Topkapi

I find myself at a loss for words in writing about Turkey. The last 3 posts have been a struggle and I still feel like I haven't conveyed what we are experiencing here in the near-east. Yesterday we went to Topkapi, palace of the Ottoman sultans for over 5 1/2 centuries, which is remarkably well-preserved. It contains many treasures of the empire, including an 86 carat diamond - 5th largest in the world. Constructed of marble and decorated with Iznik (blue patterned) tiles, the palace has retained its serenity through the centuries and makes a pleasant place to while away the hours. (see photos)

After the palace, we went to a 300 year old hamam - a Turkish bath - for my first Turkish bath experience. Constructed entirely of marble, the bath has separate entrances and facilities for men and women. Inside, we were issued a towel and a relaxation cubicle to prepare for or steam and rub-down. After stripping down, we made our way slowly (in wooden platform slippers to avoid the slippery floor) to a large, dome crowned marble steam room with faucets and marble sinks all around, and smaller steam rooms to the sides. On an octagonal platform in the middle, women were getting scrubbed and pummeled by black leotard-clad older Turkish women. Lots of water flowing across marble floors to carved troughs and drains, very steamy and no-nonsense. Apparently, there are other hamams in the city operating since the 15th century!