East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet... wrote Rudyard Kipling in one of his poems. However, there is a place on Earth, where this wise statement simply doesn’t work, and where East and West not only meet, but also co-exist peacefully. This place is Istanbul, which lies literally on the border between Europe and Asia. Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world. This is the city with a rich history. During different periods of time the city was the capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Its past is depicted in numerous monuments of history and culture, which are so numerous and widespread in Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace. Topkapi is a palace complex located on the cape bordering the Bosporus. This fact guarantees that visitors will be amazed with wonderful panoramic views. Inner premises of the palace are used to exhibit collections of several museums. The most interesting among them is the Museum of Archaeology. In addition to numerous wonderful items the museum exhibits sarcophagi, pottery, and other valuable artifacts of the Ottoman period. The main building of the complex also hosts a museum, the collection of which consists of war trophies, gifts and everyday use items. The palace’s harem can be entered only with a guide. Even though the entrance to the palace is paid, you will not be disappointed. All the buildings in the complex were created in the XV century. There is a large park around them. In this park visitors are welcome to stroll, enjoying unhurried walk under the shade of old trees.
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