Topkapi Palace (left)
Construction of the Topkapi Palace began in 1459 under Sultan Mehmed II, following the conquest of Constantinople, and for centuries it served as the residence and administrative seat of the Ottoman sultans. The sprawling palace complex encompasses several courtyards, gardens, and magnificent buildings, and with its thousands of inhabitants, it was at times considered a city in itself. Today, the Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul's most significant attractions, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara.
Bosphorus Bridge (right)
The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known today as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, was opened in 1973 and was the first bridge over the Bosphorus to connect the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. This impressive suspension bridge spans the strait for approximately 1.5 kilometers and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. As a symbol of the connection between two continents, it continues to shape Istanbul's cityscape to this day.