A visual tour to the most popular historic site in Istanbul, Turkey, this illustrated guide to Topkapi Palace -- the official and primary residence of the Ottoman sultans who ruled a vast transcontinental empire for six centuries -- reveals the historic art pieces and sacred relics contained within and explores Ottoman history as it relates to specific sections of the palace. Ortayli, a famed Turkish historian and scholar, provides an enjoyable background information to almost every picture in the book. Any person interested in the Ottoman history and Middle Eastern history would enjoy reading this book. With an elegantly designed cover and interior, it is a great source for libraries and art museums as potential buyers of this book.