TileVault: Painted Tiles at Topkapi Palace

What: Elaborate painted tiles
Where: Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
When: Friday, May 2nd 2005 at 4:00 pm
Why: This elaborate tilework can be found all over Istanbul, but nowhere is it as stunning as in the Topkapi Palace...

The bright colors and elaborate designs set the tilework at Topkapi Palace apart. Though we love the overall effect, we recognize it would be too overwhelming in more modest spaces. Our compromise? We brought home some painted tiles that we use as trivets in our rented apartment. When we someday own a home, we will find a way to incorporate our Turkish tiles using Topkapi as an inspiration.

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Comments (8)

I love Iznik tiles, the blues are the most gorgeous hue I've ever seen. I've never been to Turkey, but the Louvre has a huge collection and I can spend hours in those exhibit halls looking at all the ceramic pieces. I could dream of a winter garden entirely decorated like this, with a fountain, and wrought iron furniture, and plants.... ***sigh***

IMHO, I wouldn't say "nowhere" in Istanbul is the tilework is more stunning than at Topkapi. If you're in Istanbul and want to see sensational tiles, don't miss Rustem Pasa mosque.

http://newmanservices.com/turkey/slideshow.asp?SlideShow=rustem_2&Show=rustem19_10

Actually the whole city is inspirational when it comes to design...

The tiles at Topkapi are amazing, but there is so much to marvel at in Instanbul. I was there 10 days and felt like I had only scratched the surface. On my next trip, I'll have to check out Rustem Pasa. Thanks for the tip, hhbkln.

i had just toured Buckingham Palace a couple days before on a layover in London on my way to Turkey. I was all impressed and awed by Buckingham. until i got to turkey and Topkapi. It made Buckingham Palace look like a shack!!! Topkapi was amazing. But then again, I have to agree with london 2434 that there is just SO much to see!

I too loved the tiles at Topkapi, however I truly fell in love with the smoth pebble mosaics on the floor.

Here is an example

But then again, I am a geologist and love ALL kinds of rocks!

I agree these tiles are beautiful but wait until you see the Blue Mosque which is in the same area as Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia. The Mosque is famous with its blue Iznik tiles and they are simply beautiful.

You gotta see it to believe it.

A turkish girl in New York.