Outside the main, earthquake
reinforced entranceway to
the Topkapi palace Harem.

The entranceway to this building
would take hours to truly see all
the unique facets of the creators.

Arabic, with the word "Allah"
proudly written, here
shown above a threshold.

For all but the fortunate
few, women of the harem
huddled together in front
of wood fireplaces, attempting
to stay warm enough to survive.
All Hollywood imagery of a
typical harem seems only
possible for the upper eschelon
of "lucky" women, the rest lived
a life of difficult obscurity;
the prize, or perhaps curse,
of their beaty.

Gilded in gold, with Arabic
writings, there is a wash basin
in the center, where the water
overflows and runs away from
the building through grooves
cut into the stone walkway.

Another entranceway into
this building adorned in
art.

With doors always large enough
for a rock troll to enter, Topkapi
palace itself is a treasure of
unimaginable worth.

The rooms of the harem
themselves were beautifully
carved and adorned.

A solid dome extends the height
of the ceiling considerably.