placed in the centre of Istanbul, surrounded by Bosporus. It was like a magic world opening right in front of us, as we entered the area! During the Osmanic Kingdom, Sultans and the famous harems ladies lived a luxurious and different life at the Topkapi palace. The palace was the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign. The palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments. Today the palace contains some of the holy relics of the Muslim world such as the Prophet Muhammed's cloak and sword.

Even though lots of tourists had decided also to see the palace, we got an impression of the lost kingdoms greatness.

After quick lunch with delicious traditional Turkish food, we went to see the underground cisterns also known as the sunken palace.  It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Located in the northwest corner of the cistern, the bases of two columns reuse blocks carved with the visage of Medusa. The origin of the two heads is unknown, though it is thought that the heads were brought to the cistern after being removed from a building of the late Roman period.

Walking in the dark we experienced the very special atmosphere and got some very nice photos, as a remarkable memory.

After a long amazing day with a lot of experiences, the entire class went to a local restaurant. We had an amazing meal and a typical Turkish dancer, called “the dancing dervish” entertained us.

A perfect ending of a perfect day!