The Spoonmaker's Diamond in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, Turkey, is the fourth largest of its kind in the world. The exact origin on the diamond is unknown.

The Topkapi Dagger (1747) in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, Turkey, was a custom made gift from Sultan Mahmud I (1730-1754) to Nadir Shah of Persia. Three enormous emeralds are set into the sheath. The dagger featured in the 1964 movie Topkapi.

The pendentives in the Imperial Hall of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, are beautifully decorated.

The 16th century Imperial Hall in the harem of the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey, was the Sultan’s official reception hall. The Ottoman Empire was ruled from this throne for 380 years.

The sultan's marble bath tub in the harem of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, had golden water spouts.

The Courtyard of the Eunuchs in the harem of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, features gilded wall panels with calligraphy.

The 16th century harem of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, housed the sultan's wives, concubines, and children. Striking Turkish mosaic tiles cover the walls.

The Ottoman Empire's cabinet met below the dome of the 16th century Imperial Council Chamber or Divan at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

A hollow Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) stands on the grounds of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

The many lanes and alleys of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, specialize in different trades. Whole sections are dedicated to carpets, gold, silver, copperware, antiques, leather, handbags, fabrics, cheap clothing, and belly-dancing costumes.