I went to Topkapi Palace with a fellow AuPair and American, Kristen at the end of April and was
surprisingly unimpressed. For the size and beauty of the place, it was amazingly lacking in Historical Interest....But it does have the world largest diamond on display...guess that's something it has going for it....Also on display is the the
actual Staff of Moses (looked surprisingly like plastic to me) the arm, heart, and Head of John the Beloved...and at least 6 of the Prophet Muhammad's beards. I dont mean to be a critic but...really?
But in the End, it was the height of Tulip Season, and a beautiful day with a Beautiful Friend
Medieval and Byzantine traditions about and trafficking in holy relics (and of course, fake holy relics) are really interesting. I can't believe anyone actually believes the ones in Topkapı are real, but a lot people get really pissed off if you suggest otherwise.
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