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The Imperial Treasury, another must-see just across from the Harem, houses the ridiculous extravagance created for centuries of sultans. Think ruby-encrusted swords and a pearl-covered box full of cut emeralds larger than a quarter.
The final (fourth) court has panoramic views of the Bosphorus, and if you’re hungry, a modern café, complete with terrace seating, is nearby. And if you haven’t toured enough relics, check out the very nearby Archeology Museum for a $3 entrance fee — same kind of antiquities but with better labels.
After touring the palace, check out the Sultanahmet Mosque. Dubbed the Blue Mosque because of its bluish interior, this gem dates back to the early 1600s. Inside, the mosque is all grand domes and arches lined with thousands of handmade ceramic tiles; outside stand six minarets, more than most mosques, something the reigning sultan got some flack for back in the day.
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"Ah Tatum, you went to the wrong girls' school! Great show, and Lauren was such a lovely guest...."
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