Enderun Library, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul by brewgirlca
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Description
Enderun Library is also known as the "Library of Sultan Ahmed III." It is located in the centre of the Third Court of Topkapi Palace, also called the Inner Palace, which was where the sultan spent his days outside the harem. It was built in 1718 and its style is typical of the so-called Tulip period, which lasted from 1703 to 1730. This unusually peaceful period is interesting in that it marked a time when the Ottoman Empire shifted its cultural attention to Europe and it was in effect ruled by a young woman.
Ahmed III had two wives and remarkably both were French. His daughter, Hatice Sultan, was married to Ahmed's Grand Vizier and was considered to be the de facto ruler of the Empire during the Tulip Period. Her husband, the Grand Vizier, had a fascination with tulips which were imported from Europe in vast quantities and cultivated in the palace grounds, creating a floristic sensation amongst the nobles and wealthy of the Ottoman upper class.
Hatice Sultan and the Grand Vizier ruled well and the treasury actually grew under their domain. The royal family was known to live an exceptionally opulent lifestyle, even for Sultans, and built much of the current Inner Palace, including this Library.
Unfortunately they also failed to shore up their army and the empire suffered a major attack by the Persians in 1830, for which they were totally unprepared. The people and Janissaries revolted, the Sultan sacrificed his Vizier to them to save his own hide, and his and Hatice's rule was terminated.
Comments (22)
Faemike55
Breat photo and cool history lesson the last would be a big Oooooops!
SidheRoseGraphics
Someone's always gotta come and start a war, don't they? Wonderful image and a cool bit of history Roxy!!
Tracesl
wonderfully done pic, great location
eekdog
super colorful capture Roxy, love the view of the Library, i enjoy the great info you provide. Happy New Year..
Blush
Very pretty Hugs Susan~
MineFujiko
Another Beautiful place! Roxy-sensei, Thank you for sharing.
barryjeffer
Gorgeous shot Roxy!
mikeerson
BUILT before record, phone, tv, computer, flight, the man on the moon.... I'd say it's old.
pixeluna
This is a very nice capture and a good piece of information about the history of the place, now I am learning so much from you, Roxy!
vitachick
With each beautiful photo. we all get a great history lesson!!
lyron
Wonderful image. Great shot!!
renecyberdoc
Hi Roxy a belated merry xmas.
9002434
Nice atmosphere and pretty shoot. Bravo!!
magnus073
This is as always an amazing capture Roxy, and thanks so much for the detailed background info.
Dreamdesigner
Your like a Turkish history teacher Roxy:-))))Another magnificent Photography my friend,Also Thank you for the detailed historical information,I wish to you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year my friend:-)))))))))
Nonsolum
Which magnificent work that yours ! Happy Holidays Brew !
4udreamcatcher
What a beautiful building and garden :O-)
JuliSonne
To all cases it is a very beautiful building and an amazing history.
West_coaster07
Wonderful capture and lesson Roxy!!
RodS
A gorgeous shot, Roxy, and as always fascinating information. Failed to shore up their army.... Amazing isn't it, how history repeats itself.
Darkwish
You did very nice shot! Great 5
adorety
A nice outside shot. Nice work on the photo too. Thanks for sharing all the info. It helps to form perspective and context. I really wonder what the inside looks like. What manner of books, manuscripts and maybe even scrolls? could be in there. I wonder how many ages of information are still in there?