The Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century.

This is the outer living area of the sultan where he would entertain guests surrounded by his many wives and harem.

This is the fireplace in the sultans bedroom. Every inch of wall was covered with ornate tiles.

A view of the Blue Mosque from just inside the main gate of the Topkapi Palace.

This is the main gate of the Grand Bazaar, which unfortunately was closed for Eid for the four days that we were in Istanbul.

Poor Maya was so disappointed!