Architecture in My Country- Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace is one of the most significant architectural structures of the Ottoman Empire which serves as a ceremonial center of the state for several centuries.

Architecturally, Topkapı palace is made out of durable and climate responsive material. It contains and marble for structural walls, courtyards and ceremonial spaces, timber for roofs, pavilions and lighter structures, allowing flexibility, Brick and lime-based mortars in secondary structures, iznik tiles and painted plaster for interior surfaces adding both protection and ornament. There is also lead-covered domes and tiled roofs, ensuring weather and resistance.
Although this structure is so well done, I would have some things that I would add. I would use lime-based restoration materials that match the original texture but reduce environmental impact, I would also enhance ventilation (air freshening) paths and shading systems inspired inspired by the courtyards, improving thermal comfort without mechanical dependence. I would also reinterpret historic fountains to collect and reuse rainwater for sustainability. Also transforming underused service spaces into quiet research or exhibition areas, preserving the palace’s calm rhythm rather than over-programming it. In my opinion the greenery is made very professionally and the color palette is chosen very carefully yet it does not really match the interior design. Adding a fountain can make it look more ethereal, matching the aesthetic. The outside looks like it has came from a fairytale and that is why it can tolerate adding dreamy or fantastic designs.

When we take a look at the interior we can clearly see how it is full of interesting patterns that are endless and covers the whole structure. Sunlight enters the building perfectly and creates a great harmony between nature and history. It gives off a welcoming and ancient vibe with a twist of fairytale and fantasy. In my opinion, the vibe of the exterior should have been also in the interior building to complete the look smoothly. If I were to rebuild this today I would probably change the colors of the patterns because in my opinion the floor should have been less colorful, keeping peoples attention on the ceiling because that is were the main work of art stands. The perfect golden shiny texture of the paint that has been used added a seamless glow and made the building more lively.

Overall, I think that Topkapı Palace is a marvelous structure that might have required a stupendous amount of work needed. Considering the time it was built, it is a very impressive structure overall.