The Palace was the administrative heart of the empire so hundreds of people not only lived but worked here including the Sultan, his family, their servants and court officials. The whole complex is a huge expanse! A full day should be set aside for this stop alone.

There were several rooms where relics were on view, including swords and guns, but no photos were allowed. There were also 2 rooms where holy relics owned by the Prophet were on display. While most of us were tourists there were several people who had come on pilgrimage to pray before the relics.

No, I haven't seen the movie. I guess I should look for it. No, I'm not really good at haggling and am usually the one that gets overcharged - I do haggle down but not nearly enough.

The Blue Mosque is fantastic! We were given a tour by a kindly old man we met in the courtyard. Our hotel was 2 blocks away. The view from the top floor's cafe was beautiful. And I don't mind telling you a secret. On our first night in Istanbul we were sitting on roof talking when Call to Prayer from the Blue Mosque began to sound. It was hauntingly beautiful. So much so that my eyes welled up. I'd never heard Call to Prayer live and in person before.