The Topkapi Palace has been the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed himself and then enhanced by Sinan, hides clues of the rituals of the structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs. Rustem Pasha MosqueA 16th century Ottoman Mosque, which was built in the name of the treasurer and the son-in-law of Suleiman the Magnificent, before he fell out of the Sultan’s favor and removed from service. It is known to host the best examples of handmade Iznik tiles, in both interior and exterior walls; and, of course, it is seated on a complex of shops, which will give you a taste of the city’s vivid local colors.