Image caption: Spoonmaker’s Diamond
By David Brough
ISTANBUL – The Treasury Collection at Topkapi Palace presents royal heirlooms, objects from state ceremonies, consular gifts exemplifying the Ottoman Empire’s diplomatic ties, war booty, and religious pieces reflecting the sultan’s stature as a caliph.
Of particular significance: the 86-carat pear-shaped Spoonmaker’s Diamond (the most valuable single exhibit); the Topkapi Dagger (a symbol of Topkapi Palace); the Golden Throne (used for certain royal ceremonies), and jewel-encrusted artifacts sent to Medina for the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.
Image caption: Topkapi Dagger
