These young men are dressed as princes. They are preparing for a traditional circumcision rite.

Early morning fog in Gülhane Park, across from our hotel.

Early morning fog in Gülhane Park, across from our hotel.

Early morning fog in Gülhane Park, across from our hotel.

The fog grounded some of the sea gulls.

A lone stork in Gülhane Park.

The fog is beginning to lift. Note the light on the minaret.

We visited the Topkapı Palace

Tiles on building in Topkapı

Rooms in this building are miniature museums. Some house textiles, some jewelry, others the riches of the Ottoman Empire.

The grounds are well-maintained even in winter

A ferry in the foreground and Maiden Tower to the left in background. This picture was taken from the grounds of Topkapı Palace at the junction of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus Strait

Ferries on the Bosphorus Strait

Blue water over one section of the old city walls

Winter trees in Topkapı

Sometimes the grounds of Topkapı are so busy that it is difficult to walk around. Not today.

Inside one of the building at Topkapı.

Inside one of the building at Topkapı.

Inside one of the building at Topkapı.

The inside of the building was impressively decorated.

Inside one of the building at Topkapı.

Iznik blue and red

Tower on the palace grounds